What is BikePacking? From BikePacking.US

This is what I plan to do.  From running to road cycling and bicycle touring.  This video explains what bicycle touring is.  I have my bicycle and fenders are being installed.  Soon it will have its rear racks and panniers.  I can't wait.

See you on the road.

My Longest Ride to Date Outside

This morning I woke up tired.  I was just dead to the world.  My wife, Pamela had gotten up, got the kids together, and picked up her sister from the airport and went to breakfast while leaving me alone.  I took that as the time to finally roll out of bed, toss on a few layers of clothes and hit the road for a ride on my Caad 8.

I checked the temperature n my ph which displayed 39 degrees.  I selected a tight fitting base layer that had some insulation, followed by a half zip under armour jacket followed by a short sleeve cycling jersey which I used to keep a face mask in case the temp dropped any lower while riding. a bright yellow windbreaker/rain garment was the last item to cover my upper body.  The lower back zipper pocket held my wallet and a spare set of keys.  I wore running gloves on my hands and a NY Mets ear warmer beneath my cycling helmet.  I was (in the words of Larry David) "pretty, pretty, pretty," warm.

Well, I rode out of Radisson and headed into the village of Baldwinsville and down Budweiser Highway to Route 370 and made my way to Onondaga Lake Park.  I love riding in the park because its simple, one yo arrive.  There are no cars; the pavement is smooth.  The only things to lookout for are leashes and dogs.  The walkers (not the walking dead kind) don't realize that allowing their pets to roam on a fully extended leash wrecks havoc on us cyclists who are not always expecting a cord extending across the path.  I smoothly rode from the dog park passed the boathouse to the Wegmans playground and started my journey into the village of Liverpool across Tulip and up Morgan Rd when my left big toe started to get cold.

When wearing cycling shoes, you cannot move your toes very well.  Keeping your feet warm must come from extra insulation or cover.  I wiggled my toes as much as I could, but it did nothing to generate the required circulation to make my little piggies warm or, at least, warmer.  I knew by the time this ride ended, I would be driving to the bike shop for a few items.  The priority would be some shoe cover to keep my tootsies from freezing.  I also bought a cap to wear under my helmet to keep my head and ears warm, and a chain cleaner to remove the gunk and extend its life as I increase my riding in the cooler weather.

Bottom line, I rode 28.25 miles this morning.  Burned 1,382 calories.  Bought some new gear.  All in all its was a great day.  I look forward to my first winter riding as weather permits.  Next Friday I will be picking up my Surly LHT for bike touring.  I am very excited and I will take picks and write a tale or two about my Surly as I start adding touring components.  Until then, I will see you on the road.

From Running To Cycling

I have not run in over a month.  My body just aches way too much after a run, especially the morning after a run.  The only thing I needed to figure out was how to lose and maintain weight while cycling since I have always had trouble keeping weight off whenever I tried transitioning to the bike.

This latest transition began while meandering around Barnes and Noble.  I looked at novels and classic literature (which I always love to read) and found myself on the sports isle seeing what may catch my eye.  Boom, there it was a book on cycling... Bike Your Butt Off.  I grabbed it and started to read the first few pages; it was very simple to read. It made sense. The price was right. I bought it.

It is definitely a beginners guide. Although I am not new to biking, it was nice to know that there are cyclists who know less than you.  The book talked about cycling shorts with the butt padding. I learned I was still a newbie in this area because I wore them like a newbie, with underwear.  Now I know that no underwear is best for cycling in these tight fitting shorts and has made my riding significantly more comfortable.

The book reviewed basic riding skills. Warm ups, exercises, braking, and maneuvering (turning, avoiding cars, and anticipating slowing down and how to stop quickly if necessary).

The most important items Bike Your Butt Off led me to is an app called My Fitness Pal and a heart rate monitor.  I do not believe that an inanimate objects can provide motivation. The objects don't generate action. The action must come from you, on the inside to get up and move.  However, with that being said, if it weren't for My Fitness Pal and the Polar heart rate monitor, I would have had no idea how to lose weight while cycling.

I set up my profile and created a goal weight in My Fitness Pal (I wanted to lose at least ten pounds) and followed the daily calorie count I should eat each day.  The heart rate monitor allowed me to rude and know his many calories I burned after each ride.  Those calories I burned cycling could then be added in so I could eat a little mire. I lost ten pounds in four weeks and two more a week later after reaching my goal.  So 12 pounds. I am sold. Knowing what you can eat and how much your activity burns is crucial.

I am not perfect. I slip often, especially since I hit  beyond my goal weight.  But that is ok. If you don't eat the fun food (for me that is ice cream and chocolate chips ahoy) you go nuts.  I have returned to wearing my rough style khakis and my favorite pair of jeans.  I am a happy camper.  The new suits I purchased for my son's wedding in China are loose.  Ahh, comfortable at last.  The time has come to hit the weights and build some muscle.

This blog is still about running around Syracuse, but running on a bicycle.  I enjoy riding my bike.  On nice days I hop on my Caad 8 road bike, and on cold rainy days, I spin while watching television. Unfortunately, the spin bike is broke.  The computer went bad and is awaiting a replacement.  Soo, I will be ready for winter riding indoors.

My next post will be about cycling and my research on bike touring which I hope to begin doing in the spring.  Until then, I will see you on the road.

The Road Less Travelled

Wow, its been quite a while since my last post.  Life over the past few years has gotten in the way, as it does for many of us.  I have been finding time to run, but not as often nor as long as I had before.  As a matter of fact, I have only run in one race in the past two years, the Mountain Goat in 2014.  I trained three days a week, by running short (4 or 5 miles) twice a week and once long (6+).  I pre ran the Mountain Goat course twice to find a comfortable pace.  I needed to know that I could finish without being in pain, which leads me to this post.

I have decided to reduce my running even more.  Although I was able to complete the Mountain Goat race feeling well, the pain of running is becoming unbearable for me to run without several days in between each run, no matter how short or slow I run.

I ran two days while in Myrtle Beach.  It was an awesome feeling running barefoot along the ocean for 4 or 5 miles.  The sun was warm. The sand was cool under my feet as the waves rolled in then out and provided the necessary splash to cool my body.  I walked on the two days I didn't run.  Unfortunately, I cannot run the beach in Syracuse, NY; there isn't a beach worthy of running.  The forgiveness of the sand allowed my body, my knees and back, to feel less of an impact although my feet took a slight beating from the packed sand.  I developed a blister on two of my toes.

I will run.  I will always run.  However, my primary workouts will be cycling.  I can ride a road bike 5 or 6 days every week and feel significantly less pain in my muscles and joints.  The only drawback to cycling is that I must go further and use more of my time, and time is in short supply these days.  I shall do my best.

I purchased better cycling shoes and a supply bag to carry some CO2 cartridges and a spare tube with a few tools I may need on the road if something happens... Oh yeah, something did happen.  The reason why I had to get those items and why I never really cycled more in the past.  After planning my ride, I left the driveway and started for OLP; I really wanted to get some miles in and check out the new trail.  My trip was short, thank goodness.  My tire blew out a mile and a half in.  I ended up walking home in my socks because you cannot walk in cycling shoes.  I did run the last half mile when I finally hit smooth pavement (no rocks or stones on the street).  It really sucked, but it is a story for the ages and a lesson learned.  Be prepared and choose your roads more wisely, straight, smooth roads make for an enjoyable, safe ride.

Yesterday's ride was perfect.  I drove to the OLP and rode 16.5 miles.  I rode each side of the lake.  The new trial is beautiful. Its shady, its close to the lake. Its straight, but not flat.  The trail rises as you ride closer to the Fairgrounds.  The views from the several rest ares along the trail are spectacular.  The lake and the city are breathtaking.  However, while riding you must be aware of the others who are on the trail.  There are many walkers (not zombies), runners, and children on bicycles.  Its necessary to watch your speed, especially riding around a curve in the trail when your cannot see what may be in front of you.  Its very important to tel the walkers and runners, and the small children< that you are approaching.  Tell them, "I'm on your right." or "I'm on your left."  It will make for a safer ride for all who want to take advantage of this new trail.

One more annoying thing about cycling the OLP, you must walk your bike over the one lane bridge.  I found this annoying.  Getting off the bike stops my groove and forces me to walk, which as I said earlier, walking in cycling shoes is not a good idea.  I rode over the first time since no one else was on the bridge, and I walked over the second time because there were several people walking over in the opposite direction and the fit would have been to tight.

So, run bike or walk.  Have fun out there.  Get some exercise and eat well to be well.  And maybe, just maybe, I will see you on the road.  

Running in the Snow

Today was the day of the "snow storm" of the season.  A powerful noreaster came into the NE and dropped tons of snow on the greater Syracuse area.  As such, I had to get out and run.  After all, I still had 5 pounds to lose after gaining ten plus el bees on our cruise to the southern caribbean.  I was almost to goal and the Atkins diet is killing me because I want to eat.  I have to increase my daily and weekly mileage, no matter how much it may hurt.

Today I dressed appropriately after running in the cold earlier in the week.  I added one more layer.  I finally was comfortable. The only draw back of today's run was the gloves and the lack of facial protection from the snow.  Normally I would wear a running cap and tip my head slightly forward to keep the snow from pelting my face; lake effect snow does hurt sometimes, especially in high winds.   I was warm; that's all that mattered.

I ran six miles along three miles of relatively flat roads.  Typically the three mile point is my halfway mark, but to keep it flat and safe from traffic, I turned around and doubled back along Glacier Ridge Road to accomplish the total six miles.

I love running in the snow.  Its always quiet except for the crackling of the snow beneath you feet or the kicking of slush from underneath you sneakers or the "sloshing" sound of stepping into a slushy puddle along a highly traveled road.  These quiet runs give you time to think or dream.  I did a lot of dreaming as I reached mile 5.  I don't even remember crossing the street to stay on the left side of the road.  Once I came back to reality I was almost home.  What peace!  Yet, maybe a bit too peaceful.  I was lucky I didn't get hit by a car while I crossed that street.  The dream was worth it. It made me happy to dream a "good" dream since most of my bedtime dreams are scary, violent and quite vivid.  A running dream is always uplifting, positive.

My thoughts always run wild.  Running thoughts, unlike running dreams, are about routine of life: completing errands, ideas of what to do on the weekend, friendships, and family life.  My thoughts took me to all those places.  I thought about reaching my weight goal and whether or not to weigh in after the run to check on my progress; I did, and I am two pounds closer to my goal.  I have hopes of achieving that weight loss goal by Wednesday.  Oh, to be at that weight again.  I will hit the weights again and rebuild my strength which i feel like I've lost in my arms and chest.  Only then will I feel good about myself one more time.  To feel comfortable in my jeans and in my dress shirts will be pure bliss.  Being able to save money on the need to buy larger waist suits is gratifying.

For getting a step closer to my fighting weight, Pamela and I went out for dinner and grabbed a couple of things to improve our workouts.  For me, it was some new winter running gloves with wicking capability and touch screen fingers and a bellacava to protect my face from the cold and pelting snow. I can't wait to do two things tomorrow when the snow finally stops, snow blow the driveway and to go for another post snow run (short, possibly three miles).  Each task will allow me the opportunity to use the new winter items.  Wow, doesn't that sound exciting.

See you on the road.

Boilermaker 2012 and Gunga Din

Veni, vedi, veci...  I came to Utica, I saw Utica, and I conquered Utica, I think.

The Boilermaker is over.  I finished the race among the thousands who finished.  However, Dr. Barry finally beat me.  He ran the course a minute and a half faster than I. 

This morning was a tough run for all runners because of the high level of humidity which I believed to be the worst among the 4 Boilermakers I have run.  I was sweating like a hot hog waiting for the boss to add water to my sty.  The overcast had to have a hand in keeping the humidity level up while the sun burned through the clouds by the time I made it through Valley View Golf Course.  Then the sun did its usual job...

This was also the largest crowd of runners I remember battling with runners all the way to Burrstone Road.  The herky-jerky, stop and go running hurts. Being injured, as usual, before the race even started.  I completed my last long run the week prior to the Boilermaker, and followed that run up by extreme muscle tension in my neck which forced me out of work for two days and still offers me moments of striking pain.  I was quite concerned that I may not be in shape to run.  Thank God for 800 Motrin and Skelaxin.  These pills got me through the week and became a pre-race cocktail the morning of the Boilermaker.

Now with all that being said, I love the Boilermaker, its the best.  Large crowds of spectators, thousands of runners, and hundreds of (annoying) walkers, who wouldn't love this race.  Its is better and more fun than the San Diego RnR Marathon and the Disney Marathon.  Its better than the Mountain Goat (sorry Syracuse, Utica has the best runs).  The Boilermaker also has the best post race party, beer, and snack selection.  The volunteers are fantastic.  Without them there is no way the Boilermaker could ever be a success story.  However, there are problems.  I have to mention three that truly annoy me, and  hope the Boilermaker organizers can make a few improvements.

The first problem is the number of runners.  Although I consider the large number of runners as a strength, there must be a limit; otherwise, its a drawback to a fine race.  Each year I have run this fabulous race, the number of runners always increase year over year.  I registered early to make sure I got in, but it didn't matter.   The pool of runners expanded by a thousand, give or take a couple 100.  That means there either will be too much congestion at the start, at the Valley View Golf Course, and/or too many runners for the water stops that line both sides of the running route.  Too many runners can ruin the most popular 15K in the nation.  Please reduce the cutoff!  Ten thousand runners plus a couple hundred "elites" are perfect.

The second problem are the number of water stops.  Yup, its hot, and runners need water, ice, and electrolyte refreshments, but is it necessary to have a water stop every mile, on both sides of the road, and in the most narrow parts of the course?  No way!  Its insane.  I collided with a runner who decided to stop after getting water and turned around for to fetch a second cup.  That's simply ridiculous.  I cursed and glared at the guy who ruined a comfortable stride. Too many water stops tcan truly be painful.  The stop and go pace increased the pain in my left leg which has lingered since Disney 2010. Moreover, the inconsistent pace caused my right side to flare up. 

Disney, funny that marathon comes to mind for causing some everlasting injuries, was another race that had horrible water stop placements which caused similar congestion throughout the course. What made Disney 2010 worse was the cold.  Temperatures didn't rise above twenty-five degrees.  Water stops were not only congested, but were covered in black ice creating slippery, leg breaking possibilities.   The Boilermaker did not have black ice.  No, it had too many cups on the road causing many runners to slip as if they were running on ice.  So, too many water stops, in summary, create unnecessary congestion and leg breaking waste hazards.

The third problem, and most annoying to me, occurs at the finish line-- zero water, only lapel pins.  If you're not a runner, imagine running nine point three miles in high humidity, and ninety degree heat hoping to finish the run with a smile while  gulping down an icy cold bottle of water (Powerade would be better), but instead your pushed along by the unfriendly words of "Keep Moving" (reminiscent of the Japanese Death March) and handed a pin. No refreshment awaits you until you complete the trek to Varrick Street.  You would think that Gunga Din would be standing at the finish line pouring cold water into your parched mouth rather than a volunteer handing you a pin and telling you to "keep moving."  The pin can wait.  That's truly annoying.  No other race makes runners wait so long to get water.  None!  Most of the races a sports drink like Powerade, or at least give you a bottle of cold water.  Not the Boilermaker.  Its water only.  But first take the pin then go crawl and find the water.

In the words of the great philosopher Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

My after race ritual was the same as usual:  a beer at the post race party followed by a quick bite at McDonald's.  However, my wife asked me to take her to an Italian Bakery too.  I directed her to drive up Bleeker St to pick up a variety of cookies for the ride home from Florentine's.  Wow, what a bakery.  The cookies "are real and they are spectacular."  Florentine's is well worth the stop.  It shall be our new post Boilermaker tradition.

Until next year,  I'll see you on the road.

An Equipment Check

This morning's run was about my new semi-minimalist Nike's.  I love 'em.  I have always wanted a pair of these new light and airy shoes after I ran barefoot on my treadmill a year ago.  That treadmill run was pain free and comfortable although I did acquire a blister on my toe from the rough tread.  No big deal though.

I ran again with out sneakers while in NC.  I ran along the ocean's edge dodging the ringlets of water that repeatedly washed up onto the well packed sand as the tide rolled in.  It too was cool, but I needed to wear sneaker's I decided by the end of that beach run; there are too many shells, sharp pieces of wood, and stones beneath the sand.  I found myself dizzy from looking straight down at the ground hoping to spot a protruding, sharp annoyance.  No fun.  Yet the free feeling of not having shoes felt awesome.

So, I made the plunge and purchased some light, semi minimalist sneaks.  The most challenging and time consuming part of getting these shoes was finding the color I wanted.  I am not a fan of black, nor solid bright colors, nor do I like running shoes with, what I consider feminine, purple lace holes.  I may have been a little too direct with the salesman on these counts.  Kids today are way too sensitive.  If you want to sell me a pair of running shoes, please drop the pc attitude; its not necessary, HR is "not in the house".

I ran well this morning.  No pain at all...

Well, somewhere around mile 6, I felt some discomfort near the side of my foot below the toe.  I feared the dreaded blister being born.  It may have been that the laces were not tied snug to prevent my foot from moving toward the side of the shoe or it could have been the insert beneath my foot was cut poorly at the factory causing a "short edge" feeling.

I did not have a blister.  My joints were fine.  The sneakers, I believe, were a success.  I will run in them again before the Boilermaker this weekend and determine what I think the issue is, a short edged insert in my right sneaker.

So, I apologize for boring Richard, the fellow I ran with on Saturday morning for boring him with my shoe review as we ran our eight miles from Ophaelia's to the zero marker to the OLP's end and back.  It was a necessary evil. Yet, his Nike GPS, which we also reviewed, had us running 8.7 miles.  No chance.  He said this first edition attempt by Nike to create a GPS system has had set backs, namely it loses its signal often and reverts to the sensor system which ruins any potential accuracy.

Maybe that should be our next run, a product test run.  Let's review what works and doesn't work.  Shoes, laces, wrist bands, GPS, compression items, or whatever.  Having knowledge is always a good thing.  Saving money for something that works is better.

See you on the road.