Friday GMA Bike Day

After a crappy day yesterday on the track, I needed a nice bike day with perfect weather. This weekend and the coming week is going to be crazy with GMA week on the horizon. This is always the week where the Christian music industry congregates to "show their wares." It usually pretty brutal with all the posing and the schedules. It's always pretty ridiculous. Anyway, it was great to get to get in a nice relaxing ride before all of the craziness begins. The reindeer games, for me, begin tomorrow with a speaking engagement in Nashville. We'll see how it goes. In the meantime, here are the stats for today's ride.


Date: 04/17/2009
Time Taken: 01:09:25
Total Distance: 21.50 mi.
Burned: 1,120 (kcal)
Workout Weight: 190.0 lbs.
Effort: Hard
Quality: Good
Pace: 03:13 (avg)
Speed: 18.58 (mi/hr) (avg)

The picture to the right is of the appropriately named Heaven's Pass. This is my favorite part of any of the rides that I go on. It's beautiful at any time of the year but especially in the spring and summer. I have a spiritual experience every time I go through this area. It's amazing!

Gettin' Ready

Oddly enough, I'm still not used to waking up at 4:30 a.m. every morning. I'm, by nature, a night person and the early morning rises are certainly not a badge of honor. It is however a labor of love for my sweet little girls that are not so little anymore. I find myself drawing strength from them and how strong it seems that God has made them. I do this training stuff, and to better myself mentally and spiritually, for them. This weekend will be for them and with them in mind. I draw a ton of strength from knowing they rely on their daddy and that will be the impetus behind what pushes me. Not because I want them to know that I competed in a triathlon, but because I want them to see that I want to be a better daddy in every way. This weekend's event is just the beginning of the long journey.

Today's workout was a swim, weight training, and a morning run. I'm tapering for the event so the workouts are becoming less intense. Troy and I leave on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday and Friday will be total off days dedicated to rest for Saturday's event. I'm pumped, a little anxious, a little nervous, but definitely excited. I've put a lot of pressure on myself to do well. Now it's time to deliver!

Troy's Last Ride

Today was Troy's last ride before the Suncoast Triathlon. He's leaving on a business trip and won't return until we have to leave for Florida. It seems a bit surreal that we're this close to the event and I'm hoping that Troy gets in his ample share of training while on the road. I'm sure he will because he knows that value of how important these last two weeks are. He's going to well. I can feel it.

Our ride today was quite nice. The weather was beautiful! The ride was intense, and the conversation was stimulating. If that truly IS our last ride together for the year until next tri season, then that was a spectacular one to end on.

It's time to get the off-season training on and crackin'!

Mundane Mondays

4:30 a.m.!!! Good lord! And on a Monday no less! Why can't every day be a Friday or Saturday? At any rate, this morning was no different than last week. Waking up at 4:30, get the twins to their swim practice, I swim while I'm there as well, then wait for them to finish and take them to school. They're committed to being a part of that team and I love and respect that. If it means me sacrificing some sleep in order for them to learn what it's like to be a part of something that takes some commitment and dedication, then I'm more than happy and willing to sacrifice for my girls.

This morning's workout was a 45 minute swim where I swam about 2300 yards. It was intense and good. Especially for a "slow to get started" Monday. My afternoon workout is going to be quite a fun one. Troy, in his endless selflessness, bought the two of us a mountain bike to further fuel both of our biking addiction. It was my birthday AND Christmas present and I can't think of something that I would've liked more (one day Troy, one of these days! I swear!). Anyway, we're going out on our first mountain bike trail here in Franklin. Troy found it online and it's right near our house and we've never even been aware of it. We're both excited to say the least.

I'll post pictures and video of the new gear and the trail after the jump. It should be fun!

Me Lung-butter Long Time

This morning was the first bike ride I've had in seven days. Last time Troy and I rode was this same ride we did last week. However, I've done a lot of swimming and running (if you've kept up with the blog). Troy, on the other hand, has been sick and hasn't had much activity for the obvious sickly reasons. He HAS been itching to get out and get some training in for a solid week though. So as you could imagine, he was antsy to get out and ride this morning - even with some lingering after-effects of his illness. I've gotta say, I didn't expect much from him since he's been under the weather and literally on his back and sleep deprived. But once again, I'm surprised by the circumstances. Not only did he make it the whole way without stopping or getting off of the bike, but he also made it up "Deliverance Ridge" without having to get off of his bike and walk up the climb. That was a surprise to me! He had every reason and excuse to get off and walk up the hill, but he found enough in his tank and dug down deep enough to find the strength to make it up there. Understand, this is no easy climb on a bike! In fact, cars that drive up this ridge struggle a bit. I was taken back (once again) by Troy's determination, desire, and work ethic to power through the extenuating circumstances that lie ahead of him. It's these small glimpses and lessons that I get that show me where I can improve - where my weaknesses are.

Troy is a strong man in every sense of the word both physically and mentally, and I truly value these small nuggets of life lessons that I get through our training and us doing life together. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Freaky Friday

I called today Freaky Friday because today consisted of the two extremes of a really good day, and a really bad day all wrapped into one nice little package. It was good from a standpoint that I got a lot of work done at the office interfacing with various staff to continue to get plugged in to their "system". Much was accomplished and I'm feeling very confident in my building role and my relationships with the current staff. That was the good part that consumed the majority of my day.

However, . . . the back part of the day was littered with some devastating and tough news that has really put me back. No need to expound on it. It's something that will naturally work itself out anyway and I just have to stay reminded that all of this - everything - is in God's hands. He will do with this situation what He feels is the best and I am trying to stay faithful in that. Even when it's hard to.

Troy is just now getting over his illness and it looks as though we'll be riding early in the morning. I'm thankful for that because that's a specific time that we both look forward to and he's antsy to get back out there and be active. . . especially since we only have 2 weeks to go.

Now excuse me while I get ready to go for a long much needed run!

A Compassionate Ride

Waking up at 5:30 a.m. doesn't agree with me at all. I'm very much a night person. However, this morning's Saturday ride was one of those days of subconscious anticipation. The day was gorgeous, we were anxious to ride, and we were meeting a friend of veteran cycling prowess to ride with us. The only down side was that the weather was too cold for my taste. Well after bundling up and getting the muscles warm, that didn't seem to be much of a problem either.

Spence Smith (who works for Compassion International and is a web guru) met us at 6:45 at our normal launch spot and we were on the road by 7:00. We couldn't have asked for a better time and a better day. We had great conversation and worked hard at the same time.

Today was particularly good for Troy for some reason. Troy was feeling rather "froggy" today while riding. I noticed early that he seemed to have some extra energy that we was trying to release. I didn't think much of it until we arrived at Deliverance Ridge, a hill that Troy always get off of his bike and walks. Today was a different story for the very first time. He made it up the tough climb without getting off to walk and was exhilarated by his accomplishment. He SHOULD feel proud. It's an extremely tough climb! For the rest of the ride, I felt like he was a caged horse waiting to get out and run. Troy should feel proud of himself and the fitness level that he's currently at. He's now to the point that he can hang with virtually anyone we ride with. Constant progression - that's the key!

Thursday Morning Swim

Don't feel much like a blogger today and honestly don't care much either. Troy and I went for an early morning 35 minute swim. I'll probably get a bike or a run in late this afternoon.

Sorry for being brief. Until next time. . . 

Episode #100!

With today being Friday, it seems only fitting that we get to episode #100. That's crazy to me that Troy and I have marched through 100 of these things. Seems impossible. However, it's been really cool to see the progress that particularly Troy has made from the start of May until now, and yet he still has so much farther that he can go. We both do!

Today's workout schedule called for a swim and a bike. I've only been able to get the bike in due to scheduling and the gas crisis that's currently going on in our area as a result of hurricane Ike. People are literally standing in line to get gas and stations are running out left and right. So, it looks as though I'm not going to be making the trek to the pool in order to conserve as much gas as possible until this storm blows over. They're saying middle of next week should be the time when stations get re-fueled for the pumps.

The other reason for not getting in the swim is because my best buddy Big E is coming in to town to work with me in the studio on some stuff for his new record or just us to have a chance to be creative. Plus, we've got a project that we're being hired for from Gotee Records that we need to make good on. At any rate, I'm excited that he's coming and staying for a few days. We'll have a great time and, who knows, I may even post something up here - even though it'll have nothing to do with our health and fitness. Stay tuned.

Tomorrow is our Saturday ride. As usual, I'm very much looking forward to it.

Less Than 6 Weeks

The weather during this part of the year is unbelievably perfect for riding and training outside. I just wish it were like this all year 'round. Today's training was much needed after yesterday. Even though Troy and I had a training rest day, there was no resting about the day. I had to clean and ready my house to be shown to some prospective buyers. That literally took me all day, and with one guy living in a far too big house, it becomes a daunting task. However, I got through it and the place is in immaculate shape. Plus, it comes at a good time because my best friend Big E is coming into town and staying with me over the weekend, so the place is spotless.

Yesterday, our "rest" day, was a day of ups and downs - victories and defeats. However, I'm choosing to look at yesterday as an overall victory even though there were some serious hurdles to get over. That's why it's been so crucial for me to continue on this path of health and fitness. It's a stress reliever and knowing that Troy is counting on me is a good source of accountability and motivation. In so many ways, Troy and triathlon have both saved my life and for that I am eternally grateful.

As for Troy, he's biking this afternoon and running tonight so he'll be getting in his scheduled training for today. I no longer worry whether he's going to do it or not. He's gotten to a point where he feels bad or guilty if he's not sticking to his schedule. That's a place, with him, that I've never seen him be in. Plus, I find it very intriguing the places in which he gets his own motivation. Case in point: I'm posting a picture that Troy found that he wants to target as his "look". This is a picture of him about 12 or 13 years ago and I must say, he looks great. You decide. Trust me, Troy's on his way!

The Monday Brick

Okay, I think I've somewhat figured something out with myself. I think I'm finding a direct correlation between how fit I am and how high my stress level currently stands. Let's just say I'm pretty darn fit right now! I find great comfort and peace in going out and training. It truly levels out some of the stress within me. I'm not sure if it's spiritual, the endorphins, or what. I'm certainly not a sports scientist, but I have a feeling it's a combination of the two. I had a great talk with the Lord today on the bike and we worked some things out. He allowed me to have a good and intense workout while He seemed to be speaking to my spirit. It was quite encouraging.

At any rate, I had a good workout and was pleased with the result of my achilles situation after my bike AND a short 15 minute run. It doesn't seem to be bothering me like it did in the past, so I'm hoping that if I continue to go slow and ease back into the run portion, hopefully it won't bother me.

I haven't spoken to Troy today but I know he's extremely busy this week and I don't know what he's going to be able to fit in this week either. I do know that he's got a 40 minute run and weight training scheduled for today, so hopefully he'll get that in this afternoon or tonight. We'll see.

Saturday's New Recruit

Troy and I woke up this morning at 6:00 a.m. like we normally do on Saturdays for our 22 mile ride. However, this morning was a bit different in that we had a guest come with us. His name is Mark and he used to work with Troy. He's been wanting to come out and ride with us for a while now and finally made it out. It was nice having another person out there to converse with and for a bit of a change. We had great fun and hopefully he'll come out with us again in the future.

Troy had a small victory today in that he climbed a very steep hill today and made it 3/4 of the way up the hill. That's much farther than he's ever been up that same hill. It's a hill that we've affectionately named "Deliverance Ridge". We named it that for two reasons. 1. The people that live that far out in the country are very back woods and it looks like we're riding through deliverance country. 2. When you reach the top and you realize that the climb is then behind you, you get a feeling of being delivered! Troy's next serious ride, I'm confident that he'll make it all the way to the top without walking any portion of it.

It's cool to see Troy's confidence level continue to rise as he gets more fit. I can see that he's starting to realize that he can swim, bike, and run with just about anyone. When he gets to his target weight, it's going to be scary!

Thanks to all the many readers and voyeurs who have given us encouragement or left comments here. We certainly appreciate all of you (what few there may be).

Newly "Cranked" Up!

Yesterday started out as a pretty dreary day so therefore we couldn't ride early in the morning due to rain. Troy and I decided that we'd wait out the weather and hope that it would clear up enough that we could do our 22 mile Saturday ride. It did clear up and we got it in an absolutely wonderful ride.

On a related note, Troy finally got his bike fixed by replacing the cranks and the deraileur. His ride is now much smoother and efficient. I'm not sure if Troy noticed it, but I could tell that his riding is even much better than it was.

We didn't have any video for this post because I forgot the camera, so the picture of Troy and his 26 lbs weight loss will have to suffice.

Overcast Day

Today was a really good swim workout day, but with it being overcast and extremely windy, I didn't get in my bike ride. For that, I feel bad and a bit guilty for missing. I've got to double up tomorrow and get all of my stuff in.

Troy's looking great and has officially turned the corner on his mentality where it comes to nutrition and exercise. In fact, he's started to become a fitness nazi. It's funny to see. As his weight drops, I see his confidence rise. I love it!

Our guy Kevin Sparkman is in it for 2 days strong. We'll see how he holds up and see if he stays with the program. I think if he makes it past the first month, he'll be on his way.

Good Sunday

At the time of uploading this blog, I'm readying myself to go on a late afternoon ride like I mentioned in the video. It's a wonderful Sunday afternoon and the weather is hot - just like I like it. It's been a hectic day in getting the house cleaned up to show to prospective buyers this afternoon, but now that that's over I can relax and go on a stress releasing ride.

Troy is getting in an evening 40 minute run and I'm a bit jealous. He's still a bit leary of riding due to his glute muscle, but he says it's getting less uncomfortable so he should be back on the bike real soon.

I'm still waiting out the extended rest period for my achilles tendon issue, but it seems to be doing fine. I just want to give it ample time to properly heal so I don't do any long term damage. These age-related minor injuries are super annoying! I wish that getting older wasn't such a cruel joke. Well, . . . gotta hit the ball that's pitched to ya!

The New 20. . . for Troy

With it being Friday, Troy and I really wanted to get in a good but comfortable ride this afternoon before we trek out on our 22 miler early in the morning. Even though we had to battle the afternoon rain, we managed to squeeze it in and got our easy 20 accomplished. Troy ended up enjoying the new route that I had charted and liked the fact that it's not too hilly. This is the 20 mile loop that I frequently do on my own that's so cathartic for me. It's got everything. It has a few hills, it's got good paved roads, and best of all, it's got amazing scenery! This is one of my all-time favorite rides outside of the Harpeth rides and hopefully Troy will end up feeling the same. He did extremely well on the ride and seemed quite comfortable - to the tune of averaging over 17 mph. Not bad for the first time.

With it being Labor Day weekend, I intend to go out on a 63 mile ride on Monday morning. I've got to start mentally preparing for that NOW! We'll see how it goes.

On the Grind

Today was a tough but good workout that Troy and I had this morning. We did a 40 minute swim/drill training swim. Later, it was brought to my attention (by Troy) that we were actually supposed to do a 30 minute swim and then a 35 minute run. Oh well, we over did it just a bit but it was for the good. Now we've just got to fit in our second session of the day which is a 35 minute run for Troy and a 40 minute bike for me. I'm hoping I can get it in with all that I have to do before the weekend. At any rate, I'm looking forward to the weekend as I'll be able to get a lot of good training in and a lot of good "alone" time.

Now off to spend time with my girls before they get off for the weekend. Happy Labor Day weekend!

Me, Myself, and I

Our schedule today technically calls for a run and a swim. With my achilles issue, I'm obviously doing a bike and swim today. I say this; I'm REALLY going to either get sick of biking and swimming or get really good at the two. I hope it's the latter.

Anyway, this morning I went on a 20 mile early morning ride to get that aspect out of the way so I can concentrate on our late night swim tonight. We have a 40 minute swim in front of us, so I'm going to implement 10 minutes of fin drills and so forth.

Troy's still doing extremely well and making big strides on this long journey. I'm anxious to see how he does on his run when it comes race time. I'm sure he'll be much better than last time.

Rest Day

Today, nothing is going on training-wise as you'll see in the above video. Wednesday is our newly acclimated rest day and it's quite nice. Tomorrow is a swim and run that is scheduled, but for me, I'll be doing an early morning swim and bike. I'm ready for this achilles tendon problem to go away. I'm actually ready to run and do some sprint work.

Looking forward to the Suncoast Triathlon in October. One step at a time!

The Tortoise and the Hare

Today has been a good training day for me. Reason being, Troy and I went hard in the pool this morning, then I went on a morning hour long ride to finish out the training schedule. It was tiring, a bit pressing physically, but extremely peaceful and rewarding.

I gotta say however, I was very surprised and impressed by Troy this morning in the pool. As I was doing intervals (a 400 warmup then 200 intervals with 50 sprints at the end), I kept noticing that I never saw Troy stopping between his intervals like he normally does. Come to find out at the end, Troy told me he never stopped swimming for the entire 30 minutes that we were in the pool. I was trippin'! I haven't even done that myself! So in essence, it became a case of the tortoise and the hare. Guess who the hare was and ends up being the loser! I thought it was great and a huge testament to how far he's come in his lifestyle change. I'm not exactly sure he knows how much of an inspiration that he is on me in this whole physical and spiritual process. If he doesn't, he certainly knows now! :-)

Lastly, I think we've decided to push ourselves to go on a couple of long hikes over a weekend to just switch things up and make our training interesting. We're looking to go sometime in the next couple of weeks. It should be a great time to get some footage. We'll see.