May 24
1hr Bike. Plan to spend the next week or so hitting the ol' XT. Also did some good lifting tonight. This post is mostly an excuse to address all of the various business that needs addressing. Joel: Yes, please, run with us! Are you still registered with Lundgren Ford? Have you considered the myriad benefits that might come your way as a member of SCRC? Among others, you wouldn't have to run for Lundgren Ford.
May 23
Day Off. Huge Slabbaj Shout-Out to Dan Schofer, voted Cornell College Coach of the Year by the athletes! Along with a crop of recruits that will basically double the size of both teams, his female athletes notched school records in the 1k, 1500, 3k, 5k and 10k. Nice work Schof!
May 22
2mi. Ouch. Stopped after a mile and stretched a bunch. Then ran home. Hot spot low on the right shin that I'd not discovered on previous inspections. Lengthy analysis omitted. Will seek out docs.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Division One
So I'm riding my bike across the Hennepin bridge today when I see up ahead of me this dude on a tiny little scooter-type thing. He's screaming along on it at about 15 mi/hr, lazily smoking a cigarette in his left hand and twisting the hell out of the throttle with his right. The scooter-type thing looks like it's designed to fold up and fit in a suitcase, with an oddly tall handlebar and comically small wheels. The situation is Kia-esque.
Much as I want to express my contempt by just Lance Armstronging the hell out of the thing, my one-speeeder is still nosily dragging a few gear teeth on the side of the frame, and I'm worried that the clanky-rubbing sound is going to steel my thunder. So I fall back to plan B and ride right behind him ostentatiously scrutinizing this scooter-type thing on behalf of all onlookers.
As we hit the end of the bridge, the light ahead turns red and we both stop, me still right behind him. As he senses me and turns around, I give him my biggest "Yup I'm checking out your funny little scooter-type thing" grin. Encouraged by my affability, he shakes his head solemnly at the nearby cars and proclaims, "Lot of d$@#*e bags on the road."
"Yeah, man, it's terrible," I agree.
At that moment the light changes, the cars move, and his scooter-type thing coughs unresponsively. He angrily begins kicking at the chinsy plastic sides and cursing as I ride off, the commotion drowning out the sound of my dragging gear.
Oh and I'll probably go running today.
Much as I want to express my contempt by just Lance Armstronging the hell out of the thing, my one-speeeder is still nosily dragging a few gear teeth on the side of the frame, and I'm worried that the clanky-rubbing sound is going to steel my thunder. So I fall back to plan B and ride right behind him ostentatiously scrutinizing this scooter-type thing on behalf of all onlookers.
As we hit the end of the bridge, the light ahead turns red and we both stop, me still right behind him. As he senses me and turns around, I give him my biggest "Yup I'm checking out your funny little scooter-type thing" grin. Encouraged by my affability, he shakes his head solemnly at the nearby cars and proclaims, "Lot of d$@#*e bags on the road."
"Yeah, man, it's terrible," I agree.
At that moment the light changes, the cars move, and his scooter-type thing coughs unresponsively. He angrily begins kicking at the chinsy plastic sides and cursing as I ride off, the commotion drowning out the sound of my dragging gear.
Oh and I'll probably go running today.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Schrader wins Tour de Minnesconsin
Phil Schrader looked fresh in his first major challenge of the season, as he cruised to a first place finish in the "Tour de Minnesconsin." Schrader radiated poise, leading from start to finish on the grueling four-stage, 290 mi. course. "You'd never even know he was racing," remarked one onlooker during a one of the leader's frequent stops to eat, pee, or just sort of look around.
This year's Tour de Minnesconsin led off with the traditional 50 mi. individual time trial from Minneapolis to Northfield, MN, before setting off for the Wisconsin boarder. In the first leg of stage two the field battled a sharp cross wind to Cannon Falls at which point the entire pack took advantage of the shelter afforded by the Cannon Valley trail and flew on to Redwing. There Schrader, the savvy veteran, shocked fans by stopping to cook lunch in the city park and read the first chapter of Don Quixote. By the end of the stage, across the river in Stockholm, WI, the gamble had paid off and Schrader retained the leader's blue jersey-- despite two Mother's day phone calls and a stop to read about "Maiden Rock" en route.
The only signs of strain in four stages of brilliant riding came the following day in the challenging Stockholm - Chippewa Falls leg. Heavy winds, cool overnight temperatures, and a pair of not really very insulating trash bags led to a very early start for the field. Schrader looked solid though the rolling hills to Durand and also on the hot, flat run into Eau Claire on the Chippewa River Trail. The last bit of riding, from Eau Claire to Chippewa Falls, proved the toughest of the day, perhaps of the entire race. Afterwards a frustrated Schrader vented his frustration. "I mean, you think of the two cities as basically connected, right? But then you hit Eau Claire and find out that there's really no good way to get to Chippewa. I want to thank Google Maps and my brother Drew for their help in the last 15 miles or so."
The entire field was treated to a rest day on Tuesday and the generous hospitality of Nate and Brianna soon-to-be Henderson. "We're always happy to help out, it's a great-- but really pretty stupid-- event which gives us a good excuse to go out to dinner," remarked the couple.
Schrader rode unchallenged on the fourth and final stage from Chippewa Falls to Winona, MN, on a beautiful route that followed the Buffalo and Mississippi River Valleys and culminated in a trip to the Winona Hospital-- where Schrader's mom works. The rider celebrated his win with a relaxing couple of days in nearby La Crosse, WI, several dog-walks, cups of coffee, and bullshitting sessions with his folks, before hopping the train back to the cities.
The win couldn't have come at a better time for the rider-- just weeks after training partner and Slab City manager Tom Church's stunning decision to cut Schrader from the team's Woods to Water squad. Said Churchie, "We hope to see Phil looking fit and strong come fall at the TCM, but right now I wouldn't trust him with a trip to Target, let alone three 5k legs in the Chaquamanogonnaworkhereanymoregan." Schrader refrained from commenting on Church's comments, but did bore reporter's ears off with a multi-digressional, unprovoked speech on organizational dynamics, beauty, and watchmaking.
This year's Tour de Minnesconsin led off with the traditional 50 mi. individual time trial from Minneapolis to Northfield, MN, before setting off for the Wisconsin boarder. In the first leg of stage two the field battled a sharp cross wind to Cannon Falls at which point the entire pack took advantage of the shelter afforded by the Cannon Valley trail and flew on to Redwing. There Schrader, the savvy veteran, shocked fans by stopping to cook lunch in the city park and read the first chapter of Don Quixote. By the end of the stage, across the river in Stockholm, WI, the gamble had paid off and Schrader retained the leader's blue jersey-- despite two Mother's day phone calls and a stop to read about "Maiden Rock" en route.
The only signs of strain in four stages of brilliant riding came the following day in the challenging Stockholm - Chippewa Falls leg. Heavy winds, cool overnight temperatures, and a pair of not really very insulating trash bags led to a very early start for the field. Schrader looked solid though the rolling hills to Durand and also on the hot, flat run into Eau Claire on the Chippewa River Trail. The last bit of riding, from Eau Claire to Chippewa Falls, proved the toughest of the day, perhaps of the entire race. Afterwards a frustrated Schrader vented his frustration. "I mean, you think of the two cities as basically connected, right? But then you hit Eau Claire and find out that there's really no good way to get to Chippewa. I want to thank Google Maps and my brother Drew for their help in the last 15 miles or so."
The entire field was treated to a rest day on Tuesday and the generous hospitality of Nate and Brianna soon-to-be Henderson. "We're always happy to help out, it's a great-- but really pretty stupid-- event which gives us a good excuse to go out to dinner," remarked the couple.
Schrader rode unchallenged on the fourth and final stage from Chippewa Falls to Winona, MN, on a beautiful route that followed the Buffalo and Mississippi River Valleys and culminated in a trip to the Winona Hospital-- where Schrader's mom works. The rider celebrated his win with a relaxing couple of days in nearby La Crosse, WI, several dog-walks, cups of coffee, and bullshitting sessions with his folks, before hopping the train back to the cities.
The win couldn't have come at a better time for the rider-- just weeks after training partner and Slab City manager Tom Church's stunning decision to cut Schrader from the team's Woods to Water squad. Said Churchie, "We hope to see Phil looking fit and strong come fall at the TCM, but right now I wouldn't trust him with a trip to Target, let alone three 5k legs in the Chaquamanogonnaworkhereanymoregan." Schrader refrained from commenting on Church's comments, but did bore reporter's ears off with a multi-digressional, unprovoked speech on organizational dynamics, beauty, and watchmaking.
Monday, May 21, 2007
All Wrapped Up In Some Video Booth
May 21
4mi, 27:50 (6:57/mi): Shortcut. Felt un-fit. Legs felt ok, but occasionally still felt the shooting though my shins and tightness in my hamstring. Taking it slow.
May 14-20
Took the week off, basically. 5mi easy with LSCC on Tuesday and an attempted run on Wednesday was the only running. Lots of icing, a little less stretching and some hoping that I'd be recovered when the week was over. Held steady on Friday before Hooley took off to score big in Denver and Sherman failed to heed Jackie O. St. Peter had me on the cue...Etc. Gigantic Slabbaj Shout-Out to Jill McKiernan for her 3:28:13 PR at the Green Bay Marathon!
4mi, 27:50 (6:57/mi): Shortcut. Felt un-fit. Legs felt ok, but occasionally still felt the shooting though my shins and tightness in my hamstring. Taking it slow.
May 14-20
Took the week off, basically. 5mi easy with LSCC on Tuesday and an attempted run on Wednesday was the only running. Lots of icing, a little less stretching and some hoping that I'd be recovered when the week was over. Held steady on Friday before Hooley took off to score big in Denver and Sherman failed to heed Jackie O. St. Peter had me on the cue...Etc. Gigantic Slabbaj Shout-Out to Jill McKiernan for her 3:28:13 PR at the Green Bay Marathon!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Drugs and wine and flattering light
May 13
Day Off. Obviously, I am not recovering as easily as I thought. Yesterday made that clear. 1262mi on the year is well ahead of any previous 5month total, and 280mi since 4/19 is the most I've done without a day off since college by a lot. I'm glad to have done this base work and I think ultimately it will leave me stronger. But for the next 5 weeks, recovery will be the focus.
Week: 61mi/6days. Shortly after my Ayn Rand research the other day, I returned to more agreeable fare: "As with the hero children, so too with the hero principals, there is this inclination to avert our eyes from the pervasive injuries inflicted upon students by our acquiescence in a dual system and to convey the tantalizing notion that the problems of this system can be superseded somehow by a faith in miracles embodied in dynamic and distinctive individuals." - Jonathan Kozol. [Ayn shrugs]
May 12
14.5mi, New Prague 1/2M (over 1:19:00): Not a lot to say. Went out very conservative (5:46) and the pace was never (well...) a problem. Legs felt tight the whole way, and my range of motion felt especially compromised after about 7 or 8mi. Ultimately didn't have a choice about jogging it in around 6:30 pace. Last 5K (20:07) tells the story. Congrats to the birthday boy for his PR. Congrats to the Shermanimal and the Giggly on their respective PRs. And, Muggy, a huge shout out to Jessica Deutsch for her 1:31:47 PR!
`
Day Off. Obviously, I am not recovering as easily as I thought. Yesterday made that clear. 1262mi on the year is well ahead of any previous 5month total, and 280mi since 4/19 is the most I've done without a day off since college by a lot. I'm glad to have done this base work and I think ultimately it will leave me stronger. But for the next 5 weeks, recovery will be the focus.
Week: 61mi/6days. Shortly after my Ayn Rand research the other day, I returned to more agreeable fare: "As with the hero children, so too with the hero principals, there is this inclination to avert our eyes from the pervasive injuries inflicted upon students by our acquiescence in a dual system and to convey the tantalizing notion that the problems of this system can be superseded somehow by a faith in miracles embodied in dynamic and distinctive individuals." - Jonathan Kozol. [Ayn shrugs]
May 12
14.5mi, New Prague 1/2M (over 1:19:00): Not a lot to say. Went out very conservative (5:46) and the pace was never (well...) a problem. Legs felt tight the whole way, and my range of motion felt especially compromised after about 7 or 8mi. Ultimately didn't have a choice about jogging it in around 6:30 pace. Last 5K (20:07) tells the story. Congrats to the birthday boy for his PR. Congrats to the Shermanimal and the Giggly on their respective PRs. And, Muggy, a huge shout out to Jessica Deutsch for her 1:31:47 PR!
`
Friday, May 11, 2007
She said "why/why don't we drive through the night?/wake up down in, Mexico..."
May 11
6mi, 40:58 (6:50/mi): West Side Five + xtra. Easy w/Schrades. Legs stiff. Spent the day conducting Ayn Rand research. From what I can gather, her philosphy boils down to: "Impressive people are quite impressive. They should impress themselves and us. Oh, and just a few other points - Saying God exists is far more foolish than saying God does not exist; As long as the government doesn't give you stuff you've earned it; Rights do not apply in those primitive societies." Yes, well crafted, Ayn.
May 10
8mi, 54:09 (6:46/mi): Seventeen Forever 8. Ran past those camps down on the banks of the Mississippi River. Lethargic.
6mi, 40:58 (6:50/mi): West Side Five + xtra. Easy w/Schrades. Legs stiff. Spent the day conducting Ayn Rand research. From what I can gather, her philosphy boils down to: "Impressive people are quite impressive. They should impress themselves and us. Oh, and just a few other points - Saying God exists is far more foolish than saying God does not exist; As long as the government doesn't give you stuff you've earned it; Rights do not apply in those primitive societies." Yes, well crafted, Ayn.
May 10
8mi, 54:09 (6:46/mi): Seventeen Forever 8. Ran past those camps down on the banks of the Mississippi River. Lethargic.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
He could throw that speedball by ya
May 9
PM: 10mi, 1:08:00 (wkout): WU, 4x1600m w/60s R, 4x200m w/200m walk/jog R, CD. 5:24, :21, :16, :09; 31, 31, 32, 30. Waited until it was slightly cooler on the UMN track, which certainly helped. Legs felt a little fatigued, but basically the effort on the 1600s was threshold. Probably had 1-2 more in me at the same 5s cut-down progression, but wanted to keep this relatively relaxed ahead of New Prague on Saturday. 200s felt surprisingly strong. Time to rest-up a bit before the race...
AM: 4mi, Shortcut untimed. Hot. Legs stiff.
May 8
12.5mi, 1:27:28 (7:00/mi): LSCC+xtra. Not sure what, if anything, was remarkable about this run. Legs still needed some recovery from last week. Roger Clemens is fat.
PM: 10mi, 1:08:00 (wkout): WU, 4x1600m w/60s R, 4x200m w/200m walk/jog R, CD. 5:24, :21, :16, :09; 31, 31, 32, 30. Waited until it was slightly cooler on the UMN track, which certainly helped. Legs felt a little fatigued, but basically the effort on the 1600s was threshold. Probably had 1-2 more in me at the same 5s cut-down progression, but wanted to keep this relatively relaxed ahead of New Prague on Saturday. 200s felt surprisingly strong. Time to rest-up a bit before the race...
AM: 4mi, Shortcut untimed. Hot. Legs stiff.
May 8
12.5mi, 1:27:28 (7:00/mi): LSCC+xtra. Not sure what, if anything, was remarkable about this run. Legs still needed some recovery from last week. Roger Clemens is fat.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Arms and hearts and alcohol and faith
May 7
6mi, 40:14 (6:42/mi): There Is No Such Thing As Identity 6. CSED. Drills/Strides. Felt fine. Humid.
6mi, 40:14 (6:42/mi): There Is No Such Thing As Identity 6. CSED. Drills/Strides. Felt fine. Humid.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
How I pushed my fingers through your mouth
May 6
11.5mi, 1:17:13 (6:43/mi): Fancy Dance. Next to the river. Just a stupid variation on LS8 with some rambling around to get to 11.5. Thought about naming it something more simply fancy, but felt "Fancy Dance" might better achieve my objective. Practicing relevant preaching, and intend to continue.
Week: 90mi. Very good week with two good workouts. For those itching to find out, I'm at 1201mi on the year. H is at 1203.2mi. Look out, 30:05.
May 5
PM: 14.5mi, 1:38:00 (6:45/mi): WU, 4xBuddha Loop (aprx 2.1mi), CD. 11:52 (course tour), 11:01, 11:07, 11:04. Felt relatively strong running alone with my breathing through the arb. Great loop. Solid workout.
AM: 5mi, 34:57 (6:59/mi): Helen C Five. Three seconds faster (more attractive) than Hooley.
May 4
PM: 10mi, 1:04:11 (6:25/mi): NMR Extended. W/Hools, Corey & Mike. Roughly 1/3 of the company was atrocious. Another 1/3 was hilarious. And the last 1/3 was 3rd at the LMR the next day. Police have yet to begin the investigation...
AM: 4mi, Shortcut Untimed.
May 3
6mi, 40:42 (6:47/mi): West Side Five + xtra. CSED.
11.5mi, 1:17:13 (6:43/mi): Fancy Dance. Next to the river. Just a stupid variation on LS8 with some rambling around to get to 11.5. Thought about naming it something more simply fancy, but felt "Fancy Dance" might better achieve my objective. Practicing relevant preaching, and intend to continue.
Week: 90mi. Very good week with two good workouts. For those itching to find out, I'm at 1201mi on the year. H is at 1203.2mi. Look out, 30:05.
May 5
PM: 14.5mi, 1:38:00 (6:45/mi): WU, 4xBuddha Loop (aprx 2.1mi), CD. 11:52 (course tour), 11:01, 11:07, 11:04. Felt relatively strong running alone with my breathing through the arb. Great loop. Solid workout.
AM: 5mi, 34:57 (6:59/mi): Helen C Five. Three seconds faster (more attractive) than Hooley.
May 4
PM: 10mi, 1:04:11 (6:25/mi): NMR Extended. W/Hools, Corey & Mike. Roughly 1/3 of the company was atrocious. Another 1/3 was hilarious. And the last 1/3 was 3rd at the LMR the next day. Police have yet to begin the investigation...
AM: 4mi, Shortcut Untimed.
May 3
6mi, 40:42 (6:47/mi): West Side Five + xtra. CSED.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The verbal giraffe
May 2
PM: 17mi, wkout + LSCC (1:52:16): 8xHill on West River Parkway. 2:32, :38, :33, :25, :24, :21, :23, :19. Wow. Harder than I'd intended but everything was under control until the last one, during which I was quite confident I'd finish well over 2:30. Sherman joined me at #4 and spooked me to the 2:25. Stubborness kicked in and I tried to follow my normal rule for this workout by holding or increasing pace with each interval. I don't think this is my best workout on this hill, but it is my fastest. Encouraging. LSCC cooldown made for a long day, but I got to have dinner with Jessica and Keith Ellison and our waitress found a way to make an already-killer banana waffle even more deadly. Wonderful.
AM: 4mi, Shortcut Untimed. Easy.
May 1
6mi, 39:43 (6:37/mi): West Side Five + xtra. CSED. Drills/Strides.
PM: 17mi, wkout + LSCC (1:52:16): 8xHill on West River Parkway. 2:32, :38, :33, :25, :24, :21, :23, :19. Wow. Harder than I'd intended but everything was under control until the last one, during which I was quite confident I'd finish well over 2:30. Sherman joined me at #4 and spooked me to the 2:25. Stubborness kicked in and I tried to follow my normal rule for this workout by holding or increasing pace with each interval. I don't think this is my best workout on this hill, but it is my fastest. Encouraging. LSCC cooldown made for a long day, but I got to have dinner with Jessica and Keith Ellison and our waitress found a way to make an already-killer banana waffle even more deadly. Wonderful.
AM: 4mi, Shortcut Untimed. Easy.
May 1
6mi, 39:43 (6:37/mi): West Side Five + xtra. CSED. Drills/Strides.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
