I'm no stranger to the Metro at all. I've grown up taking it into and out of the city, and usually it's a very enjoyable ride. This past weekend was not one of those time. Let me paint the scene for you. A million tourists who aren't familiar with the Metro, that's a million screaming kids and families, stressed out city-dwellers, and angry sports fans. And me, with a bike in tow. See, I don't think anyone had realized that the day of our training ride was also the opening day for the Nationals, the Marathon, and the Cherry Blossom festival. Needless to say that there were a million stares of white hot hatred all aimed at me and my bike when I pushed my way into the train at the Vienna Metro stop. I tried to stay optimistic, to ignore all the angry grunts and glowers. I figured, 'Hell, I'm allowed to bring this bike on the train, and all of you chose to come in on the Metro today. Tough'. But that still didn't make getting off the orange any less tricky. It was sort of like giving birth, with all of these people trying to push into the train while I was exiting. The red line was far more enjoyable, with a pair of nice ladies who let me block them into their seats with my bike because they were riding to the end of the line. Thanks strangers!
Through some act of God I managed to get to Bethesda on time, relatively. I had to call Josh, an alum who helped plan the ride, and meet him on the Capital Crescent Trail. We didn't remember to describe each other, so he passed me before doubling back. Needless to say, I was only ten minutes late to the house to start the ride. The ride itself was fun; I was very impressed by how cyclist friendly the area was. Lots of "Share the Road" signs all over the place. I missed a turn during the ride, so I lost my spot as the lead. Thankfully, the road dead-ended pretty quickly and I was able to get back on the right road just as Josh was pulling onto it. The route was fun, no horrible climbs, except at the end. Josh asked Roger, a cyclist on the Southern Route, and I if we were up to a last challenge. I should have said no, 'cause it killed me. The hill didn't have a bad grade, but it was a long one. I barely made it up.
Afterwards we had a barbeque, which was legendary, compliments of Eleni. We beat the girls back home by a good half hour, partly because Eleni had never been on a roadbike, had platform pedals, and was stuck in her highest gear in the casette. Essentially, she had a lot going against her. I was incredibly impressed that she finished the ride at all, and in great spirits. I doubt that I would have fared so well. I heard some great stories, met some cool riders, and learned a few things about cycling. Then I got back in the Metro.
In terms of unpleasantness, I'd say the return trip won the prize. I had a very unpleasant woman scowling and snarling at me for about thirty minutes, before she yelled at me, "don't touch me with your bike", and stormed off swearing. This gleaming example of humanity was later overshadowed by someone yelling at myself and several mothers pushing strollers to "move" into an elevator. I'll just close by saying, next training ride, let's check the event calendar.
Peace out Hombres!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Gear Nightmare
It finally happened. I literally dreamed of Bike and Build last night. It wasn't really a nightmare, but I'd hardly call it a sweet dream. Dream me was convinced that the trip started tomorrow morning, and that I didn't have all the gear necessary for the ride. Apparantly dream me had already raised the five hundred odd dollars that I haven't yet, as well as had a physical. I should do both of those things post-haste. But this blog is about the gear. I have some of it, all of it given to me by family and friends out of the kindness of their hearts. The inventory, off the top of my head, is as follows:
3 pairs of biking shorts and three jerseys given by my brother (purchased off a website whose name escapes me... siera something.com. Probably not enough panels in the shorts, honestly. I'll splurge on a really good pair closer to the trip.
1 bike and build jersey (the donor gift that someone received and GAVE to me!)
Clipless pedals/cleats/clip in shoes (The pedals are compliments of Chris, the cleats and shoes compliments of myself)
Ergonomic saddle (Christmas present from Chris... freaking awesome gift, my butt thanks you)
Hydration backpack (Christmas present from my parents, and my first Northface item ever... I feel so trendy)
1 inner tube (that's the wrong size...nice try Mom, but no cigar)
1 cyclocomputer (an old purchase of mine, that I will transfer from my mountainbike to my roadbike)
1 flasher (so people can see me in the dark... if they're approaching from behind)
1 Helmet (because I've seen a guy split his skull on my pipestem)
I think that pretty much rounds off the list of "haves". The rest of this post will comprise of a wish-list, also off the top of my head, that I hope will be small. As of right now I need:
Two water bottles and cages
A multi-tool/tire levers/etc
A good, compact pump I can attatch to my bike
A long sleeved jersey for the cold
A saddle bag to keep my junk(food) in
inner tubes that will actually fit in my tires
Wow, and I think that's it. Pretty cool. I'd also love a pair of pricey shades to make me look cool, but that's a want not a need. This post will probably be edited as I remember more stuff that I don't have. Until then.
Peace out, Hombres!
3 pairs of biking shorts and three jerseys given by my brother (purchased off a website whose name escapes me... siera something.com. Probably not enough panels in the shorts, honestly. I'll splurge on a really good pair closer to the trip.
1 bike and build jersey (the donor gift that someone received and GAVE to me!)
Clipless pedals/cleats/clip in shoes (The pedals are compliments of Chris, the cleats and shoes compliments of myself)
Ergonomic saddle (Christmas present from Chris... freaking awesome gift, my butt thanks you)
Hydration backpack (Christmas present from my parents, and my first Northface item ever... I feel so trendy)
1 inner tube (that's the wrong size...nice try Mom, but no cigar)
1 cyclocomputer (an old purchase of mine, that I will transfer from my mountainbike to my roadbike)
1 flasher (so people can see me in the dark... if they're approaching from behind)
1 Helmet (because I've seen a guy split his skull on my pipestem)
I think that pretty much rounds off the list of "haves". The rest of this post will comprise of a wish-list, also off the top of my head, that I hope will be small. As of right now I need:
Two water bottles and cages
A multi-tool/tire levers/etc
A good, compact pump I can attatch to my bike
A long sleeved jersey for the cold
A saddle bag to keep my junk(food) in
inner tubes that will actually fit in my tires
Wow, and I think that's it. Pretty cool. I'd also love a pair of pricey shades to make me look cool, but that's a want not a need. This post will probably be edited as I remember more stuff that I don't have. Until then.
Peace out, Hombres!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Training Ride
I think that the older I get the more atuned to stress I get; this is to say that I am no longer debilitated by it, but am motivated by it. This is one of those weeks, for sure. Last weekend I thought that I was over the hump; I'd done three presentations, written a paper, and completed a midterm the week before. Well, I was wrong. My professors informed me at the start of this week that I have another paper to write by tomorrow and an exam on friday. My syllabus could have told me that too, if I was still reading it. The icing on the cake is that I needed to somehow get to Staunton and Bethesda on Friday and Saturday respectively. Those two were the worst to figure out because I am now sans-car.
I really liked the fact that I didn't have a car anymore for a while; less stress, no one piggybacking home with me, no gas to buy, the clean conscience that I wasn't killing the Earth everytime I turned the ignition. Then reality set in; I need to go see a play in Staunton on Friday night for an english class; I should have done it earlier, I know. Lacking a car is really inconvenient when neither of your friends, nor your significant other (cause I feel better about using him), have a car either. Thankfully it got taken care of. Then there was the whole deal with Saturday, which explains the title of this post.
I was contacted recently by a B and B alum who's planning a training ride and bbq on Saturday for D.C. area riders. It starts in Bethesda, and I really want to go. As luck would have it, Chris ate it on a ride through a mountainbike course and cracked his kneecap, and consequently needs to go back to Alexandria to get an x-ray on Saturday. I guess I should say, as unluck would have it. Either way, it looks like my problem there is solved because he can drop me off at the metro with my bike and I can metro in. I'm pretty excited, because this whole thing was pulled off by the skin of my teeth. Here's to hoping I don't get lost!
Therefore, I've decided that I thrive on stress, because I haven't even thought twice about any of this stuff; I just got it done. I'm now confidant that I can get through crises without skipping a beat. Now I just have to finish writing my eight page paper, which I put off in order to write this blog post.
Peace out, Hombres
I really liked the fact that I didn't have a car anymore for a while; less stress, no one piggybacking home with me, no gas to buy, the clean conscience that I wasn't killing the Earth everytime I turned the ignition. Then reality set in; I need to go see a play in Staunton on Friday night for an english class; I should have done it earlier, I know. Lacking a car is really inconvenient when neither of your friends, nor your significant other (cause I feel better about using him), have a car either. Thankfully it got taken care of. Then there was the whole deal with Saturday, which explains the title of this post.
I was contacted recently by a B and B alum who's planning a training ride and bbq on Saturday for D.C. area riders. It starts in Bethesda, and I really want to go. As luck would have it, Chris ate it on a ride through a mountainbike course and cracked his kneecap, and consequently needs to go back to Alexandria to get an x-ray on Saturday. I guess I should say, as unluck would have it. Either way, it looks like my problem there is solved because he can drop me off at the metro with my bike and I can metro in. I'm pretty excited, because this whole thing was pulled off by the skin of my teeth. Here's to hoping I don't get lost!
Therefore, I've decided that I thrive on stress, because I haven't even thought twice about any of this stuff; I just got it done. I'm now confidant that I can get through crises without skipping a beat. Now I just have to finish writing my eight page paper, which I put off in order to write this blog post.
Peace out, Hombres
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A New Upate Way Past Due
I've been meaning to update the blog for a while now. Not so much has changed, expcept for the bike. My specialized allez triple has been in for a little more than a week. It's been great, all the way down to the color scheme. Black and silver is one of the gnarliest combinations out there. My only complaint has been the size. The Raleigh was a fifty two cm, the specializec is a fifty six cm, and it still feels a bit large. Chris did an excelllent job adjusting the seat to just the right height. When I took it to be sized at East Coast Cycling, it was perfect, and I have to give Chris the credit there. Nothing needed to be adjusted. Les, the owner, was blown away. Who knows where I'd be without you all.
I really can't say "thank you" enough for the support I've recieved from him and a number of others. Not only have you bolstered my spirits, you have also educated me greatly!
I can't believe how close the trip is getting. I've been thinking about it, surprisingly enough, more than ever. I didn't think it was possible, honestly. I've been riding around campus mostly, and running. Hard to believe I'll be going across state lines. I'm looking forward to the midwest. No hills. I'll have photographs of the new bike whenever I can upload them. Love the bike, can't wait to hit the road with it.
Peace out hombres!
I really can't say "thank you" enough for the support I've recieved from him and a number of others. Not only have you bolstered my spirits, you have also educated me greatly!
I can't believe how close the trip is getting. I've been thinking about it, surprisingly enough, more than ever. I didn't think it was possible, honestly. I've been riding around campus mostly, and running. Hard to believe I'll be going across state lines. I'm looking forward to the midwest. No hills. I'll have photographs of the new bike whenever I can upload them. Love the bike, can't wait to hit the road with it.
Peace out hombres!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Finally Shamrock Fest
So this morning was a day I've been working towards for some time now. It started early. Six A.M exactly. But first on Jamie's family.
Excellent people, and her mother in particular is an excellent cook too. Very health conscious, which I love, but capable of creating delicious dishes. I've heard of a condition called "the health food halo" recently. Essentially, it entails the overeating of so called "health foods" for the sole fact that they are labeled "healthy" to the extent that the benefits of eating them are negated by the sheer caloric intake. I was guilty of the health food halo this weekend. I overate. But it was awesome. Fish tacos one night and then roast beef sandwiches on multigrain bread for lunch today. I enjoyed the company thoroughly as well. It was the sort of hopsitality that I've imagined all our hosts this summer would have. Or, at least, I hope they will have. I've always been blown away by the hosts of my Habitat trips, so I'm sure I won't be let down this summer.
Food and kindness aside, the race was excellent. We had the typical support from anonymous strangers. It was great for ninety percent of the race. By the home stretch all I could think of was: I want to stop... shut up. Funny how at mile three I felt like I could go on forever, but by the end I was profoundly tired. I really want to tackle the half marathon next, but I think I'll need a bit of training for that one. Five miles was tiring today, even on a very flat course. The rock and roll half is coming to Va Beach in September, so maybe I'll run thatt.
Both Jamie and I beat our guestimates of the race. I ran a forty one something race (as oposed to a forty five minute), and she ran a forty seven something(as oposed to a fifty minute). We both did far and above, in terms of rank. Our next goal is to run an 8k below forty minutes, and I'm confidant that both of us can do it. She thinks that she might even be around for the half marathon in September, and her Mom even said I was welcome to stay at their house, regardless of whether or not Jamie runs it with me. Looks like I've found myself another surrogate mother.
It was a bonding experience, and I'm glad to have gone through the process as one of a pair. It bums me out knowing that Jamie's graduating in the spring, but hopefully we can train for another race before that happens. Regardless, we'll be running together on the same Monday Wednesday Friday/Saturday schedule until May, so I'll have some nice cross training for the summer. In biking specific news, I haven't fixed the flat on my front tire. I'll be busing over to Shenandoah to see if they'll repair my rim (Chris seems to think that there's a spur or defect on the front rim popping the innertube that needs to be fixed) before I can return the bike to Dan. My Mom's coming down on Monday to bring my specialized allez. I'm psyched to see it and build it!
I wanted to thank our family, Amy Hissong and Dan Cappobianca, for their insanely generous donation to my trip. I checked it tonight and I was blown away. The two of you know that I consider you family, but it cannot be said enough! I love you and Andrew and Sarah more than I can articulate. Thank you for being part of everything I've done with this life of mine, and more recently for the soup and crepes. Whenever I'm back in Centreville I'll be saying hello, and seeing how life is going.
Life's had its share of highs and blues since my last posting, but in the end, I can say that life has been overwhelmingly good to me. Goodnight, good day, and peace out hombres!
Mark
Excellent people, and her mother in particular is an excellent cook too. Very health conscious, which I love, but capable of creating delicious dishes. I've heard of a condition called "the health food halo" recently. Essentially, it entails the overeating of so called "health foods" for the sole fact that they are labeled "healthy" to the extent that the benefits of eating them are negated by the sheer caloric intake. I was guilty of the health food halo this weekend. I overate. But it was awesome. Fish tacos one night and then roast beef sandwiches on multigrain bread for lunch today. I enjoyed the company thoroughly as well. It was the sort of hopsitality that I've imagined all our hosts this summer would have. Or, at least, I hope they will have. I've always been blown away by the hosts of my Habitat trips, so I'm sure I won't be let down this summer.
Food and kindness aside, the race was excellent. We had the typical support from anonymous strangers. It was great for ninety percent of the race. By the home stretch all I could think of was: I want to stop... shut up. Funny how at mile three I felt like I could go on forever, but by the end I was profoundly tired. I really want to tackle the half marathon next, but I think I'll need a bit of training for that one. Five miles was tiring today, even on a very flat course. The rock and roll half is coming to Va Beach in September, so maybe I'll run thatt.
Both Jamie and I beat our guestimates of the race. I ran a forty one something race (as oposed to a forty five minute), and she ran a forty seven something(as oposed to a fifty minute). We both did far and above, in terms of rank. Our next goal is to run an 8k below forty minutes, and I'm confidant that both of us can do it. She thinks that she might even be around for the half marathon in September, and her Mom even said I was welcome to stay at their house, regardless of whether or not Jamie runs it with me. Looks like I've found myself another surrogate mother.
It was a bonding experience, and I'm glad to have gone through the process as one of a pair. It bums me out knowing that Jamie's graduating in the spring, but hopefully we can train for another race before that happens. Regardless, we'll be running together on the same Monday Wednesday Friday/Saturday schedule until May, so I'll have some nice cross training for the summer. In biking specific news, I haven't fixed the flat on my front tire. I'll be busing over to Shenandoah to see if they'll repair my rim (Chris seems to think that there's a spur or defect on the front rim popping the innertube that needs to be fixed) before I can return the bike to Dan. My Mom's coming down on Monday to bring my specialized allez. I'm psyched to see it and build it!
I wanted to thank our family, Amy Hissong and Dan Cappobianca, for their insanely generous donation to my trip. I checked it tonight and I was blown away. The two of you know that I consider you family, but it cannot be said enough! I love you and Andrew and Sarah more than I can articulate. Thank you for being part of everything I've done with this life of mine, and more recently for the soup and crepes. Whenever I'm back in Centreville I'll be saying hello, and seeing how life is going.
Life's had its share of highs and blues since my last posting, but in the end, I can say that life has been overwhelmingly good to me. Goodnight, good day, and peace out hombres!
Mark
Monday, March 10, 2008
When it rains, it pours
Well, Spring Break is over and I'm back at school, and in retrospect I can look back and say it was a pretty good break on the whole, with more than a few bumps along the way, literally and figuratively. Training wise I did quite a few runs, all at night which I rather enjoyed, and did a nice long ride on the W&OD. The latter took me from Route 28 in Centreville all the way out to the school I worked at over the summer in Reston. I used to always enjoy seeing cyclists to greet in the morning. I'm also very pleased with my running regimen over the break, because last night Jamie and I did a five miler to see how we'd fare come race day. I killed it, running a very leisurely nine minute mile all the way through. Bit chafed today though, ouch. Now for the bumps.
Weather on saturday was a bit spotty; it started out the typical dreary overcast it had been for several days. I got in a brief ride to see some neighbors before it started pouring, then headed back to the house to get out of my wet clothes. Then, suddenly, it cleared. I'm talking blue skies and sunshine, awesome stuff. I went out again and got in a long ride before the storm clouds returned, and a nasty headwind started up. Thankfully I was in my own neighborhood by then. Unfortunately, the headwind was strong enough to run me into a curb at fifteen or so mph. The silver lining is that apparently your feet will clip out of the pedals when there's a great enough impact. The bad part was that even though I wasn't attached to my bike anymore, I still ate concrete face first. I busted my lip a bit and dinged up my hands and wrist, but I didn't lose any teeth so I got lucky. Sadly my lip is healing in such a way that it looks like I have a cold-sore, which some of my friends were kind enough to inform me. After brushing myself off a little, I biked the mile or so back to my house, and upon reaching my pipe stem, heard the then unfamiliar sound of my front tire popping. Serendipity, eh?
The icing on the cake came yesterday on the drive back to school. 66 and 81 were teeming with cops; Candace and I saw eight cruisers within one hundred feet of one another at one stretch, each chasing a different car. Sadly, this was after we had already gotten pulled over going 80 in a 65 zone. I have no one to blame but myself, but it certainly doesn't feel good to go from having a spotless driving record to having two speeding tickets, and getting each in the space of a month. Thankfully, I wasn't charged with reckless, and both times had extremely friendly and helpful police officers pull me over. I think it's time for driving school, not just to subtract the demerits, but because I honestly feel like a bad driver and a compulsive speeder now.
So, as the heading above states, when it rains it pours. I'm on the up and up now though, I figure, and things can only get better. My race is only a few days away and I'm confident that I can meet my goal time, not to mention I'll have my own personal tour guide of the city in Jamie. More pertinent to the Bike and Build experience, my bike will be arriving tomorrow! I cannot wait to build it and hit the road in style!
Peace out hombres!
Weather on saturday was a bit spotty; it started out the typical dreary overcast it had been for several days. I got in a brief ride to see some neighbors before it started pouring, then headed back to the house to get out of my wet clothes. Then, suddenly, it cleared. I'm talking blue skies and sunshine, awesome stuff. I went out again and got in a long ride before the storm clouds returned, and a nasty headwind started up. Thankfully I was in my own neighborhood by then. Unfortunately, the headwind was strong enough to run me into a curb at fifteen or so mph. The silver lining is that apparently your feet will clip out of the pedals when there's a great enough impact. The bad part was that even though I wasn't attached to my bike anymore, I still ate concrete face first. I busted my lip a bit and dinged up my hands and wrist, but I didn't lose any teeth so I got lucky. Sadly my lip is healing in such a way that it looks like I have a cold-sore, which some of my friends were kind enough to inform me. After brushing myself off a little, I biked the mile or so back to my house, and upon reaching my pipe stem, heard the then unfamiliar sound of my front tire popping. Serendipity, eh?
The icing on the cake came yesterday on the drive back to school. 66 and 81 were teeming with cops; Candace and I saw eight cruisers within one hundred feet of one another at one stretch, each chasing a different car. Sadly, this was after we had already gotten pulled over going 80 in a 65 zone. I have no one to blame but myself, but it certainly doesn't feel good to go from having a spotless driving record to having two speeding tickets, and getting each in the space of a month. Thankfully, I wasn't charged with reckless, and both times had extremely friendly and helpful police officers pull me over. I think it's time for driving school, not just to subtract the demerits, but because I honestly feel like a bad driver and a compulsive speeder now.
So, as the heading above states, when it rains it pours. I'm on the up and up now though, I figure, and things can only get better. My race is only a few days away and I'm confident that I can meet my goal time, not to mention I'll have my own personal tour guide of the city in Jamie. More pertinent to the Bike and Build experience, my bike will be arriving tomorrow! I cannot wait to build it and hit the road in style!
Peace out hombres!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Ohhh, sidebar
I got two hundred dollars today from two donors, and a promise from one that they'd talk up my trip to a bunch of their friends. Thanks to Mrs. Donovan and the Donovan Family, and also to Mark Rankin, one of my excellent professors!
Peace out for real real, hombres!
Peace out for real real, hombres!
Just don't get out of shape...ever.
I've decided that this is the way to go, because once you're out of shape, exercise is not nearly the joy that it ought to be. I used to be a fat child; I'm not tall, and I used to be even shorter, and when you're only 5'8'', 180 lbs isn't chubby, or husky. It's fat. Then, one day in high school, it just sort of disappeared.
I can't say why it happened. I don't remember ever exercising, and I feel as though my diet didn't change (and it's just as bad now). My appetite certainly decreased, but otherwise I can't really take credit for any spontaneous weight loss. It just melted away, and suddenly I was a much more normal 135 lbs. Surprisingly, better lifestyle choices didn't precede an improved body, but emerged because of it. Suddenly I took to running, moving around, being out in nature, like I never did when I was heavy. When freshman year of college rolled around, I found a luxury I had never known before: a "free" membership at an excellent recreation center. While my other friends were bemoaning the fifty hours of required UREC time, I exceeded it.
While I was not, and still am not, by any means a serious athlete, I can run circles around my former self, and have a vastly different attitude about physical activity than I used to. It's the choices I made later in high school and in college that affected my decision to take part in Bike and Build, not only to challenge poverty housing, but to challenge myself. The butterball I used to be would never dream of taking on this sort of challenge, but it makes me hungry for it just thinking about all that riding. Sadly, I feel recently like I've fallen off the horse a little.
You should never stop exercising, ever. Really, it's a bad idea. Don't let yourself break routine, even once, because the second that you do, you start backsliding into the depths of out-of-shape-Hell. I've been there, and I'm trying my best to crawl out even as I'm writing this. As I mentioned in previous posts, I'm running an 8k this month. In a little under two weeks actually. The training regimen started great, for both me and Jaime. Sadly, as it always does, the real world will throw obstacles in your way. And if you're like we were, you'll make the incredibly foolish choice of giving in.
I'm paying for it now. Until tonight I hadn't run since Wednesday, and as I mentioned before, my eating habits were never healthy. Thankfully, I'd been able to stay superficially healthy by exercising regularly. Well my body definitely showed the lack of exercise and incessant over-eating today, something my parents both pointed out this morning. Ohh yeah, I'm back home for spring break. I decided to take the bull by the horns. I biked some thirty miles today (yeah I know, not far, but I'm out of shape, remember), in gnarly headwind. Then this evening I ran about 3.5 miles.
I have great calves. They're really some of the few muscles that never let me down when I run. Tonight, at least for the first mile, they gave me the finger. They're probably going to be sore tomorrow, and I can't even remember the last time that happened. On the lighter side of things, I didn't stop, and I feel considerably better about myself than I would have if I hadn't done both of those things. But I'm bummed out that my limbs are probably going to retaliate against me tomorrow. And that's why, you just never get out of shape... ever.
Peace out, hombres!
I can't say why it happened. I don't remember ever exercising, and I feel as though my diet didn't change (and it's just as bad now). My appetite certainly decreased, but otherwise I can't really take credit for any spontaneous weight loss. It just melted away, and suddenly I was a much more normal 135 lbs. Surprisingly, better lifestyle choices didn't precede an improved body, but emerged because of it. Suddenly I took to running, moving around, being out in nature, like I never did when I was heavy. When freshman year of college rolled around, I found a luxury I had never known before: a "free" membership at an excellent recreation center. While my other friends were bemoaning the fifty hours of required UREC time, I exceeded it.
While I was not, and still am not, by any means a serious athlete, I can run circles around my former self, and have a vastly different attitude about physical activity than I used to. It's the choices I made later in high school and in college that affected my decision to take part in Bike and Build, not only to challenge poverty housing, but to challenge myself. The butterball I used to be would never dream of taking on this sort of challenge, but it makes me hungry for it just thinking about all that riding. Sadly, I feel recently like I've fallen off the horse a little.
You should never stop exercising, ever. Really, it's a bad idea. Don't let yourself break routine, even once, because the second that you do, you start backsliding into the depths of out-of-shape-Hell. I've been there, and I'm trying my best to crawl out even as I'm writing this. As I mentioned in previous posts, I'm running an 8k this month. In a little under two weeks actually. The training regimen started great, for both me and Jaime. Sadly, as it always does, the real world will throw obstacles in your way. And if you're like we were, you'll make the incredibly foolish choice of giving in.
I'm paying for it now. Until tonight I hadn't run since Wednesday, and as I mentioned before, my eating habits were never healthy. Thankfully, I'd been able to stay superficially healthy by exercising regularly. Well my body definitely showed the lack of exercise and incessant over-eating today, something my parents both pointed out this morning. Ohh yeah, I'm back home for spring break. I decided to take the bull by the horns. I biked some thirty miles today (yeah I know, not far, but I'm out of shape, remember), in gnarly headwind. Then this evening I ran about 3.5 miles.
I have great calves. They're really some of the few muscles that never let me down when I run. Tonight, at least for the first mile, they gave me the finger. They're probably going to be sore tomorrow, and I can't even remember the last time that happened. On the lighter side of things, I didn't stop, and I feel considerably better about myself than I would have if I hadn't done both of those things. But I'm bummed out that my limbs are probably going to retaliate against me tomorrow. And that's why, you just never get out of shape... ever.
Peace out, hombres!
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