The Road Ahead

Yes, I know… another post about resolutions.  But it seems to work for me by putting it out here for everyone to snicker at and subsequently ask me about.  Truth is that I’m making quite a few resolutions this year, but these are my public ones.

Let’s just get the general/life improvement promises out of the way now.  I want/need to eat better.  Red is always reminding me that I don’t eat enough fruits and veggies (I’m a carb kind of guy).  Further, I’m on my kids pretty much about their eating habits.  So if I’m to have any credibility at all, I’ve got to set a better example.  Hopefully the side benefit of this will be some weight loss, but I’m going to focus on cause, rather than effect.  The big challenge for me will be less snacking.

I’m going to read more.  The stack of books that people have given me is steadily piling up, and our family room looks like a library without a librarian.  Rather than spending mindless hours in front of the tube or on the ‘puter, I think I’ll try to carve out a little time during the week just for reading.  I also received a study bible as a gift, and want to get into that a bit more.

I’m going to continue getting rid of things I don’t need or use.  We’ve made some good headway, but I’ve got stuff tucked away all over the place that simply doesn’t serve any purpose.  Out it goes!

Biking:  I’m going to ride more.  Not just more miles, but just more because it feels so good.  More exploration, more short trips to go to the store or meetings or visits or whatever.  I’ve known for years that I am far more motivated doing outside exercise than indoor, and this pre-occupation with winter and night riding when I could easily go downstairs to erg or run or ski is reflective of that.  I may end up selling my rowing ergometer if I don’t use it again this winter, because it is just one more thing taking up space. 

The one indoor activity that I might focus on is getting back into some weight lifting.  First because as I get older it will do me some good; and second to get the rest of the family into it as a regular routine as well.  When I was younger, I noticed that I didn’t start feeling physically and mentally “tough” until I started lifting.  I think it built up my joints, which then helped me work harder aerobically.

The century.  I now feel that this is easily within reach.  The main obstacle to any long riding is time.  With our schedules, it is not always possible to take several hours and go off on a day tour.  But when I can, it’s simply a matter of pacing myself and keeping fueled.  I have a tendency to go out too fast, so I need to discipline myself in that area to reach the 100 mark.  I should also probably take a look at some better shorts, because the Liquidgels that I wear seem to get saturated around the 50-60 mile mark and then I’m dealing with saddle sores.  Sweat and rain are my enemy.  I think that’s just a matter of some research and most likely I can get by with one good pair for the longer rides.

Family rides and hikes are going to continue to happen.  It’s tough getting everyone motivated, but we seem to have fun when we do.  I’ve been thinking about getting more than just our family involved as well, and perhaps organizing some group activities at our church.  With the one or two extra bikes that we have, and the ability to carry a bazillion bikes in the Pig, we could easily terrorize the HRT or some other venue for an afternoon.

I was also impressed by Ross and his committment to recycling bikes.  I noticed on his web page that the Redland Community Action Partnership is somehow affiliated.  Since that is right down the road, I’m going to check it out and see what if any bicycle program they have.  With all of the roadies and tri-athletes in the area, it might be a good effort to get something off of the ground.

As for my own bikes, I’m pretty much done for now, except…  Scott traded me a Cannondale tourer frame that I was orginally going to build up as a grocery bike before the X bike entered the picture.  I’d like to build that into either a single speed (not a fixie) or possibly a three speed internal geared hub.  The whole point would be uber light weight and simplicity.  Now if I do that, some of the parts would come off of the X bike, and that bike would lean more towards the Adventure Tourer than the grocery bike.  Most likely some form of drop or trekking bars, and no fenders because I’d put some big honkin tires on it.  Other than that, it’s pretty much ready to go.  Having another big framed bike available in the house will be good, given the way the boys are growing.

Finally, I’ve been convicted by a book that I recently read that said too many of us become “nice guys” when we enter middle age because we get tired of the good fight.  We forget our warrior roots.  The other day while going through an old training log I found a reminder that on my rowing shell I used to have a little sign to focus on near the end of races when mental tricks started playing with my head.  It said “Love the Battle.”  ’nuff said.