Thursday, October 28, 2010

We won't always know whose lives we touched and made better for our having cared, because actions can sometimes have unforeseen ramifications. What's important is that you do care and you act. -- Charlotte Lunsford

I have spent the last couple of weeks trying to figure out the best way to get some sponsors for this adventure. Not so much for me, but to get somebody to make some commitments to my charities. I have written a number of letters and sent as many emails, and some are fairly quick to respond - the we-really-appreciate-your-effort-but-can't-help kind of responses, darn it. But this elephant plods on... hopefully, somebody will step up.
I am still on the bike, swimming when I can, and running like the runner I am not. I participated in the Livestrong 5K run this past Saturday, and for 3.2 miles managed 34:47, just under 12-minute miles. I realize that this is insignificant to most of you runner types, but to see the 11 on the front of that made me very happy. Sunday we started with the 65-milers for the Livestrong Ride, but there were so many people riding who clearly demonstrated a lack of riding knowledge or etiquette that we decided at the 20-mile mark it was time to go home. This was after some knuckleheads got up on the back wheels so close but yet weaved from side to side, and after having to walk through a water crossing watching folks slip around. So we went home, and I did another ride up Parmer later that afternoon.
Monday, I got on the treadmill and tried the 4min run/1min walk routine, and managed a 3 mile run at 33 and some change. So the run is slowly coming to shape... 
Next Tuesday, we leave for Panama City Beach and IM Florida. I am going to swim a bit of the course, and then ride the bike course Friday in advance of volunteering Saturday. Sunday morning early, I am in line for registration for 2011 !! And the fun starts here!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

According to the laws of aerodynamics, the bumblebee can’t fly either, but the bumblebee doesn’t know anything about the laws of aerodynamics, so it goes ahead and flies anyway. -- Igor Sikorsky 

So, the plodding elephant continues to roll on. This past Saturday, I rode the Round Rock Outlaw 100, a century ride through the back roads in central Texas. This is the third time I have participated in this ride. The first time was actually my very first 100-mile ride, and the longest... seems like so very long ago, even though it has only been three years.
It wasn't the best ride I have had... there was even a section about a mile long of gravel. Seriously - the ride should have been re-routed around this mess. You run a great risk trying to propel a bicycle between rocks that are bigger across than your tires. We even considered getting off the bikes at one point, just to be safe. The winds picked up midway through the ride. But as a prep ride for Ironman Florida, it is a good ride, other than the gravel.
So, now it is time to work on the running. I need to be ready for the 3M Half-Marathon in January... wish me luck.