The Cookie Story

 The mid-winter drought

Continues unabated

Here in Topanga.

When I was a teacher I’d bring a small snack, like a Nilla Wafer or cracker…to give to the kids after recess.

 After weeks of doing this I’d stop one day to see their reaction. I was certain that I’d get at least a few kids wondering why and expressing a little disappointment.

 I’d tell them that there are basically two types of people in the world. Those that would express disappointment at not receiving a daily treat they were given for no reason outside of just being alive, or those that expressed gratitude for all the days they received a treat. What type of person do they see themselves as?

 Sadly, I often feel I fall into the former camp of both not being grateful and not expressing my gratitude.

Letter to a Competitor

 

Rhythms of breathes;

Long, slow, deep repetitive 

Intakes of healing.

It’s always interesting to discover what happens when you throw a few new kinks into a workout.

 It’s great to have a routine that allows for variation, though maintains a core basis from which to build off of. Throughout the years I’ve always tried to keep a speed, tempo and distance session in my training regimen. Over the years I’ve become a bit more relaxed about how structured those are and whether they need to be done on a weekly basis.

 Also being proud, stubborn, recognizing I’m not an elite athlete and also understanding the limits of my wallet I’ve managed to be a happily self-coached decent age grouper.

 So why not just get out there and find out what you’re made of or just how doing something different affects you once in a while? Keep it up.

 But if you are curious to push through and not just be healthy but try to be competitive as well, keep an eye on that scale, as well as whatever you’re using for strength indicators and keep those both moving in the right directions.

 As for the shoes…Unbelievable how expensive top of the line cycling equipment is. I used to ride Lake shoes, which I loved, but when I went to replace them I was shocked at the costs. I went with the best reviewed pair I could find at a decent price. And even at that my Shimanos were still very expensive.

 Running shoes are now skyrocketing in price as well. And where equipment choice used not to be that significant, the new high-end carbon plated shoes are registering improved objective results on both the feet of elites and age groupers alike.  So I’ll go in on that being the competitive bastard that I am.

 Long ago I had a mechanic that thought the problem with cycling shoes is that most of them didn’t allow for the cleat to be moved far enough back. He always recommended putting the cleats in that position to start and then adjust if needed. So it’s great that you feel that has improved your power and comfort.

 Running right now is my focus so I’m far less concerned about the structures of my rides except to make sure I use one of them once a week as an endurance replacement for a long run to keep from beating my legs up so much. So, like you, every now and then I’m going to consciously throw in a few (hill topper) sprints or pushes just for the fun of it AND to see how long I can hold you off.

 I’m not so sure we can avoid slowing down as we age. But by how much and how much that makes a difference in the feel of being out there is debatable.

 I often felt there was an ugly edge to competing when I was younger that I didn’t like about myself. Not to you guys, but I’ve always regretted the way I treated Mary as events neared. Fortunately, that seems to have dissipated with age as so many rough edges to teen-aged males do as we wise up.

 Long friendships like we have are to be cherished as they provide so much richness to the history of life.

 So I thank you as well.

 Talk to you soon. Stay healthy and have fun out there.

Long Term Distance Advice

 Visions are frosted

On the windowless fragments

Of winter’s pale light.

 Thursday, February 4, 2021

I think of myself as an athlete, particularly a long distance athlete. But am I and what does that mean?

 The reason I’m thinking about this now is as I was going down my usual Youtube rabbit hole of shoe revues, I clicked on a clip about marathon training. This guy was an ardent proponent of making sure to include a weekly long run if you’re going to train for a marathon. Just recently I decided to drop my weekly long run and substitute a bi-weekly long bike ride in its place. According to this guy that would mean reducing the effectiveness of my training and likely decreasing my race performance.

 For a day or so I considered how would I be able to work that long run back into my schedule without dropping the ride.

 Then it occurred to me that perhaps, although I do ultras, maybe I’m not an ultra athlete. By that I mean I’m not willing to sacrifice a bike ride or carefully managing my other workouts to ensure that they’re enhancing my running performance.

 I enjoy competing. I’m pretty good at it. But at this point I’m not willing to go all in on run training if that means giving up or greatly modifying the other types of activities I enjoy. Maybe at some point I will and do just what’s best for one particular type of race.

 
But I’m not a professional distance runner and I’m not sure I’d want to be one if I could (Well, that’s a tough one…). Still I’m doing well enough to where I’m enjoying myself and managing to stay fairly competitive. Maybe somewhere down the road that’ll change and it’ll be evident that I’m such a competitive bastard I’ll have to give up riding to keep up, or I’ll stop racing as much as I’d like. But for now I’m going to delude myself that all’s good with all the training I’m doing and it’s what’s best for my long term health and happiness.

The Moratorium

 

A spanking of hair

Graces the tops of their heads

As they stroll along.

 January 22, 2021

 Even before receiving the latest stimulus check, I have been doing my fair share to keep money circulating through the economy.

 Since going back to work after the shutdown, while not buying off the shelf newly minted top of the line major purchases, I have bought a used car and put together a bike out of a new frame and very nice gifted old parts. I’ve also indulged my shoe, clothing and gear lusts pretty much to my satisfaction, and I shop at Whole Foods weekly.

 But all that’s about to come to an end until at least my birthday in May (except the Whole Foods purchases – sorry T.Js, your produce just doesn’t cut it).

 My sister, who is still a practicing Catholic, gives something up for Lent every year. While I’m no longer a Catholic, I do believe there are all kinds of benefits to reigning in my purchases for an extended period of time. For me that time is between the end of January and May every year.

 Why that period?

 It seems ridiculous to stop buying right at the New Year when I’m just flush with Christmas unfulfilled wishes and a work bonus check. So I give myself all of January to mull my desires over.

 And why end at May?

 That’s my birthday month and it would be highly implausible that I’m not going to get myself a little something for that more and more precious occasion.

 Fortunately, there are only a few items I’m left lusting for at the moment, but none I would make use of before May. Eventually I’ll get a new sleeping quilt for some fast pack trips once the weather is better. As soon as it seems probable that races will actually physically take place, I’ll get the Saucony Endorphin Pros. And in a few weeks I’ll test drive the Solo, an all electric single seater that I put a deposit down on. But I’m hoping that purchasing decision will be put off for quite a while as I took a big hit on the down payment on the new used car.

 
All things considered I am in a very fortunate situation and it’ll be interesting to see how much my savings will increase as I limit myself to only necessary purchases until I blow out the candles on my 63^rd birthday.

Soul to Sole

 

The dry desert winds

Continue their march seaward

Through the winter months.

 Thursday, January 14, 2021

 Never being a touchy-feely person, not shaking hands or hugging people, even attractive women, has alleviated a great deal of stress in my life as part of my job used to entail greeting and saying good-bye to our guests on a weekly basis.

 Therefore, early on in the pandemic when some late-night host discussed how the New York Health Dept. had released a guide detailing the safest sex positions for non-quarantining people, the idea had me rolling on the floor in laughter.

 But lately I’ve been thinking what would the safest way be for people to safely engage in cordial greetings?

 The answer: a twist on the old Eskimo nose rub.

 If a person absolutely must touch another person I suggest lying down flat on their backs so the soles of their feet are touching. This would allow for skin to skin contact with the maximal amount of distance between their oral cavities.

 
Admittedly, this will be awkward at first, but I’m sure bowing and curtsying were as well, and not nearly as obnoxious as high fives or fist bumps.

The Dealership

The new vehicle

Holds the bicycle and dog

And even the wife.

 Friday, January 8, 2021

 Yesterday was another opportunity to prove that I’ve matured and could deal with a car salesman by sticking to my guns and getting the deal I wanted or walking away.

 Well, not quite.

 Again I entered the arena and I would say came out on the losing end of a split decision.

 With our old car needing a new transmission I figured it was better to cut our losses and trade it in for a new used car.

 Our CR-Z was at Woodland Hills Honda. They had a 2018 Fit there listed for $14,588. I’ve had a Fit before and all the reviews of the later versions pretty much match what the Fit has always been; a competent car that has amazing interior storage capacity for its small exterior dimensions.

 It’s main selling points are it could hold our dog and a bike economically. And being a Honda with the added extended warranty will be a reliable method of commuter transportation for years to come.

 The deal; Take our old car off our hands for the payoff amount of $2417.22. Get me an interest rate under 3% with $7,000 down and we’ll drive away with the Fit.

 The dealer (round one); $500 for the old car. They’ll add the rest of the payoff into the Fit loan at 4%. Oh, and there’s a $1000 alarm system that’s installed that can’t be removed so will be included in the cost.

 At that point I should’ve walked. If that alarm couldn’t be removed it should’ve been included in the price. A sneaky dealer trick that should’ve had me out the door.

But we need a car and I like the Fit.

 Me; I won’t do a loan over 3% which I can get from my credit union.

 They agree.

 The final deal; Under 3% for 6 years with $500 for our CR-Z with $7000 down.

 
The dealer got me again. I’m going to study the tapes and train so that in what I hope will be one of my few remaining battles I can come out with the deal I promised I would make walking into the arena. 

Lord of the Rings

 

Lord of the Rings: January 1, 2021

 Wind, rain and earthquakes

Are working to shape the rock

We see around us.

 January 1, 2021

 Forget all that gobbledy gook about resolving to become a better person by treating others better, making a concerted effort to practicing  philosophical, religious or spiritual beliefs, spending more quality time with the family… Let’s get to the real important questions that resolutions are meant to answer – can I get more sexier in the New Year?

 Damned, at 62 I doubt it. But I’m going to give that old college try.

 How? Today begins my first day of gymnastic ring work. I know, a lot of people start off the New Year by targeting a new exercise program. But at least I’m somewhat different in that regard as I have a pretty good track record of sticking to long range exercise programs. Afterall, I’ve been  running and riding on a pretty consistent basis for a good 50 years.

 But as far as strength training goes, it’s been hit or miss for the most part, though lately I have been using the kettlebell and doing some standard body weight exercises on a consistent basis.

 And strength is the one area in my fitness portfolio that’s always been my biggest weakness. Not that I think I can be the Jack Lalanne I’ve always wanted to be, but I do believe consistent ring work can at least get me to a more svelte version of that fitness icon. Maybe like a senior Bruce Lee?

 It’s worth a shot even if it doesn’t bring my dreamed about results. At least my strength, balance, flexibility and agility are bound to improve. And at this stage of the game to improve physically is a pretty decent accomplishment.