Before I get started, I want to give a shout out to my son, who turns 29 today. I am extremely proud of him. Happy birthday, son! Love you!
And so...
After completing the X Dog 8k snowshoe race last Sunday, Bex! and I decided to take a break Monday from our training schedule. After such a successful launch to the 50at50 Project, we felt we earned the right to have a rest day. Justified! This may become a common theme - we'll see.
Tuesday morning was yoga, which felt really good. Wednesday and Thursday wound up being dark, cold, wet, snooze button-y mornings. Sigh. But we had big plans for the weekend, by golly. Yessiree.
Honestly, we haven't been exactly tearing up the training. It's tough this time of year. If my birthday was in, say, June or July then no problemo. But getting my arse out of bed when the alarm goes off at 5:45, sitting up to find and put on running clothes, getting out the door when it's cold and dark and (often times) wet is no easy task. It's much too easy to hit the snooze button and cuddle up with my wife under the covers. That is going to have to change or it'll bite me in the butt at some point.
A lot of the events coming up in my project are short distance races, which I should be able to stumble through, even if training is meh. However, there is one thing that is concerning - namely, next weekend I have back to back events. Saturday is the 6k Worst Day of the Year Run; Sunday is the 5k Zena run down near Salem. Neither distance is too worrisome. It's the two days in a row that bothers me. While I feel I could handle either event on its own just fine, I admit I'm not in top running shape - yet - unless 'round' counts. It's mostly the hips, knees, ankles I need to get back into running form. I can cover the distance but the pounding administered to my joints could lead to injury, which I can't afford. At 6'4" and lb it's quite a lot of punishment. But this is why the early part of the year is 5k's and such, right?
I need to make sure I stretch before and after each event because nothing will derail the goal like an owwy. 'Owwy' is a medical term - look it up.
We have this weekend off from races. We were hoping to get out for a run, maybe in Forest Park on trails. But Thursday evening Bex! had the dreaded 'flu-like symptoms' and I wasn't feeling topnotch myself. We both stayed home Friday - me, a pre-planned day off and Bex! sick. And as Friday morning progressed I felt like crap. Both down for the count. We've been taking care of each other and you KNOW we have plenty of soup in the house!
I really hope to shake this tonight and get out for a walk tomorrow. Anyhting to get outside and move around a little. I need to make sure I get out a couple of times this week, too. And stretch, stretch, stretch.
And stretch.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
One down, forty-nine to go...
Event #1 is in the books! And what a day it was.
One look through the bedroom window told us it was cold and frosty outside. Everything was covered in a thin layer of white - snow, ice, frost? Whatever it was, it made me want to crawl back under the covers. We begrudgingly got up, dressed, double checked gear; I went to get the car while Bex! made breakfast as well as sandwiches for later.
About the car: I own what we like to call an SUV. But it's not what you think. In this case, SUV stands for Sport-y Utility Vehicle. It's a sports car, people. However, it does have a trailer hitch onto which I can mount a bike rack. We go car camping and get some really strange looks as we drive up in a Mitsubishi 3000GT with mountain bikes on the rear end and all our gear crammed into every nook and cranny of the car!
However, in winter and given the likelihood of snow up on the mountain, we opt to play it safe so we rent a real SUV through ZipCar.
My car weeps when we load the borrowed vehicle and drive away. (sniff)
We hit the road about 7:30 and as we got out of town the skies began to clear and the fog burned off. We realized it was going to be a gorgeous, sunny day! This was also the exact moment in time I realized I forgot my sunglasses. A quick stop at the Freddy's in Sandy and we were on the road, me sporting some snazzy new shades.
Oddly, the temperature climbed as we climbed - getting warmer the higher we got up the mountain. There was a weather inversion in place that had the temps colder in town than up the side of Mt. Hood, making for spring-like conditions where we were heading.
We arrived at the White River Sno-Park about 9-ish. Parked, walked over to check in for the race, hit the 'always-pleasant' Honey Buckets. Then the debate was on: what to wear, what not to wear, what to bring, what not to bring. It was really warm which caused both of us to wish we had brought shorts/skirts. To put your minds at ease, Bex! would have been wearing the skirt, although I think I would look pretty damn fine in one. Just sayin'.
We got our gear ready and walked up to the start area. With the help of my camera crew (Bex!) I filmed a short video intro to my 50@50 Project and if I can EVER figure out how to upload it to my blog, I will do so. We also shot a short post-race clip which I hope to share some day.
There were maybe 150 people participating, give or take. The race officials made several pre-race comments, one of which went something like "...there are 600 flags and 400 cones marking the course, so if you get lost it's your fault!" I like these guys!
And then... we were off!
The course consisted of two laps of about 4k each. We were doing the 8k because, well, we're just like that. In true X Dog fashion there were parts of the course that ran not on pre-existing trails but through the woods, off trail. X Dog is known for that; we expected it. The course started with a gradual uphill for about 3/4 of a mile which led to a very steep, pretty long climb that roasted my calves and Achilles tendons. Ouch. All I could think as I caught my breath at the top was 'we get to do that again on Lap 2!' Ugh!
From there the course was rolling, with a couple of short steep scrambles and some downhill that was slippery, even with snow shoes. Since the course consisted of breaking new trail through deep snow, there were stretches where there was no room to pass, so we were at the mercy of those ahead of us. Not that we're speed demons or anything, mind you.
We finished lap one in about 50 minutes, took a few minutes to adjust gear and have a snack. Then it was back up the steep hill! Once that was over, we ran most of the second lap. Those doing the 8k with us were more spread out along the course. And some were done already, because they were either doing the 4k only or they were really fast in the 8k!! Yes, we got lapped by some of the sprinters. I guess we enjoyed the scenery a little more than they did!
My legs were getting tired, so I almost tripped a couple of times. While I don't really change my gait much wearing snowshoes, there is the matter of the cleat on the bottom. There is a pretty big one under the ball of the foot and a smaller cleat 3-4" back from that. These are for traction. With my legs being worn out, it was more difficult to remember to raise my foot high enough for the cleats to clear the uneven surface of the snow. So, yeah - almost face-planted a few times. Bex! did, too. I think we were both secretly hoping the other one would fall, just for the laughs - and subsequent teasing that would occur.
In fact, at the end of the race, charging through the chute at the finish line, I tripped - yet again - and came the closest I'd come all day to falling. I recovered though, and Bex! said she actually thought I was just doing the 'lean to the tape' like the sprinters do. "Yeah, honey. That's what I was doing. Leaning - not falling." Riiiiight.
The event organizers had a big pot of split pea soup, which really hit the spot. We got our sandwiches from the car, where we witnessed a miracle, then walked back over to the crowd to hang out for a little while. I talked to the X Dog rep and told him about my goal for the year. He said to send a link to this blog and he'll post it on their website. He seemed pretty excited about my quest!
I have to say I was feeling somewhat euphoric, knowing that my first event was finished! Bex! had a big small on her face as we soaked up that feeling of accomplishment. Getting the first one done makes me very excited to keep going, to add to the list. We will be looking out at March, April, May to see which events are out there. Plenty to choose from, as Portland is gaga over races! As I firm up the schedule of events for the 50@50 Project, I will post details and links here.
We decided to drive back via Highway 35 to take in the views from there. It's beautiful country - lots of vineyards and orchards. We hit I-84 and cruised home. I was getting tired but listening to 'The Sporkful' podcasts and sipping hot chocolate kept me going.
Next events are Feb. 2nd and 3rd; and Feb. 9th and 10th. Two back-to-back event weekends will be a challenge but it will really help buy us some time off later in the year.
Again, thanks for the support and comments!
Now, back to trying to figure out video uploading...
One look through the bedroom window told us it was cold and frosty outside. Everything was covered in a thin layer of white - snow, ice, frost? Whatever it was, it made me want to crawl back under the covers. We begrudgingly got up, dressed, double checked gear; I went to get the car while Bex! made breakfast as well as sandwiches for later.
About the car: I own what we like to call an SUV. But it's not what you think. In this case, SUV stands for Sport-y Utility Vehicle. It's a sports car, people. However, it does have a trailer hitch onto which I can mount a bike rack. We go car camping and get some really strange looks as we drive up in a Mitsubishi 3000GT with mountain bikes on the rear end and all our gear crammed into every nook and cranny of the car!
However, in winter and given the likelihood of snow up on the mountain, we opt to play it safe so we rent a real SUV through ZipCar.
My car weeps when we load the borrowed vehicle and drive away. (sniff)
We hit the road about 7:30 and as we got out of town the skies began to clear and the fog burned off. We realized it was going to be a gorgeous, sunny day! This was also the exact moment in time I realized I forgot my sunglasses. A quick stop at the Freddy's in Sandy and we were on the road, me sporting some snazzy new shades.
Oddly, the temperature climbed as we climbed - getting warmer the higher we got up the mountain. There was a weather inversion in place that had the temps colder in town than up the side of Mt. Hood, making for spring-like conditions where we were heading.
We arrived at the White River Sno-Park about 9-ish. Parked, walked over to check in for the race, hit the 'always-pleasant' Honey Buckets. Then the debate was on: what to wear, what not to wear, what to bring, what not to bring. It was really warm which caused both of us to wish we had brought shorts/skirts. To put your minds at ease, Bex! would have been wearing the skirt, although I think I would look pretty damn fine in one. Just sayin'.
We got our gear ready and walked up to the start area. With the help of my camera crew (Bex!) I filmed a short video intro to my 50@50 Project and if I can EVER figure out how to upload it to my blog, I will do so. We also shot a short post-race clip which I hope to share some day.
There were maybe 150 people participating, give or take. The race officials made several pre-race comments, one of which went something like "...there are 600 flags and 400 cones marking the course, so if you get lost it's your fault!" I like these guys!
And then... we were off!
The course consisted of two laps of about 4k each. We were doing the 8k because, well, we're just like that. In true X Dog fashion there were parts of the course that ran not on pre-existing trails but through the woods, off trail. X Dog is known for that; we expected it. The course started with a gradual uphill for about 3/4 of a mile which led to a very steep, pretty long climb that roasted my calves and Achilles tendons. Ouch. All I could think as I caught my breath at the top was 'we get to do that again on Lap 2!' Ugh!
From there the course was rolling, with a couple of short steep scrambles and some downhill that was slippery, even with snow shoes. Since the course consisted of breaking new trail through deep snow, there were stretches where there was no room to pass, so we were at the mercy of those ahead of us. Not that we're speed demons or anything, mind you.
We finished lap one in about 50 minutes, took a few minutes to adjust gear and have a snack. Then it was back up the steep hill! Once that was over, we ran most of the second lap. Those doing the 8k with us were more spread out along the course. And some were done already, because they were either doing the 4k only or they were really fast in the 8k!! Yes, we got lapped by some of the sprinters. I guess we enjoyed the scenery a little more than they did!
My legs were getting tired, so I almost tripped a couple of times. While I don't really change my gait much wearing snowshoes, there is the matter of the cleat on the bottom. There is a pretty big one under the ball of the foot and a smaller cleat 3-4" back from that. These are for traction. With my legs being worn out, it was more difficult to remember to raise my foot high enough for the cleats to clear the uneven surface of the snow. So, yeah - almost face-planted a few times. Bex! did, too. I think we were both secretly hoping the other one would fall, just for the laughs - and subsequent teasing that would occur.
In fact, at the end of the race, charging through the chute at the finish line, I tripped - yet again - and came the closest I'd come all day to falling. I recovered though, and Bex! said she actually thought I was just doing the 'lean to the tape' like the sprinters do. "Yeah, honey. That's what I was doing. Leaning - not falling." Riiiiight.
The event organizers had a big pot of split pea soup, which really hit the spot. We got our sandwiches from the car, where we witnessed a miracle, then walked back over to the crowd to hang out for a little while. I talked to the X Dog rep and told him about my goal for the year. He said to send a link to this blog and he'll post it on their website. He seemed pretty excited about my quest!
I have to say I was feeling somewhat euphoric, knowing that my first event was finished! Bex! had a big small on her face as we soaked up that feeling of accomplishment. Getting the first one done makes me very excited to keep going, to add to the list. We will be looking out at March, April, May to see which events are out there. Plenty to choose from, as Portland is gaga over races! As I firm up the schedule of events for the 50@50 Project, I will post details and links here.
We decided to drive back via Highway 35 to take in the views from there. It's beautiful country - lots of vineyards and orchards. We hit I-84 and cruised home. I was getting tired but listening to 'The Sporkful' podcasts and sipping hot chocolate kept me going.
Next events are Feb. 2nd and 3rd; and Feb. 9th and 10th. Two back-to-back event weekends will be a challenge but it will really help buy us some time off later in the year.
Again, thanks for the support and comments!
Now, back to trying to figure out video uploading...
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Event #1 tomorrow!
Well, tomorrow is the big day - Event #1 in the 50 at 50 Project. The White River 8k, put on by X Dog Events.
Five miles on snowshoes tomorrow; turn 50 the next day. Can I get a 'woohoo'!!
FYI - If you've read my posts and tried to comment, it may not have gone through. I tweaked the settings so it should work now. I appreciate the comments and the support! Keep it coming!
Race preparation day! My wife and I have gone to the store for race snacks - cuz 'snacks is important', as we like to say. One uses a lot of energy snowshoeing, more than you would if you went for a run, say. It's more work and your body works harder to regulate temperature. When I get going, I work up a good sweat but as soon as I stop it's damn cold damn quick.
I wear Atlas brand snowshoes, the 825 Trail model. I like them and they do the trick on established trails and moderate fresh snow. If we ever get into any serious back country treks, I would definitely get a bigger snowshoe for more loft. More surface area equals less sinking into deep snow.
I carry trekking poles, collapsible ones. If I'm on flat or rolling terrain, I don't use them. But going down steep hills the poles help maintain control. Trudging up hills, it's good to be able to push off with the upper body. In deep, fresh snow it's nice to kinda poke and prod before taking the next step when I'm not sure what the terrain is like underneath.
The CamelBak Mule is great - I can carry more water than I need, plus the aforementioned snacks with room to spare for layers. Clothing is the hardest part for me. I always have to think about how warm I'll be when I get moving so I don't overdress or carry too much. Gloves, hat, ear warmer, gaiters, Leatherman, first aid kit - check.
So, tonight I'll double check all gear, pack some clothes into my duffel, fill the CamelBak and load snacks.
Oh, and fill my flask. Probably bourbon, just a sip at the finish line to celebrate.
My quest starts tomorrow. I have a lot of changes ahead in the coming months - more on that later. This goal of mine - the 50 at 50 - will help to keep me focused and, in a good way, distracted.
Wish for me two things - good luck in the race and a happy birthday!
Five miles on snowshoes tomorrow; turn 50 the next day. Can I get a 'woohoo'!!
FYI - If you've read my posts and tried to comment, it may not have gone through. I tweaked the settings so it should work now. I appreciate the comments and the support! Keep it coming!
Race preparation day! My wife and I have gone to the store for race snacks - cuz 'snacks is important', as we like to say. One uses a lot of energy snowshoeing, more than you would if you went for a run, say. It's more work and your body works harder to regulate temperature. When I get going, I work up a good sweat but as soon as I stop it's damn cold damn quick.
I wear Atlas brand snowshoes, the 825 Trail model. I like them and they do the trick on established trails and moderate fresh snow. If we ever get into any serious back country treks, I would definitely get a bigger snowshoe for more loft. More surface area equals less sinking into deep snow.
I carry trekking poles, collapsible ones. If I'm on flat or rolling terrain, I don't use them. But going down steep hills the poles help maintain control. Trudging up hills, it's good to be able to push off with the upper body. In deep, fresh snow it's nice to kinda poke and prod before taking the next step when I'm not sure what the terrain is like underneath.
The CamelBak Mule is great - I can carry more water than I need, plus the aforementioned snacks with room to spare for layers. Clothing is the hardest part for me. I always have to think about how warm I'll be when I get moving so I don't overdress or carry too much. Gloves, hat, ear warmer, gaiters, Leatherman, first aid kit - check.
So, tonight I'll double check all gear, pack some clothes into my duffel, fill the CamelBak and load snacks.
Oh, and fill my flask. Probably bourbon, just a sip at the finish line to celebrate.
My quest starts tomorrow. I have a lot of changes ahead in the coming months - more on that later. This goal of mine - the 50 at 50 - will help to keep me focused and, in a good way, distracted.
Wish for me two things - good luck in the race and a happy birthday!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Two new events on the calendar!
Howdy!
I'm getting excited for this Sunday's X-Dog 8k Snowshoe race! It is Event #1 in my quest to complete (at least) 50 events this year. Should be quite an adventure. The weather on the mountain is the big variable - never know what it's going to do. We'll bring a wide variety of layering options. I usually prefer to be on the cool side. As long as we're moving, I'm comfortable. Wearing the CamelBack allows for carrying an extra layer or room to pack one away. Gotta keep moving, right? And it is a race, after all!
The next two events on my little quest are a couple of runs - one Saturday Feb. 2nd; the other Sunday Feb 3rd. Yep, back to back events. Since Saturday races are rare we wanted to take advantage of this when we can. See, doing 50 events, which are almost always held on weekends, means only two free weekends over the course of the year. Doubling up buys us a weekend off!
Event #2 is the Worst Day of the Year Run, a 6k out at PIR. Nice, flat course.
www.worstdayrun.com
Event #3 is the 45th Annual Zena Road Run, taking place down near Salem somewhere. This one is a 3 miler.
www.wvroadrunners.org/zena
We have events set for the weekend after, as well - another double header. One is the Portland Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics, on Feb. 9th. While this is a good cause, it isn't really a race. It's more of a 'gathering' on the shore along the Columbia River and when the signal is given we jump in the frigid water! I'm counting it as Event #4. Yes, I make the rules. Get used to it.
Event #5 is the companion to Event #2 - it's the Worst Day of the Year Ride, a 16 mile bike tour of the city. This one is on Sunday the 10th.
www.worstdayride.com
That's it for now! Nighty night!
I'm getting excited for this Sunday's X-Dog 8k Snowshoe race! It is Event #1 in my quest to complete (at least) 50 events this year. Should be quite an adventure. The weather on the mountain is the big variable - never know what it's going to do. We'll bring a wide variety of layering options. I usually prefer to be on the cool side. As long as we're moving, I'm comfortable. Wearing the CamelBack allows for carrying an extra layer or room to pack one away. Gotta keep moving, right? And it is a race, after all!
The next two events on my little quest are a couple of runs - one Saturday Feb. 2nd; the other Sunday Feb 3rd. Yep, back to back events. Since Saturday races are rare we wanted to take advantage of this when we can. See, doing 50 events, which are almost always held on weekends, means only two free weekends over the course of the year. Doubling up buys us a weekend off!
Event #2 is the Worst Day of the Year Run, a 6k out at PIR. Nice, flat course.
www.worstdayrun.com
Event #3 is the 45th Annual Zena Road Run, taking place down near Salem somewhere. This one is a 3 miler.
www.wvroadrunners.org/zena
We have events set for the weekend after, as well - another double header. One is the Portland Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics, on Feb. 9th. While this is a good cause, it isn't really a race. It's more of a 'gathering' on the shore along the Columbia River and when the signal is given we jump in the frigid water! I'm counting it as Event #4. Yes, I make the rules. Get used to it.
Event #5 is the companion to Event #2 - it's the Worst Day of the Year Ride, a 16 mile bike tour of the city. This one is on Sunday the 10th.
www.worstdayride.com
That's it for now! Nighty night!
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Start of Something... Interesting
Welcome!
My name is David. I live in beautiful Portland, OR. I turn 50 years old in... 7 days. January 21st. Yep. The big 5-0.
Yoinks!
But really, I don't look at this as a 'big deal' or depressing or anything like that. In fact, I think it's pretty damn cool. Looking back at my life, I enjoy recognizing, reliving how and where I've grown and evolved over the years. Like all of us, I've made mistakes. But I like to think I've learned from them, or most of them anyway. In fact, I can point to different times within my (almost) 50 years that were genuine milestones - moments, events, decisions that truly changed the course of my life. More on that later, as time goes on.
I am what you might call a Weekend Warrior, in that I like to stay active by participating in runs, rides, and various other athletic endeavours. Mostly, I do pretty well - NOT as in 'take home a medal or trophy' well. More like 'got through it without pulling my hammy or falling down' well. You see, it's only after these events that I realize I probably should have trained a little harder. I usually don't hurt myself (badly) - unless injury to pride and dignity count. Going into a race, I've pretty much accepted the fact that I ain't gonna win. Taking part and maintaining a modicum of 'in shape-ness' are what it's about. Which is the reason for this diary.
To celebrate my birthday, I've set a goal to participate in fifty races between my 50th and 51st birthdays. Hence the name of my blog: the 50@50 Project.
Now, to be fair and honest (which I am, thankyouverymuch) I will state that I am participating in my first race this Sunday, January 20th - the day BEFORE my actual birthday. Deal with it. The first of fifty events is the 8k White River Snowshoe Race, put on by X Dog Events. Yes, a 5 mile run on snowshoes. Here is the link: http://www.xdogevents.com/whiteriverss.php
My wife and I took up snowshoeing as a way to keep active during the cold rainy months of winter in the Pacific Northwest. We have this perfectly good mountain pretty close to us, so thought this would be a good way to keep moving. Now, when I say 'took up snowshoeing' I mean we've been snowshoeing a grand total of four times - and, yes, we have an 8k race 6 days from now. Remember what I said about lack of training prior to these crazy adventures? To our credit, we went up this past Saturday and knocked out 6+ miles - so there!
Snowshoeing is easy, actually. "If you can walk, you can snowshoe". This is true. It's not too different - like wearing clown shoes, only much colder. Although I suppose clowns in Iceland would be used to it. Hmmmm...
Anyhoo, my goal for this blog is to keep you updated on my project - training, events, pictures, results, anecdotes, etc. I'll get a schedule together and add events as I register. This serves two purposes - the commitment to you will make sure I continue to post; and telling you about upcoming events makes it less likely I'll back out of them!
Wish me luck!
My name is David. I live in beautiful Portland, OR. I turn 50 years old in... 7 days. January 21st. Yep. The big 5-0.
Yoinks!
But really, I don't look at this as a 'big deal' or depressing or anything like that. In fact, I think it's pretty damn cool. Looking back at my life, I enjoy recognizing, reliving how and where I've grown and evolved over the years. Like all of us, I've made mistakes. But I like to think I've learned from them, or most of them anyway. In fact, I can point to different times within my (almost) 50 years that were genuine milestones - moments, events, decisions that truly changed the course of my life. More on that later, as time goes on.
I am what you might call a Weekend Warrior, in that I like to stay active by participating in runs, rides, and various other athletic endeavours. Mostly, I do pretty well - NOT as in 'take home a medal or trophy' well. More like 'got through it without pulling my hammy or falling down' well. You see, it's only after these events that I realize I probably should have trained a little harder. I usually don't hurt myself (badly) - unless injury to pride and dignity count. Going into a race, I've pretty much accepted the fact that I ain't gonna win. Taking part and maintaining a modicum of 'in shape-ness' are what it's about. Which is the reason for this diary.
To celebrate my birthday, I've set a goal to participate in fifty races between my 50th and 51st birthdays. Hence the name of my blog: the 50@50 Project.
Now, to be fair and honest (which I am, thankyouverymuch) I will state that I am participating in my first race this Sunday, January 20th - the day BEFORE my actual birthday. Deal with it. The first of fifty events is the 8k White River Snowshoe Race, put on by X Dog Events. Yes, a 5 mile run on snowshoes. Here is the link: http://www.xdogevents.com/whiteriverss.php
My wife and I took up snowshoeing as a way to keep active during the cold rainy months of winter in the Pacific Northwest. We have this perfectly good mountain pretty close to us, so thought this would be a good way to keep moving. Now, when I say 'took up snowshoeing' I mean we've been snowshoeing a grand total of four times - and, yes, we have an 8k race 6 days from now. Remember what I said about lack of training prior to these crazy adventures? To our credit, we went up this past Saturday and knocked out 6+ miles - so there!
Snowshoeing is easy, actually. "If you can walk, you can snowshoe". This is true. It's not too different - like wearing clown shoes, only much colder. Although I suppose clowns in Iceland would be used to it. Hmmmm...
Anyhoo, my goal for this blog is to keep you updated on my project - training, events, pictures, results, anecdotes, etc. I'll get a schedule together and add events as I register. This serves two purposes - the commitment to you will make sure I continue to post; and telling you about upcoming events makes it less likely I'll back out of them!
Wish me luck!
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