James Pearl Thinks Blogging is Dead
- Thread starter Norm
- Start date
Weather looks good, so I think we'll sign up for French Creek tomorrow. Again, my partner in crime @seanrunnette will be co-piloting the endurance old man's race with me. WOLVERINES!
Spent time with the following people today:
@Dominique
@jimvreeland
@Kirt
@seanrunnette
@UtahJoe
@Santapez
@1sh0t1b33r
Plus Brett who may or may not be on the board.
This covers various bike project fix-ups, driving to & from Stewart, scouting the course, and grabbing some dinner. Plus of course being home with D. Decided to skip the normal Monday night ride (sorry @Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST) to head to Stewart. I think we have a good, fun-as-hell, fast loop. But we may be at 8.8 miles on the course. Now mind you, this is a hella-fast loop. I am just not sure this can fly in the series right now. It'll be a topic of discussion in the next week or so, for sure.
The pizza place near Stewart has some good options. And the road coffee is pretty passable. I don't know if it is because I have always just ridden or what. But the coffee there is always decent.
Drove up & back with Sean, but we decided not to podcast due to the wind noise. We always have good conversation but when the mic is off we can actually talk a little more real life stuff. Because you know, we didn't talk enough Saturday.
I also cleaned my espresso machine & grinder today. It was crazy dirty and afterwords, the espresso was super tight. I need to do this more often. The stuff I had gotten from Toronto was meh before today, and BOOYA after. So it puts a damper on everything I've had in the last few months probably. I'll get something new from Austin next week.
Today was a pretty good day.
Spent time with the following people today:
@Dominique
@jimvreeland
@Kirt
@seanrunnette
@UtahJoe
@Santapez
@1sh0t1b33r
Plus Brett who may or may not be on the board.
This covers various bike project fix-ups, driving to & from Stewart, scouting the course, and grabbing some dinner. Plus of course being home with D. Decided to skip the normal Monday night ride (sorry @Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST) to head to Stewart. I think we have a good, fun-as-hell, fast loop. But we may be at 8.8 miles on the course. Now mind you, this is a hella-fast loop. I am just not sure this can fly in the series right now. It'll be a topic of discussion in the next week or so, for sure.
The pizza place near Stewart has some good options. And the road coffee is pretty passable. I don't know if it is because I have always just ridden or what. But the coffee there is always decent.
Drove up & back with Sean, but we decided not to podcast due to the wind noise. We always have good conversation but when the mic is off we can actually talk a little more real life stuff. Because you know, we didn't talk enough Saturday.
I also cleaned my espresso machine & grinder today. It was crazy dirty and afterwords, the espresso was super tight. I need to do this more often. The stuff I had gotten from Toronto was meh before today, and BOOYA after. So it puts a damper on everything I've had in the last few months probably. I'll get something new from Austin next week.
Today was a pretty good day.
StayHydrated
Swedish Chef
73% of people will try anything once, I guess.
The Kalmyk
Well-Known Member
Here I am thinking it was because of Bass Pro Shop
jnos
Well-Known Member
This beat out the other possible motto, "Welcome to Brown Town!"
Mountain Bike Mike
Well-Known Member
in
As a somewhat random point, it's nice to see @Carson back on the bike and even smiling about it. I hope to cross paths with him one of these days.
Podiums
I had this thought yesterday and it's been a sort of wandering thing in my head over the last 24 hours. Can I get myself back onto a podium ever again? I don't mean a sandbagging/backdoor deal. I mean a podium in, say 45+ endurance, or cat 1 mtb 45+, or cross 45+. Is that attainable for me in any future reality? I think I am pretty motivated right now while still being able to maintain this balance thing. So that's good. I also should note that those of you who are quick on the trigger to say that yes I should be able to, let me point out that I never got a podium in an endurance race, or a cat 1 40+ race, or a MASS 35+ or 45+ race. I did stand on the podium of some NJ 40+ 1/2/3 races, so that would be the only "return" I would have. Otherwise, it would be a place I have never been.
Now, I know this doesn't matter. And I also know that in a sense, what is the importance of a podium? Those are philosophical conversations we can have over a cup of coffee one day. Let's just assume that this is a binary conversation: on podium, or off podium. Is it realistic to be Binary On?
I don't think it's realistic this year. Let's get that out of the way first. I do, however, think that 2019 is a possibility. I would like to be able to hit all those options, with the exception of 45+ Mass. I think that is lofty goal and not one that I really ever came close with. Is this iteration of myself better at "all the things"? Well maybe. I'd like to hope so but honestly I guess we won't know until a bunch of things fall into place. And in order for that to happen, I gotta just keep on keeping on.
That brings me back to what @Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST asked me last year. Do I miss racing? I still don't know if the answer is any different than what I gave back then. I miss being able to race. I miss being able to drop the hammer at times. And as I get some wisp of form back, ounce by ounce, I like this feeling more. The WW ride last Tuesday with the climb up Liberty Corner, and the Iron Furnace 50k...I can see some form coming back. And as it comes back, it feels good. And as it feels better and better, I find myself leaning more and more towards thinking of race days. Is this because I want to race? Honestly, not that much. I know I won't podium this coming weekend. But the fitness begets the desire for more fitness. And a 4-5 hour endurance ride will spawn more fitness.
I digress.
The point I think I am trying to make, which is not even clear in my own head as I defragment all these disparate thoughts, is this. Fitness begets fitness, which sometimes begets podiums by the nature of the process. And while I am not in this to make podium pics, I do wonder if there is a natural progression that gets me there again one day. I don't know the answer to that line of thought. And frankly I don't think that if the answer is an emphatic NO, that would stop me right now. I am on a roll and feeling pretty good. And I know I should just be content with that. So for now, I will. But I also still wonder.
On that note, this weekend is about the beget-begetting thing. A few times yesterday @seanrunnette commented that I need to promise to drop him if I feel good and I refuse to. I need to be in this for the long haul and in order to do that, pacing is important. That goes for pacing in a race, on a group ride, in life - all the things. And this Saturday is about getting a good, solid 4-5 hour ride in the lay that foundation deeper and deeper. At some point, this is going to turn into some Zwift race efforts, or maybe even some intervals out in the big bad outdoors. And that's what I want to use to roll into cross season.
Enough of that, some random notes on this fine Tuesday:
* I think if I can do the Stewart loop in 40 minutes, just one loop in 40, it's a fair distance. I don't know when I'll get back up there but I do want to hit it pretty hard before we set that in stone. I do agree that I think this course allows us to pull off the 8.8, especially since this takes out the 2 hardest climbs we would have seen in the 45 loop. It's really a fast & fun-as-hell loop. Gonna try to throw some videos together on this. Maybe create some HOOPLA around the race.
* Actually, we should all try to use the word "actually" less.
* Tonight we did the MAFW ride near D's work. I rode to it, so in all I got just under 40 miles. I'm moving into that realm where I could probably do 40-50 a day without an issue which is a good place to be. I had intended to just sit in this ride to pile up some miles tonight. But I did race to the top of 1 hill going into Whitehouse. And I did pull the whole way from Black River Road to RVCC which was a pretty big haul. I often take big pulls on these rides because I get a better workout that way. I am not sure how everyone feels about that but nobody complains so I just do my thing.
* Literally, we should also dial back the use of "literally" as well.
* I'd like to move into a mix of ~1 hour rides and 3-ish hour rides. Not quite there yet but I am moving away from the straight-2 Zwift approach I had over the winter. The shorter rides would be harder, and longer would be for the base. Nothing ever goes as planned but it's a loose concept. With that in mind, Thursday & Friday will be 1 hour ballpark, then Saturday will be a big ride. Tomorrow we'll see what the day brings.
* And we are in - Sean, your move!
Podiums
I had this thought yesterday and it's been a sort of wandering thing in my head over the last 24 hours. Can I get myself back onto a podium ever again? I don't mean a sandbagging/backdoor deal. I mean a podium in, say 45+ endurance, or cat 1 mtb 45+, or cross 45+. Is that attainable for me in any future reality? I think I am pretty motivated right now while still being able to maintain this balance thing. So that's good. I also should note that those of you who are quick on the trigger to say that yes I should be able to, let me point out that I never got a podium in an endurance race, or a cat 1 40+ race, or a MASS 35+ or 45+ race. I did stand on the podium of some NJ 40+ 1/2/3 races, so that would be the only "return" I would have. Otherwise, it would be a place I have never been.
Now, I know this doesn't matter. And I also know that in a sense, what is the importance of a podium? Those are philosophical conversations we can have over a cup of coffee one day. Let's just assume that this is a binary conversation: on podium, or off podium. Is it realistic to be Binary On?
I don't think it's realistic this year. Let's get that out of the way first. I do, however, think that 2019 is a possibility. I would like to be able to hit all those options, with the exception of 45+ Mass. I think that is lofty goal and not one that I really ever came close with. Is this iteration of myself better at "all the things"? Well maybe. I'd like to hope so but honestly I guess we won't know until a bunch of things fall into place. And in order for that to happen, I gotta just keep on keeping on.
That brings me back to what @Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST asked me last year. Do I miss racing? I still don't know if the answer is any different than what I gave back then. I miss being able to race. I miss being able to drop the hammer at times. And as I get some wisp of form back, ounce by ounce, I like this feeling more. The WW ride last Tuesday with the climb up Liberty Corner, and the Iron Furnace 50k...I can see some form coming back. And as it comes back, it feels good. And as it feels better and better, I find myself leaning more and more towards thinking of race days. Is this because I want to race? Honestly, not that much. I know I won't podium this coming weekend. But the fitness begets the desire for more fitness. And a 4-5 hour endurance ride will spawn more fitness.
I digress.
The point I think I am trying to make, which is not even clear in my own head as I defragment all these disparate thoughts, is this. Fitness begets fitness, which sometimes begets podiums by the nature of the process. And while I am not in this to make podium pics, I do wonder if there is a natural progression that gets me there again one day. I don't know the answer to that line of thought. And frankly I don't think that if the answer is an emphatic NO, that would stop me right now. I am on a roll and feeling pretty good. And I know I should just be content with that. So for now, I will. But I also still wonder.
On that note, this weekend is about the beget-begetting thing. A few times yesterday @seanrunnette commented that I need to promise to drop him if I feel good and I refuse to. I need to be in this for the long haul and in order to do that, pacing is important. That goes for pacing in a race, on a group ride, in life - all the things. And this Saturday is about getting a good, solid 4-5 hour ride in the lay that foundation deeper and deeper. At some point, this is going to turn into some Zwift race efforts, or maybe even some intervals out in the big bad outdoors. And that's what I want to use to roll into cross season.
Enough of that, some random notes on this fine Tuesday:
* I think if I can do the Stewart loop in 40 minutes, just one loop in 40, it's a fair distance. I don't know when I'll get back up there but I do want to hit it pretty hard before we set that in stone. I do agree that I think this course allows us to pull off the 8.8, especially since this takes out the 2 hardest climbs we would have seen in the 45 loop. It's really a fast & fun-as-hell loop. Gonna try to throw some videos together on this. Maybe create some HOOPLA around the race.
* Actually, we should all try to use the word "actually" less.
* Tonight we did the MAFW ride near D's work. I rode to it, so in all I got just under 40 miles. I'm moving into that realm where I could probably do 40-50 a day without an issue which is a good place to be. I had intended to just sit in this ride to pile up some miles tonight. But I did race to the top of 1 hill going into Whitehouse. And I did pull the whole way from Black River Road to RVCC which was a pretty big haul. I often take big pulls on these rides because I get a better workout that way. I am not sure how everyone feels about that but nobody complains so I just do my thing.
* Literally, we should also dial back the use of "literally" as well.
* I'd like to move into a mix of ~1 hour rides and 3-ish hour rides. Not quite there yet but I am moving away from the straight-2 Zwift approach I had over the winter. The shorter rides would be harder, and longer would be for the base. Nothing ever goes as planned but it's a loose concept. With that in mind, Thursday & Friday will be 1 hour ballpark, then Saturday will be a big ride. Tomorrow we'll see what the day brings.
* And we are in - Sean, your move!
StayHydrated
Swedish Chef
The stewart loop seems long on paper, but its very fast/fun and there is no misery in it....Like I dont think there is any spot on the loop that I would refer to as a "climb"
Im certain you can do whatever it is that im doing. You can ride as fast as me on most things we would run into on an XC course and you know exactly what I do for training. I think if you did what you have me do, consistently and you got back to your old weight, we would be battling. But in the words of John Goodman from Revenge of the Nerds...
"Gentleman...YOU HAVE GOT TO WANT IT!"
Im certain you can do whatever it is that im doing. You can ride as fast as me on most things we would run into on an XC course and you know exactly what I do for training. I think if you did what you have me do, consistently and you got back to your old weight, we would be battling. But in the words of John Goodman from Revenge of the Nerds...
"Gentleman...YOU HAVE GOT TO WANT IT!"
@huffster - fixed. It's a temp version, not my favorite.
@seanrunnette - right on, we'll discuss tomorrow for the world to hear!
@pearl - well since I actually own 3 podiums, it's easier than you think.
***
Today I went for a ride right after my calls ended around 1:00. I had a solid 2 hour window so I set out to grind out a solid 2 hour ride and try to stick a 20 mph average for as long as I could. Plan was to bang this out, go easy for 2 days, and then go into race day Saturday ready to pile up some big saddle time.
Everything went pretty well for an hour and 40 minutes. The 20 mph average was gone by then, but I was still sitting around 19.5. And then...it ended abruptly. The ride finished just under 2 hours but in that 17 minutes back to the house, my average dropped from 19.5 to 18 or so. The legs were done, the bike felt like it was in mud, every direction was into the wind. If I had a "get out of jail free" card, I would have used it.
The wall, it was hit. It happens. Stumble back to the house, grab a shower & some food/drink, and go about your day.
***
Rest of the day has been kid & work stuff. Picked up the older clowns, went to see @jimvreeland to grab a bike he was doing work on, back to get the younger clown, to the house real quick, then Zac off to soccer practice and back home. D came home with some groceries and we got dinner ready. Kids did their homework and showers and whatnot. Worked a little in between to make up for the hole I dug myself by riding in the afternoon. And here we are watching Death in Paradise and I am posting BikeReg info and putting up a quick blog.
Tight on time, gotta work more tonight to close some gaps and afford the trip north tomorrow.
This morning I made oatmeal with the frozen fruit we get at Costco. It looks like the gruel that Willy Wonka feeds his slaves.
@seanrunnette - right on, we'll discuss tomorrow for the world to hear!
@pearl - well since I actually own 3 podiums, it's easier than you think.
***
Today I went for a ride right after my calls ended around 1:00. I had a solid 2 hour window so I set out to grind out a solid 2 hour ride and try to stick a 20 mph average for as long as I could. Plan was to bang this out, go easy for 2 days, and then go into race day Saturday ready to pile up some big saddle time.
Everything went pretty well for an hour and 40 minutes. The 20 mph average was gone by then, but I was still sitting around 19.5. And then...it ended abruptly. The ride finished just under 2 hours but in that 17 minutes back to the house, my average dropped from 19.5 to 18 or so. The legs were done, the bike felt like it was in mud, every direction was into the wind. If I had a "get out of jail free" card, I would have used it.
The wall, it was hit. It happens. Stumble back to the house, grab a shower & some food/drink, and go about your day.
***
Rest of the day has been kid & work stuff. Picked up the older clowns, went to see @jimvreeland to grab a bike he was doing work on, back to get the younger clown, to the house real quick, then Zac off to soccer practice and back home. D came home with some groceries and we got dinner ready. Kids did their homework and showers and whatnot. Worked a little in between to make up for the hole I dug myself by riding in the afternoon. And here we are watching Death in Paradise and I am posting BikeReg info and putting up a quick blog.
Tight on time, gotta work more tonight to close some gaps and afford the trip north tomorrow.
This morning I made oatmeal with the frozen fruit we get at Costco. It looks like the gruel that Willy Wonka feeds his slaves.
I’m laying in bed and was gonna skip the blog tonight. But I’m laying here thinking, why not put up a phone blog post? I’m not tired enough to sleep yet. But be warned, phone blog means no editing.
And bullet points.
* Woke up before 6 and worked an hour before the family woke up
* After dropping the kids off at school I drove to see @seanrunnette
* We drank espresso
* We made a podcast which was probably moderately good
* Then I had more espresso
* Oh wait I went to Starbucks for an hour to work in Denville before Sean’s
* Then I drove home and called @Dominique
* Then I worked for a few hours. After yesterday I decided that I needed a rest day. It’s good to not go nuts 2 days before a race
* Picked up the kids and went to see @jimvreeland for another bike
* Home to address a nuclear work situation. I basically broke and threw the PM under the bus by pointing out that I am scheduled on paper at 90-100 hours per week
* Saw @Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST when he came by
* dinner then more work
* Brought the kids to volleyball and worked in the school parking lot
* went home and said fuck work
* ate a little ice cream
* tried to relax a bit
I feel fairly rested. Taking the day off the bike was good.
Random picture of the ceiling fan. Because pictures.
And bullet points.
* Woke up before 6 and worked an hour before the family woke up
* After dropping the kids off at school I drove to see @seanrunnette
* We drank espresso
* We made a podcast which was probably moderately good
* Then I had more espresso
* Oh wait I went to Starbucks for an hour to work in Denville before Sean’s
* Then I drove home and called @Dominique
* Then I worked for a few hours. After yesterday I decided that I needed a rest day. It’s good to not go nuts 2 days before a race
* Picked up the kids and went to see @jimvreeland for another bike
* Home to address a nuclear work situation. I basically broke and threw the PM under the bus by pointing out that I am scheduled on paper at 90-100 hours per week
* Saw @Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST when he came by
* dinner then more work
* Brought the kids to volleyball and worked in the school parking lot
* went home and said fuck work
* ate a little ice cream
* tried to relax a bit
I feel fairly rested. Taking the day off the bike was good.
Random picture of the ceiling fan. Because pictures.