It is on. Fred_G is getting into shape!

It is late, I am tired, but I have been thinking about this for a while. I am in decent shape, but I do no aerobic workouts. I just work and play. So now it is time to get me into shape. When I quit smoking almost 2 years ago, one of the things that really motivated me was the shame of having to post here and another site that I failed. I did not fail, and part of that was you folks.

I don't know if I have enough time to reach this goal, I will know in a month or so, so I will make 2 goals, one will be reached. By August of this year, my plan is to go from sedentary person, to riding in a Century, and completing it. Most likely the closest one is http://www.hh100.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=1

If I can't pull off a century, I will be able to ride 50 miles in one day by August. I will know more once I get a few more rides in. I have found a local group that rides a lot around here, they will also motivate me. We have organized a beginner night ride for Monday night! :-D

I get to use my new headlight! :-D I will most likely buy a bike 'computer' in the next week or so. Those list your speed, average speed, stuff like that.

So I will start posting what I do ride wise, with a lot more detail when I get the cycloputer. But I will need your help. If I start slacking, please post nasty messages, or send me PM's with the same! There a lot of times when it is windy, I decide not to ride, too cold... well, if it is too freaking cold, I won't ride, but summer is on it's way! If I start slacking off, put the flame on!

I consider many of you my 'friends' even though we have never met. We may disagree on many things, but that is ok. I ask for your help to keep me on task here.

100 freaking miles... I have done 40, 100 is not out of the realm of possibility.

My legs will hate all of you before this is done! But that is ok. Thanks. :major

 

This event looks really tough, but really, really exciting. I'm supposing it's called hotter n Hell for a reason? Cycling and football (proper football, with a spherical ball) used to be two passions of mine, but I fell by the wayside a while ago. Wish I had the determination you have to start up again.

I applaud your attitude, Fred, and wish you all the best for your future work outs.

 

As i sit here with my wheels i feel very jealous of you Fred.
I can only admire your determination and applaud your efforts to achieve fitness.
I used to be incredibly fit (ex Marine) and there is no better feeling when you reach a new plateau or improve on your last results.
Just go for it and as time goes by you will be more motivated by your successes..
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Leisures_and_Sports/bike-103.gif

 

No worries, if you start to slack I'll break out the whip and lawnmower.

Drill Instructor: You will give me one hundred miles if it kills you! *cracks whip*

 

With the support you will get here, you WILL make it.(OR ELSE)
Good luck.

 

Oh no, I may have created a monster by giving Fred the link to H & H! :eek :-D I wish you the best Fred G, as you're on a very tight training schedule for HH as it's really not far away. The thing that my friend said that was really important was one's nutrition and hydration before and during the race. If you don't have someone who hasn't been to HH, he'd be glad to help. He has a few threads up also, one about HH and pics from the other link I gave you.

Good luck man!

 

get off your *** fatty mcfatfat and go ridin'!!!

 

Keep on it, good for you May act as a catalyst for me aswell. All I need is a push :-o If I go back 20Yrs - A fair part of my life, revolved around fitness. It was a way of life period. Pumping 300 Pushups for a single set, or a 100 on any one hand was a breeze. Went on to Body Build and Power Lift.

And now :cry Please keep us posted on your progress. Just take it slow and easy, and allow time for muscle recuperation. It is so easy to over train - when on get on the wagon after a while.

Cheers...

 

I do yoga also, though I can't do it as I used to, though one thing I still do perfectly is the relaxation part. When I took classes way back when, I'd feel so light after that that I felt as if I was walking on clouds and perfectly happy.:cloud9

 

Yes - to Yoga too. My Sis trained for a few years, under well known Gurus. She is still regular with the discipline

 

I did something similar a couple of months ago, but as a result of my decision, The Guy and I are now seeing trainer at our gym twice a week. She pretends to be sweet and nice, but she is actually pure evil. Anyone who has ever done one-legged dead lifts will understand...

Fred, the first weeks are really the roughest ones. Once it becomes a habit, and your body gets so used to working out regularly that you can't sleep if you don't, then the getting out the door part will get easier. And if it doesn't, I'll come over there with some of my weights and hit you with them until you get your lazy *** out the door!

 

Good for your Fred! You are going to ache in places you never knew you had as you work through your regime, but it will be a good kind of aching; not the kind that comes from sitting in and eating far too much Chrstmas dinner (yes - we all know that one!).

And permission too for the tough love! Oh boy, I'm thoroughly going to enjoy working this one with you :-D

Seriously though, I know where you are at. I'm relatively in good shape - go hunting and fishing and been in a gym for several years now almost daily with resistance training and aerobic exercise, but I haven't run in over 20 years. I felt compelled back in November to start again. Our organization does a 10k race each year to raise money to support our limited income customers who cannot meet their utility bill payments, and I wanted to be a part of that. It hurt my hip and knee joints like crazy the first few weeks, but I pushed through it. I was just getting comfortable with 5k when shin splints hit big time. Been struggling with them now for a couple of months, and have just had to return to elipitcal training only to give them a rest from direct impact. But I think once I'm through this I'm still on target for a November 10k. My point is you are going to have some setbacks along the way. Some you need to push through and some you need to rest from. Be sensible and use good judgement.

I admire your positive stubborness - it is what is going to make you (and me) successful in our endeavors

 

:-D I knew I could count on you folks! Thanks.

I have been thinking about the HHH, may try to find a smaller Century ride closer to home. The HHH looks like too many people! I think they have one in a nearby city (ironically 100 miles away). Will find on though.

I did find some nice hilly roads to ride nearby. And there are several small offroad trails that are ridable now or soon. Amazing for such a flat state to have such nice trails!

 

Even if you don't get to compete, the fresh air and excercise outdoors can't help but be good for you.Now if only I would practice what I preach.

 

Good Luck to you E, lots of fluids and protein, check your health food store.

Slack and we'll hunt down Belinda through Laura.
http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/9.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/exercising/12.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/exercising/13.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/puking/2.gif

 

Whey Protein powder is the best it's good pre- and post workout. Sometimes I mix in a spoonful of creatine which helps with energy pre workout and helps to prevent soreness as well as expand muscles which will give them room to grow

Also if you plan on sticking with a strenuous routine picking up a bottle of multi-vitamins certainly wouldn't hurt. :major

 

One more thing Fred is to get a case of "Ben Gay" for the muscles you will find screaming out for help after the rides.Also a bottle of your favorite wine will be good as an after event treat.

 

Darlene, those Smilies are horrifying at first glance. The sneakers look like bloody heels...

 

Good luck Fred!! However, we all know what the real reason for getting back into shape is, don't we? Could it possibly have anything to do with the forthcoming invasion of Canada, hummmmh?:-D You realize now that the Magic Jack isn't going to work, so you'll have to physically take control:confused

 

Ok, the Magic Jack works fine for outgoing calls. When I take over Canada, we will covertly take over the MJ folks and torture them on Pay Per View. And if I am the supreme ruler of Canada, I will most likely have a phone service provided. Labbat's or Moosehead Phone service...

And NO, Fred is not sneaking up north through the mountains... That is not Fred, it is a Mounty. On official bidness'!

 

Fred, I have one request! Could you possibly put off your planned conquest of Canada until after June? You see, my wife, son and I are going to Niagara Falls around June 14th and NOTHING would ruin a vacation more than becoming POWs!! We want to visit the Canadian side!!:-D

 

Your request was considered. And is granted. I suspect my overthrow of the Candian government will take place much later. But if it did happen, you would be OK, I don't ban folks like the Canadian's do. :-D

And that is meant to be sarcastic to you Canadians. All in good fun my future citizens!

 

to the Canadians out there
Thats probably that Spicy Jambalaya Cajun food talking there.:wave:yum

 

Nah, not a big Cajun food eater myself. Tacos the last couple of nights. And some beer, gotta get my carbs!

abz1nthe: I tried multi vitamins for a while, but the dang things are too big. I choke on them!

obnoxious: I ride smart, rarely will I have a whole lot of pain. I slowly increase the pace and distance, so stiffness and some soreness, sure, but not hurtlocker pain (unless I crash!)

I posted my original post on another computer site I go to. They had a very good idea. I could get a bike 'puter, and update my stats kinda like the folding stats. Then they could congradulate me or mock me depending on how I did. Evil people over at that site! I found a killer Garwin with GPS, heartrate monitor, and you can upload your ride to the net! But it is $400 :cry It is SWEET! http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/17...-Computers/Heart-Rate/Garmin-Edge-605-GPS.htm

Anyone need a good deal on some used PCIE video cards? :-D

 

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14...-Rate/Garmin-Edge-305-GPS_Heart-Rate-Unit.htm

This one looks good and is a little cheaper. Seems the 605 model does not come with a lot of the accessories. I don't really need GPS with it, but the wireless speed part is very nice,

 

Trippy... Me like, me want...

 

I love new toys. I want it! I really should not get it right now. But I really want it.:-D Will have to ponder it for a while. Will most likely get one for around $100 and just keep track of the distance, heartrate, average speed and stuff myself.

 

Hmmmmmmnnnn. Whatever happened to the old speedos that just had a speedometer (with a pointer and numbers around the circumference) and odometer on it? We are hurtling at breakneck speed towards invention melt down. Just shows how long it's been since I took cycling seriously. BUT the seed has been planted to resume cycling. Fortunately, I live in a town in the north of England, right on the coast, with rolling hills and countryside only a mile and a half from where I am. I should get out and see it more. Thanks, Fred, you rock.

 

Stupid me mailed Indian distributor, for quote and availability.
Me have no bike!! So now - me look for bike :cry
If me drop all this moolah - all your fault E
Please not to post trippy thingy linkys :-D

Cheers...

 

Lance Armstrong just had his, rather one of his stolen out of a truck but amazingly got it back. $15,000.00 yep, that's thousand

 

Nice sport you'll be taking up again. Don't leave your bike unattended Fred.

Years ago, my brother-in-law took his bike to a soccer match and when he returned his bike was gone. Yeah, it was chained and locked. Turned out that trucks came along during the game and tons of bikes were loaded on them trucks. *poof all gone*

I was practically raised on a bike and went to work by bike for years in Holland through ice, rain and snow. Yeah, a few falls but who cared. :-D

 

LOL! Joey, they still have those oldskool speedos.. they are just a row or two away from the abacus section. :-D

Trippy things.

 

See, that's why you open the frame and put in a GPS tracking device so that the police can track them down and lock them up.

 

Mine is on hand or locked up at all times. Got way too much cash in this sucker!

Found the Garmin 305 with heartrate and cadence for $260 shipped! Can't link to it but think fried eggs.

The G305 will be mine soon. Ordered. :-D

 

Ok, got my beer cooler out, bike clothes, lights.... need a red blinky light for riding on the roads. Dang, this biking costs more than computing! Batteries are charged, weather should be dry and in the 60's. First ride is a go!

Will keep you posted, especially when the bike computer/GPS ride tracker thingy shows up! :-D

I will play around with the heart rate monitor and see if I can just go cardiovasular in the hot topic area... :-D

 

OK, beer cooler:drink, now you're getting to the important equipment!:celebrate

Remember: Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore!


Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous
amounts of energy merely to be normal.
-Albert Camus

 

Remember: Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore!

I am a beer expert! :-D

 

I believe I heard that alcohol will dehydrate

 

Thus why we drink after the ride! :-D

 

Fell free to bestow your knowledge upon me!

Actually they are a life saver - yours! I commute (very early in the morning and very late at night) through an area rife with cyclists, many who insist on wearing dark blue or some other basically-impossible-to-see-at-night color, while riding on the road (rather than the bike trail that is provided about 20 feet to the right, but that's an entirely different tirade!). It it weren't for those blinkies...well, lets just say i'd have been a bumming unit, and they much more so.

"All our words are just crumbs that fall from the feast of the mind."
- Kahlil Gibran

 

Beer usually come in groups of 6, 12, or 24 usually in the 12oz range. Some come in 750ml and other sizes. sizes. I have found the best way to consume them is to open the top, pour into a glass, enjoy and repeat as desired. :-D


I will leave my tirade about bad drivers and bikers alone for now. But we rode only a couple of blocks in a residential area, then went off-road! If I can't find my blinky light, I will buy another. They are cheap.

 

Ok, first ride is done! I am sore! My neck is killing me, I will have to adjust the light and helmet so I ride in a better position. Had a great time, met 5 other riders of various riding shape and we rode I don't know 5 maybe 8 miles (cyclocomputer is en route...) Had a great time!

Off road night riding is a blast, and they have made a very nice little loop by the river. Quite technical, I did have to wald through a couple of sections. My bike skills and balance are off.

Great first ride. Got to get new bike shorts, the elastic in my old ones is worn out! Saggy lycra will not do! :-D

Oh yeah, bike headlight, was sweet! Like riding in semi monochrome daylight! This thing is bright! :-D

 

Oh thanks! I had no idea! rolleyes

Personally, i drink from the bottle - saves water that would be expended washing glasses, doncha know.

I was thinking more of breweries, brands, and if you should be so experienced, recipes. Any of that you can lay on me? I find REDHooK brewery products to be truly fine, among others. Any producers you particularly prefer, perchance? Or are you a Bud/Miller kind of guy?

"Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals, such as Hydrogen and Oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer." - Dave Barry

 

Well, Miller Lite is my daily drinker. If I want a real beer, Guinness is always a good start! I am fond of the Trappists Monk's Ales.. The Chimay red and blue label beers are so nice! :-D

I always drink real beer from a glass. It really does make a difference. How can you smell the beer from a bottle?

 

You sound like a really refined old fashioned gentleman, Fred. Anyone care to disagree?

 

I'll have to check those out.

Well, you can put your nose up to the opening, when you're not drinking. However, i actually cannot smell or taste (polyp in the maxillary sinus on the right, where the olfactory nerves are) :cry