April Showers

Instead of a single specific topic, I thought I'd share a few short updates on my life that probably won't ever make it into a full article.  Here's the quick rundown: (1)Tarpon Fishing in the Florida Keys, (2) Progress (or lack of) on my backpacking teepee, (3) Teaching my daughter how to tie flies, (4) My bum knees, (5) Memorial Day weekend camping, (6) Going west, young man

Let's dive in, shall we?

Fat Pants

19 Pounds.  8 ½ Kilos.  That's the weight I've gained since my last race at the end of September.  Here I sit, January 5th watching all the fools with their silly New Year Resolutions scramble to the gym to get that treadmill.  For them this will finally be the year they get back in shape.  At least for the first 3 weeks. 

Typically I take January off to avoid these idiots.  They clog the locker rooms, the pool lanes, and even the outdoor running paths.  This year might be different.

Building a simple workbench

Before I embark on a winter's worth of projects, I needed to get a work area set up.  I had staked a claim to a corner of the basement that would become home to all (most) of my gear and my workshop.  The first major step was to get a workbench put together, as this would be the main focal point and working space in my little shop.

When Life Gets in the Way

What happens to your training when life gets in the way?  In my case, it wasn't life, but rather an escape from life - a week-long vacation - that got in the way.  Spending a week on the beach with your family is a great time, but it's not a good way to get your workouts in unless you're really disciplined.  I went from commuting to work by bike (20 hilly miles each way) and lunchtime runs to lunchtime cookies and late-night Doritos.

In years past I have brought my bike, but I left it at home this year.  I did bring my running shoes and goggles, expecting to get in a daily open-ocean swim and a decent run.  I did none of that.

Training totals for last week:

• 4 miles walking on the beach carrying a 30 pound kid on my back
• 1 hour of tennis
• 1 hour of bodyboarding

Too much food and way too much junk food + no real workouts = 7 pounds gained in 7 days.  Sweet. 

Can you blame me?



The View from our Deck