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| John Holloway by Bob Holloway |
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I have a new profile picture
I'm a proud member of Team Red, and I'm proud to have a father who is an artist. This is what happens when world's collide:
Sunday, July 22, 2012
What I was reminded of while riding today
This morning I headed out for a ride on my favorite bike path and I was reminded of an important lesson I've learned from riding.
We are fortunate to have several wonderful bike paths in our area. My favorite is the tomahawk Creek Trail from Leawood City Park south as far as the trail goes somewhere around 143rd and Pflumm Road.
Anyway, the section in Leawood along Tomahawk Creek Parkway between College Boulevard and 119th has three lakes. The northernmost lake is currently drained and the path to the park is closed as it's being re-constructed. Because of that, this is where I've been starting my rides.
This morning two things happened. First, my legs were tight and I had just wolfed down some carbs and my stomach was upset. I thought there was no way I was going to complete this workout. I had planned on doing 12 miles, but decided I could justify stopping at eight, because it would give me an even 100 miles on my new bike's odometer. More about this later.
Second, I came upon the second lake at it looked fantastic in just-after-dawn light. It looked like something a cinematographer would flip over. The lake was perfectly calm, the sky was a perfect blue, the trees were a perfect shade of green and the nearby office buildings and trees reflected brilliantly. I decided I must get a picture on my way back.
I continued riding, and soon enough, my legs loosened up, my stomach began to get better and I picked up my pace. I got into a groove. It was a perfect day for a ride, low 70s and the humidity was bearable.
I clicked off four miles and decided to keep going. I made it all the way to my turn-around point at six miles with plenty of time to enjoy a bottle of water, ride back to the car and get home in time to take over watching the kids so Amy could go off to pilates.
Sadly, on my way back to the car, when I got to the middle lake, the light had changed. The moment had passed.
I was reminded of two things.
First, get on the bike. There are no excuses. If you don't feel like riding, just ride it out. You'll get into the groove. I have never regretted getting on the bike. It has changed every aspect of my life for the better.
The bike is a metaphor, of course. You can substitute it for whatever you like: Work, school, writing that novel, completing a model of the Washington Monument out of sugar cubes. Whatever makes you happy or has meaning.
Second, don't let life pass you buy. If you see an opportunity, take it. If you have the chance to help someone out or spend just a few minutes doing something with your children, then do it. Moments like these are fleeting, and they often never arise again. We are fortunate when we are able to take advantage of these opportunities. In fact, in my opinion that is the very definition of making your own luck: Putting yourself in position to take advantage of opportunities that arise.
A quick story about this. When I was at the University of Missouri and nearing graduation from journalism school I had two good job interviews where it was down to me and one other person. The first was for a copy editing job on the international edition of the Wall Street Journal. Getting the job would mean moving to New York and working for one of the nation's top newspapers and newspaper companies. The second was for a reporting job at a newspaper in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
I wanted to be a reporter. I really wanted that job in Poplar Bluff. I was uneasy about what the job in New York would mean. Sure, there was a tremendous upside, but was I good enough? Was I ready?
Ultimately, I did not have the opportunity to decide my own fate. A grad student got the Wall Street Journal job. I moved to Poplar Bluff.
Years later, I realized my entire career in journalism was determined by that event.
I won't soon forget how that lake looked in the morning light, but I sure wish I had a picture of it.
We are fortunate to have several wonderful bike paths in our area. My favorite is the tomahawk Creek Trail from Leawood City Park south as far as the trail goes somewhere around 143rd and Pflumm Road.
Anyway, the section in Leawood along Tomahawk Creek Parkway between College Boulevard and 119th has three lakes. The northernmost lake is currently drained and the path to the park is closed as it's being re-constructed. Because of that, this is where I've been starting my rides.
This morning two things happened. First, my legs were tight and I had just wolfed down some carbs and my stomach was upset. I thought there was no way I was going to complete this workout. I had planned on doing 12 miles, but decided I could justify stopping at eight, because it would give me an even 100 miles on my new bike's odometer. More about this later.
Second, I came upon the second lake at it looked fantastic in just-after-dawn light. It looked like something a cinematographer would flip over. The lake was perfectly calm, the sky was a perfect blue, the trees were a perfect shade of green and the nearby office buildings and trees reflected brilliantly. I decided I must get a picture on my way back.
I continued riding, and soon enough, my legs loosened up, my stomach began to get better and I picked up my pace. I got into a groove. It was a perfect day for a ride, low 70s and the humidity was bearable.
I clicked off four miles and decided to keep going. I made it all the way to my turn-around point at six miles with plenty of time to enjoy a bottle of water, ride back to the car and get home in time to take over watching the kids so Amy could go off to pilates.
Sadly, on my way back to the car, when I got to the middle lake, the light had changed. The moment had passed.
I was reminded of two things.
First, get on the bike. There are no excuses. If you don't feel like riding, just ride it out. You'll get into the groove. I have never regretted getting on the bike. It has changed every aspect of my life for the better.
The bike is a metaphor, of course. You can substitute it for whatever you like: Work, school, writing that novel, completing a model of the Washington Monument out of sugar cubes. Whatever makes you happy or has meaning.
Second, don't let life pass you buy. If you see an opportunity, take it. If you have the chance to help someone out or spend just a few minutes doing something with your children, then do it. Moments like these are fleeting, and they often never arise again. We are fortunate when we are able to take advantage of these opportunities. In fact, in my opinion that is the very definition of making your own luck: Putting yourself in position to take advantage of opportunities that arise.
A quick story about this. When I was at the University of Missouri and nearing graduation from journalism school I had two good job interviews where it was down to me and one other person. The first was for a copy editing job on the international edition of the Wall Street Journal. Getting the job would mean moving to New York and working for one of the nation's top newspapers and newspaper companies. The second was for a reporting job at a newspaper in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
I wanted to be a reporter. I really wanted that job in Poplar Bluff. I was uneasy about what the job in New York would mean. Sure, there was a tremendous upside, but was I good enough? Was I ready?
Ultimately, I did not have the opportunity to decide my own fate. A grad student got the Wall Street Journal job. I moved to Poplar Bluff.
Years later, I realized my entire career in journalism was determined by that event.
I won't soon forget how that lake looked in the morning light, but I sure wish I had a picture of it.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Best story on Tour de France Tacking
This is a pretty good story about the Mavic mechanics who provided support to the Tour de France riders who suffered punctures due to a tacking incident. Hope they catch the bastard.
Velo News story about the tacking
Velo News story about the tacking
Monday, July 16, 2012
Specialized Early Launch
I have noticed that Specialized has posted some early launch photos. Doesn't look like there are a lot of changes, but there are some interesting color combinations.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
A good birthday
Today is my 45th birthday. Thanks to cycling I am healthier than I have been in at least 20 years. That does not mean I am where I want to be.
In the past year I have lost ten pounds and incorporated swimming and gym workouts into my exercise routine along with cycling. This is the main reason why I have lost, not gained ten pounds. I have also reduced my A1C by almost a full point. I have cut back on my long-acting insulin by eight units a day.
I have started running, but my running program has been slow going. I don't do it often enough to progress. Of course my goal is to get stronger for cycling, do sprint triathlons and 5Ks, not run marathons.
Another year like this would be good. But, in order for it to be great, I need to focus on nutrition. It's been the hardest thing for me to overcome. It's not that I eat a lot. I just eat the typical American diet. Sure, I try to watch my carb intake, but I eat way too much fat and way too many calories to lose the weight that I want.
I need to be better at maintaining a good blood sugar throughout my exercising rather than starting high, ending low and taking on carbs after the ride, swim, run or workout.
My goal for the next year is simple. I want to lose a pound a week. It sounds daunting: Lose 52 pounds, but with the amount of exercise I do, my job and my motivation it should be simple math. There is no way I will be able to do it without adding in this last component.
Today is a great birthday, because I'm sitting here having lost ten pounds and not gained ten, improved my overall health and improved the management of my diabetes. My last birthday I was still recovering from my illness, so believe me, I feel pretty proud about what I've been able to do.
Now is the time to work harder!
In the past year I have lost ten pounds and incorporated swimming and gym workouts into my exercise routine along with cycling. This is the main reason why I have lost, not gained ten pounds. I have also reduced my A1C by almost a full point. I have cut back on my long-acting insulin by eight units a day.
I have started running, but my running program has been slow going. I don't do it often enough to progress. Of course my goal is to get stronger for cycling, do sprint triathlons and 5Ks, not run marathons.
Another year like this would be good. But, in order for it to be great, I need to focus on nutrition. It's been the hardest thing for me to overcome. It's not that I eat a lot. I just eat the typical American diet. Sure, I try to watch my carb intake, but I eat way too much fat and way too many calories to lose the weight that I want.
I need to be better at maintaining a good blood sugar throughout my exercising rather than starting high, ending low and taking on carbs after the ride, swim, run or workout.
My goal for the next year is simple. I want to lose a pound a week. It sounds daunting: Lose 52 pounds, but with the amount of exercise I do, my job and my motivation it should be simple math. There is no way I will be able to do it without adding in this last component.
Today is a great birthday, because I'm sitting here having lost ten pounds and not gained ten, improved my overall health and improved the management of my diabetes. My last birthday I was still recovering from my illness, so believe me, I feel pretty proud about what I've been able to do.
Now is the time to work harder!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Following le Tour
Watching the Tour de France on television has got me thinking about all those specters along the route. Here is the best thing I've seen written on following le Tour. Looks fun. Hope I get to do it some day
Click here for an experienced tour follower's notes about spectating
Click here for an experienced tour follower's notes about spectating
A good way to ride
I overtrained a bit for the Tour de Cure, so I took a little time off the bike. Between the overtraining and my current work schedule, I was only getting out once a week.
Another thing I've done is spend more time on my Specialized Sirrus. I love this bike. It's perfect for bike path and rail trail adventures where stability and comfort are more important than speed.
This bike just eats up the bike path. I'm only about a mile an hour slower on it than I am on my Allez, which one can't really open up on the path.
I am a firm believer in buying a bike with a specific purpose in mind. The Allez is for road riding, the Sirrus is for path and rail trail use. The Allez was fine on the bike path when it was the only bike I had, but I've retired it to road use. The Sirrus is great for what I do, and it will work as a commuter. It remains to be seen whether it will make sense at some point to buy a commuter-specific bike.
A few words about the Sirrus. If you are in the market for one, go with the base model or maybe one step up to the sport. It's an excellent bike, and quite frankly it shifts a heck of a lot better than my Allez with Shimano STI shifters. The frame is the thing, and it's plenty sturdy with tires that are just fine for bike path use. I have a rack on the back of it and it will work just fine as a grocery getter too. And, perhaps most significantly, while I would be upset if it got stollen while I'm in Price Chopper, I would get over it. I'd be pretty upset if my Allez got ripped off considering the upgrades I've done and plan to do.
Anyway, the bike path is a good way to ride. If you are a roadie, don't forget the joys of an early morning bike path ride dodging runners and dog walkers.
Another thing I've done is spend more time on my Specialized Sirrus. I love this bike. It's perfect for bike path and rail trail adventures where stability and comfort are more important than speed.
This bike just eats up the bike path. I'm only about a mile an hour slower on it than I am on my Allez, which one can't really open up on the path.
I am a firm believer in buying a bike with a specific purpose in mind. The Allez is for road riding, the Sirrus is for path and rail trail use. The Allez was fine on the bike path when it was the only bike I had, but I've retired it to road use. The Sirrus is great for what I do, and it will work as a commuter. It remains to be seen whether it will make sense at some point to buy a commuter-specific bike.
A few words about the Sirrus. If you are in the market for one, go with the base model or maybe one step up to the sport. It's an excellent bike, and quite frankly it shifts a heck of a lot better than my Allez with Shimano STI shifters. The frame is the thing, and it's plenty sturdy with tires that are just fine for bike path use. I have a rack on the back of it and it will work just fine as a grocery getter too. And, perhaps most significantly, while I would be upset if it got stollen while I'm in Price Chopper, I would get over it. I'd be pretty upset if my Allez got ripped off considering the upgrades I've done and plan to do.
Anyway, the bike path is a good way to ride. If you are a roadie, don't forget the joys of an early morning bike path ride dodging runners and dog walkers.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Cool Team USA Team Kits!
Team USA is going to be wearing retro kits at the Olympics. I've got to get one of these!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I am still here
I just bought a new Macbook Pro, so I'll be posting a lot more. I have a lot of good stuff from the past month that's in my journal that I need to translate to the blog, so look for lots of new stuff coming soon.
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