Official Training Kickoff and Superbowl Kickoff Weekend

  Only a month late on starting my training season. The ankle is feeling tons better now, although still a bit stiff. I'm trying not to over do it and force myself through the pain which I had been doing and that! , really backfired.
I just wanted to get out and focus without any distractions on my game plan for this year. It's critical that I hit all my training goals and get my Boston Marathon qualifying time. I'm relying heavily on by bike this year for valuable cross training and getting my body used to cruising in the fat burning zone. Being conscience of staying injury free is on the top of the list hence utilizing the more forgiving long rides verses long runs.
I'm getting to the point of confusion over the bi-zillions of training plans out there. I now am just working on my own training plan, extrapolating from what I've learned over the past year. More short fast runs, weekly moderate tempo runs and endurance rides.

I have only 5 weeks of building time before the Oakland Marathon. Due to the ankle sprain in December. I'm not quite sure I'll have what it takes to hit my 3:55 BQ time but, I'm going to try my best. 

The ride today was perfect. Nice and cool, slightly overcast but, Sunny riding up over Ridgecrest and the "Seven Sisters". I love that ride up the backside of Tam. I ran into a couple of guys on the climbs that help on the pacing and distracted from the pain with some conversation. It kills me how fast some of these youngsters are on their bikes. I don't let it beat me down anymore. I just except it and I feel good that at my old age I'm still out there going for it. I've really had the great fortune in my life to have my health and the brains to use it. There was a time where I wasn't appreciative of it and let myself slack. I'm back on track now.

So in 2014 the Boston Marathon will be held the day after my 60th birthday. I'm looking forward to getting back there to visit with what's left of my family and some of the old friends that I'm sure will be impressed that this old fart can run 26.2 miles. I think a lot of my friends were surprised that I made it through high school alive. I was very reckless in my youth...Still am to some extent but, I've toned it down a bit.
Tomorrow I'm going out for an early run. Hoping to do a half-marathon at tempo. Afterwards it's the Superbowl with donuts, beer and pizza. I think Monday is going to be a very non-productive workday for many.

I need this!...

Boston Marathon

For the last month I've been wallowing in my horrible soul sucking "Doom and Gloom" mode since stupidly spraining my ankle just before Christmas.
It's been beating me down to the point of thinking I may have to seek some time of therapy...not physical but, mental! All my focus since my little pipe dream a year ago has been on qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The thought of not being able to do this is totally unacceptable! 

I had gotten to the point that this week I was ready to just throw in the towel and give it all up. The pain has been horrible enough that it's forced me into a bad gait when I walk now. The more I fight it the worse it gets. Two weeks back I finally surrendered and told myself "No Running"!...for 2 weeks anyway.
I have been riding the bike and trying to keep up my aerobic activity along with lot's of core work, lifting which is definitely assisting me in gaining a shit load of upper body weight...Oh yeah, I've been eating like a pig. "Depression eating".
I did try a short run tonight. With interruptions and all it ended up around 4 miles. The longest since New Years, when I tried to run on a swollen ankle.

The first 2 miles were seriously painful but I just forced myself to think beyond the pain and just relax my posture, legs and think about getting past it all.  after awhile I actually did simmer down some and found my rhythm, although at a snails pace.

After I got finished, I actually did feel better. I don't know if the running forced some of the scarring to unbind but, It all seemed to loosen up. Three hours since the run and everything seems pretty good. Am I cured!?
I may try another short run tomorrow and then Saturday will be my long ride and Sunday a Superbowl run 7 to 8 miles if possible.
Last Monday I was able to pull off a brisk 20 + mile bike ride complete with some personal records and didn't seem to bother my ankle too much. Again the bike saves me.

Speaking of Superbowl,, I was disappointed that New England didn't win the big game against the Ravens. Growing up in New England it would have been a fun conflict for me and when San Francisco wins I could needle my family and friends from back there.

Just a short update but hoping to have more to put on here this weekend when I have some time. I now try not to blog when I'm in the deep negative so, the reason behind my sporadic blogging this month.

Biking, Running, Dogs - Time Down With Injury -thoughts-

Some of the benefits of riding my bike. I can actually carry my camera with me so I'm coming across some nice photo ops lately.

This was over the weekend and the surf was unusually high coming under the Golden Gate. A Surfers dream or, nightmare I guess.

 It's now coming up on three weeks of no running! I'm becoming obsessed with this issue, waking in the middle of the night with anxiety and losing sleep over it. Fortunately I can ride the bike with a little discomfort. It probably has been a good thing in a way because I'm spending a lot of time doing core work, reading about running science, training and letting the rest of my body (my back) heal from the beating it took all through 2012.

Realized recently I could easily become one of those crazy "A&E Channel" Dog Hoarders if it wasn't for Cathy disallowing any more mutts coming on board.
I happened to see this doggie on my bike ride Sunday and she looked so much like my Beyonce that it made me think..."I'd love two of those"!

My Beyonce

The one I wanted to steal...

I'm reading "Born To Run" for a second time. I first read it when I started running back in the beginning of 2012. Over this past year the information, stories and characters have become much more pertinent to where my head is now. I love the book and actually understand some of the controversy surrounding Christopher McDougall's portrayal of the characters, experiences and how many athletes felt unhappy with his recollections and characterizations of them.

Going back and researching some of the responses from the main players in past interviews gives it all a bit of a "Soap Opera" quality. I didn't even know who "Anne Trason" was last year. Now I realize how she probably is one of the most amazing athletes of our time. How did that one get away from me. Her accomplishments are truly astonishing.

Here is a link to a fantastic rare interview with Anne Trason by writer/runner Sara Lavender Smith.

Here is another great blog regarding the controversy with Anne "Sponsor The Fool Blog"

I've been living in the cycling world too long!

One of the other thoughts that woke me up in the middle of the night. "Barefoot Running"! There is a great argument for barefoot/minimalist running and how the shoe industry may have created more foot issues in regards to design than they ever could have imagined. It brings to mind the movie a saw many years ago "The Jerk"... Invention gone bad.

Two months into my experiment with running last year I developed serious IT Band issues. I made a trip back to Fleet Feet SF and got myself into a pair of 0 drop Brooks. The problem went away immediately.

Yesterday I started walking around in a pair of my old surf shoes and worked through the day in them. My ankle felt a lot better tonight and the pain was a lot less with the pressure on it. I think my running shoes were forcing my ankle into a pronation situation that was causing a lot of pain.

I'm thinking about getting a pair of the Vibram FiveFingers to start working with while my ankle heals. 

These may be my Marathon shoes, Brooks Pure Drift.




One thought here... I imagine any die hard runners out there that may happen to read my blog and their eyes just rolling reading this.

"Dude! Been there already"!
"You're a little late for the party".

That's true but, I get like that with runners who have just discovered cycling. Can't help being sarcastic with them sometimes. I think I'm alienating my Cycling friends too.

"Yep, He's gone to the darkside".
"Now we'll be running into him every day coming up the bike path the wrong way"!

In reality I think I'll always be half and half Bike/Run. I love my bike and it's a lot more forgiving on this ancient body.

I'm sitting here now madly editing photos, reading blogs for inspiration and trying hard not to give into that sad little pity party calling me on down to it's dark wild orgy of self doubt and mental ass kicking...Poor me...

I'm on the injured list with this damn sprained ankle that is getting worse. Now moving into my second week and I'm going crazy not being able to start out my well planned training strategy for 2013. I've forced myself today to do a minimum of tasks to try and rest my ankle after riding my bike, walking, working and running around with the dogs over the weekend and through the beginning of this week.

In a timely stroke of luck I happened to catch a new post from Bay Area athlete, writer Sara Lavender Smith in regards to a truly inspiring local athlete "Eldrith Gosney who is still running strong at age 71! I'm impressed with what this women has been through and the personal fortitude she digs up from within herself to keep moving forward and staying strong.
Here is the article in "The Runners Trip".

This led me to even more stories of athletes who have triumphed over adversity, muscled up and resolved to accomplish their goals no matter what. Another story  hit home in this post:
"ULTRARUNNER LISA SMITH-BATCHEN"

Thanks Sarah for these great inspiring articles and interviews!

My ankle issue seems minor in comparison!

I just need to be patient and utilize my down time intelligently so, here I sit dusting off the cobwebs in my brain with some photo editing, reading, plotting and planning. The one plus is I really hate the cold so, this is giving me an excuse for not doing anything outside.

Yesterday I painfully rode my bike up to San Bruno Mountain to watch and photograph the annual New Years day race. My friend and cyclist extraordinaire "Chris Phipps" took third. He usually wins everything pretty much. When I met up with him, his first words were,

"These kids are killing me"!

Yeah! welcome to the club! He has a great attitude and for him it's just the fun of riding competing that makes all the hard work worthwhile. By the way Chris is an astounding runner and comes from that world to begin with. He actually initialized my curiosity for running awhile back.

He's truly an inspiration and a real athlete with the right attitude.

More picts from SBM.

We were pummeled with doggy day care over the holidays. I had to break up a few small skirmishes on occasion but, all and all it went well. My "Lady Gaga" rules the roost and assisted me in keeping everyone in line...

She's really my true buddy even though she's got a lot of issues...

We have on particular dog who's a bit of a regular. She's getting on in years, losing her teeth (the ones she has left really hurt) and forgets who you are from time to time but, she's so damn cute.
She kind of looks like her owner...
NINJA or as I like to call her NIKKI MY NINJA...
I think she managed to bite everyone who came through the door during her week long stay!
Happy New Year...!

Sleeping Dogs...

So, I'm staying strong. Trying to stay inspired and hoping to heal soon. I'll just wait till there is "no pain" and then try to run. I'm a little worried. I was hoping to have a complete 16 weeks training before my next Marathon. We shall see what the future brings...

Thank you to all those who inspire me. That will be my thought through this new year. "Live the dream".

My Mt. Diablo Trail Race

Courtesy Brazen Racing

Diablo Trail Adventure

My adventure started the night before the race when I checked the Bart schedule for Sunday only to find the first train would not leave San Francisco till 8 am!...The race was at 9 am. That would leave me 20 minutes to time trial 6 miles from Walnut Creek station to the Castle Rock Park, grab my bib, pin it on, lock up my bike and belongings, warm up, fill my bottles get in line and GO!.
Didn't happen...
I turned on to a street with the same name (lots of things that have "Walnut" in Walnut Creek) and ended up riding another 5 miles uphill only to get to a dead end and have to turn back.
By the time I got to the Start I was 35 minutes late and everyone was gone. The family walk was about to start in a few minutes and I couldn't imagine getting stuck behind a ton of people walking up steep single track so, I had to go now!
I got my timing chip, put "A" pin on my number and took off.

I would just like to say the people who helped me from "Brazin Racing" were so incredibly nice. The water/fuel stops were great the volunteers manning them so helpful.
I was disappointed to miss the start but just decided to use this as a training race and work on trail technique and utilize all that I have learned in the last few months.
Right from the beginning I climbed and with the heat my heart rate was already getting into the red zone! I just focused and concentrated on transparently moving around the 10K/5K people walking up the single track.
I figured 3 miles and I'd be ahead of it all which turned out to be right on.

Around mile 6 I actually started to pick off 1/2 marathoners! That was a confidence booster. by mile 7 I had no water left and just started to hit the wall. The climbing was pretty tough and so much of it. I cat&moused a mountain biker and was actually able to pass him 3 times on three different climbs. That felt good. 

Finally I reached the turnaround and took my time loading up with salt tabs, GU's water and pretzels. Add one banana!
I felt better instantly and just started to put some time and distance down.
The downhill was like nothing I've ever experienced and it was just pounding me pretty hard but , at this point I really started to pick off the rabbits and a lot of them were guys that looked like me!
I started passing 20 and 30 somethings which invigorated me even more. Even though I was beat to crap I just kept hammering and got faster in the last 4 miles. I think the training and especially all the core work I've done lately are really paying off.
In the last mile I was sprinting up and down and runners would try and hang with me but I just dropped them like excess baggage! Must have been that last GU with caffeine!
I spotted the finish and as I came up the announcer recognized me and made mention of the guy who was a half hour late!
As I crossed the finish line and did my drop and role across the line, ala "Chrissie Wellington".

I spent some time afterwards with the person in charge of the timing chips and they compensated my start and I found out that I had the best time of my age group. Another first which I wasn't expecting.

I got my medals and ate some well deserved real food. I thought about how much I'm enjoying all this running and it's been a real confidence booster. It's very odd that last year at this time I couldn't have fathomed ever even wanting to run.

I just let the rain come down and make a brand new ground...
Thank you Universe...and Save Mt. Diablo!

Graffiti Art by Satellite-An Epic Adventure

After a week to remember:
Allergy cold
Felony assault on me and the dogs (more later)
Giant slip off the wagon
World series!
Foot issues, slowing my run training
Incapacitating shots in the arms at the Doctors

Something I'll never forget: I got an invite to ride with "Chris Phipps" a popular Bay Area Cyclist/Runner and Strava wizard on Saturday to replicate his great work of art displayed below...


This was composed by GPS tracking loaded up to Strava website (A social and athletic training web tool).
We would basically start our GPS units and follow a template overlay on a standard map. Seems simple but, is actually quite difficult and painstaking, not to mention the amount of riding, synchronizing gps and finding way's to control point connections with out having to ride our bikes through, buildings, shopping malls etc. We did do a considerable amount of carrying our bikes over lawns, dirt trails and through wooded areas!

I ran two separate GPS units. One to record overall time and miles and one to create the finished design. This map below is the other GPS recording overall mileage and elevation profiles.
I struggled with the idea of getting up to ride so early in the morning after being sick all week. Once I got up and got moving and I was very glad I had forced myself to do this.
When I arrived at the designated meeting area on the west side of Kezar Stadium, I assumed they'd be a hundred cyclist's there to do the ride. I was the  only one there and soon Chris arrived and one other person Katie Evans, a triathlete who's done along with many triathlons, the Hawaiian Iron man! I knew this would probably be a somewhat fast ride.

Chris gave the scope of what we were going to attempt to do for the day. I knew it would be a good 6 hours and about 60 miles with lots of climbing. 

The first third of the ride was not all that bad. Creating the "S" took us north into Pacific Heights, Outer Sunset and through the Golden Gate Park. As we got into the bottom of the "S" and Lower section of the "F" it became quite arduous! The climbing was more difficult and with some bike over trails portage.

Katie in front of me hiking it through the trails and woods

One problem was I didn't bring enough energy food and water and Chris is not one to slow down for anything. Once you get on the train with him you have to hang on for dear life! By noontime I was getting pretty bonked and begged to just stop for some gatorade, chips and a couple of Cliff bars. That did help some but, I may have waited too long and I had trouble getting my energy level back up.
Even though at times it was difficult I don't regret taking on this epic adventure and would do it again anytime.

Me, Katie and Chris along the Outer Sunset

Katie is a brute! She just hammered it all the way.

By the time we reached the Twin Peaks area I was really toast. We then had to go back all the way to the Ingleside area, over to the Outer Mission, up and over Noe Valley and back up through the Upper Market and Haight.
Finally we head out to the Inner Sunset and back along Lincoln, Golden Gate Park and the finish!

I was so glad to be done and when I got home Cathy had a big spaghetti dinner waiting and soon I was down for nap with the doggies.
When I got up I turned on the TV and hunkered down for the 2nd game of the World Series and a few too many beers...
Let's just say today nothing really got done...
    ......................................................
 BTW- On Monday of last week around noontime I was attacked with my dogs out in the street by some crazy tweaked up asshole. There was no reason for it and he basically rushed us and kicked my little dog Layla as hard as he could. She went in to screaming spasms and was oozing out body fluid from every orifice! I defended us by kicking at the lunatic, seeing how I couldn't use my hands because  of the other dogs and trying to keep hold of them. It was traumatic and she was rushed to Pets Unlimited, treated medicated and put on a 24 hour watch. For two days she was out of it but, finally came back and is now doing very well yet still traumatized and afraid to go out. I just don't get it. It kind of sent me into a drinking session, cause I just couldn't get that image of her suffering and the attack out of my head. Another day wasted and I'm not feeling anymore safe in this shitty neighborhood I'm living in.

Layla recovering and being checked over by her sister Gaga

Layla Pets Unlimited

My poor little puppy...so innocent and undeserved of being attacked...

Du The Bears, First Duathlon

Exhilaration and despair! There! Two contrary states of being all in one sentence.

This is how I feel when I compete now at my ripe old age of 58. My drive to compete, my focus and mental energy is just where it was 40 years ago but, I'm driving this shitty old car that's getting harder and harder to keep running in an efficient manner.
It's agonizing to see these young ones stay ahead of me and my inability to hang with them. I see why many middle aged people can become bitter and jealous when they lose what these young kids have in abundance.

"You don't know what you got till it's gone"!

I so understand that now.

Saturday morning I was up at 4:45 am. I went online and re-checked the registration roster for the "Du Bears Duathlon". I noticed there had been quite a few new sign ups for today. More younger and some more in my age group. This was going to be a tough race. One of my rituals is to go through the registrants jersey sizes for the event jerseys. Literally sizing up the competition. Everyone in my group was either large or, medium. I was the only small. At least I might have a weight advantage on the climbs.

I wished I had rested and tapered more this week. I was still a bit tired and I felt the possible onset of a cold which is a sign that I haven't easing back enough on the training lately.
I rode my bike down to the Bart train and caught the 6:15 to Orinda. When I arrived in Orinda I stopped and filled my water bottle at Starbucks with some Dark Roast blend and headed off for the 6 mile ride to the start. I took it easy and actually enjoyed the time I had to get my body moving and focus on the race.

I arrived, got my reg-pack, number and headed for the "Porta-san". After I went back to the starting line set up my bike in the transition area and listened to "Wolf" the Race Director's final instructions.
After the Star spangled banner was played we got the get ready signal and I jumped in line.

3-2-1-GO! The mass start and it was FAST! We looped around the parking lot and headed down a steep descent. It was a bit tough on the legs not being thoroughly warmed up. Even going down hill my heart-rate was in the red zone. Things settled in a bit and I just tried to find a comfortable groove. I new the real race would be once I got on the bike. The climb back up to the bike start was pretty taxing. I got really hot and wished I hadn't worn my outer jacket, which I ended up pulling off and tying around my waist.
I got to my bike and the real fast runners were all gone. Seemed I was one of the first older runners to reach my bike.
I slipped into my pedals very easily while I noticed a lot of other riders going through the change over in to bike shoes. So glad I put on cage pedals and straps.

As I headed out down San Pablo I passed a rider (young), struggling with his pedal adjustment. As I made the first right turn the same rider passed me seemingly grumpy and annoyed this old fool had gotten past him. I like that...my first Rabbit and I will crush you down the road. On to the first little climb another rider, pin thin and sinewy on a TT bike with the aero wheels and helmet passed me. By the looks of it I wouldn't be seeing him again. 

OK, that's it...no one else is going to pass me. My stomach and gut had been feeling a little troubled and my legs felt a little tired. I was somewhat worried but forced the negative out of my head and just focused on the enjoyment of riding and letting the training base take care of the rest. On the first substantial climb I passed two riders, one young woman and a guy. That gave me a little confidence. At this point I started feeling like I was in my element. I was amazed how strong I felt on the climbing and kept picking off everyone who was ahead of me. 

I think the last couple of years of focusing on riding a one speed has really paid off and given me considerably more strength then I've ever had. I don't spin the easy gears anymore. I gear up and power climb standing more than sitting.
My one issue though was my lower left back had been spasming on me since the beginning. It may be due to the fact I lowered my bars earlier in the week. You're not supposed to make any radical equipment changes on the week of a race. I should have known better and I was paying for it.
By the time I reached "Papa Bear", I was really cranking over the pedals and the guy I had been cat and mousing for the last three climbs I was finally able to vanquish. when I hit the top of the climb he was about a hundred yards behind. 
The descent down Papa Bear was spectacular and traffic free. I hit the last short climb and turn on to San Pablo ave for the final stretch and I started to feel the pain. I was pedaling into a headwind. Headwinds are my nemesis. I thought the guy I passed up Papa Bear would probably pass me and that thought kept me pushing hard. 
I finally made it to the bike finish and I was ecstatic that only one person had passed me and been able to stay ahead for the whole ride. One other side note is that for the past decade or so, I've developed very bad "Carpel Tunnel" in my hands. I could barely brake as I came into the bike finish. I got my bike on the rack and for the life of me I could not unbuckle my helmet strap! I kept banging my hands against my legs but, could not feel anything. Then the cat and mouse rider pulled in and I really started to panic. All that work and my freaking salami hands were going to give this guy the lead over me! As he trotted off my hands finally woke up enough and I got my helmet off and took off running.

I thought it hurt on the first run but, damn my legs were toast and I just forced myself to keep moving. when I finally made it down to the dam and the turn around I started seeing other runners pouring down the hill and most of them were really young and also a couple of guys looking around my age. My heart was pumping out the adrenaline and I just focused on keeping my pace. On the climb I passed a few runners and I kept looking over my shoulder to see who was gaining. I just couldn't catch Mr. Cat and Mouse but, I didn't care any more. I just didn't want anyone to pass me. I worked to hard for this. I deserved it and I got mad! I put my head down and just hammered with everything I had left. I could hear the crowd going wild as the runners crossed the finish and I ran and ran like I would die tomorrow!

-I'm so lucky I'm alive. All the shit I've been through in my life. The wrong choices, the right choices. The gift of life. The chance to experience pushing the human machine to it's full potential. Proving to myself that I'm more than I ever thought I would be. I try forgive myself for the bullshit I caused. I run from the part of me I hate. It's over and done so move on. Go out a winner and have no regrets. Life is a gift so live as best you can. The exhilaration and the pain is the reward...-

I dig deeper and the final climb is before me. One more glance back...clear! I rise up to see the finish and everyone yelling and smiling. I'm just instantly joyous and beaming! As I cross the finish line I think of what inspired me to try something like this.
I read a book recently by "Chrissie Wellington" renowned triathlete (probably one of he greatest) that truly inspired me. For many years, through injuries, hardship and grueling training she dominated the Hawaiian Ironman. 
When she crossed the finish line she would drop and roll to commemorate the athlete "Jon Blais" another Triathlete who passed away from Lou Gehrig's disease, who inspired her very much. It's called the Blais Roll. So inspired by her I did a modified version of the Blais roll. I'll call it "Chrissie's roll"!

I do my Chrissie's roll and everyone laughs and cheers while the announcer yells over the loudspeaker,

"And there you have it! The most spectacular finish of the day by Pete Ferguson"!
That's good enough for me...

2nd In Age Group, 25th place over all.

I'm A Criminal Baby!

..."Shit" I think to myself. All I need to top of my day now is a friggin ticket!

As I approached the intersection on my SE single speed, my mind was preoccupied with the days bizarre events. On top of everything else that had aggravated me today, the traffic was ridiculous going through the Presidio. I hate when people drive below the speed limit while talking to themselves obviously locked into a phone call and every four way intersection becomes a game of "Mexican standoff"..."you go", "no, you go"!

I was in the mindset to at least bust one personal record on a segment of my Strava profile. Since my Klein was broken (that's a story for later) and I was on my 1 gear cannonball on wheels, I figured it would have to be a flat, short segment.

Me and the trusty SE singlespeed...Old picture

Ahhh... "Cemetery East" coming up. How perfect for my F*d up day.

Just as the car in front of me pulled out into the intersection I rolled with it "Hollywood Stop"! Then I blasted into the segment right as I got to full speed I noticed a Motorcycle cop coming the other way who had seen my maneuver coming towards me with cars on his ass. He yelled at me. 

"That's a stop sign"!

I smiled and waved, then looked away and stomped on it. As I started to round the curve I looked back saw the blue light and him turning in the middle of the intersection I had just blasted and heading for me. Fortunately I was way ahead of the cars behind me so I put the pedal to the metal and like a Gerbil on Crack I screamed past the tombstones in a blur. At that perfect moment, I get a phone call and glance at my phone...It's Cathy!
I hit answer and in one breath.

"Honey, I'm running from the cops, call ya back"!

I hang up.

I cut hard to the right up towards the rear of the cemetery figuring the cop would guess I went straight. At this point I was quite a bit from the cut off and I glanced back to see him going straight. I kept my speed up and soon pulled over real tight to the edge of the road where I could see from every angle.
Safe! Now to cautiously wiggle my way out of the Presidio and out through the Marina.

I sleazily pulled through the gate at Fort Mason, went to the far back of the parking lot and locked my bike. I then innocently walked out the gate and began jogging towards the Bridge like a little angel.



Check out the PR on Cemetary Sprint! Faster than I've done on my Klein Road bike!

Kind of Karmic in away due to the fact I was summoned to Superior court this day to testify against a career criminal, meth freak, arsonist who attacked me my wife and tried to set my building on fire a year ago. 
The disgusting Pig Shit Defense Lawyer spent the whole time trying as hard as he could to present me as some kind of bully making up the story and picking on his poor little client! 
I look over at the prosecuting attorney and she's sitting there with a look that could kill at the other lawyer and her lips were silently repeating the F* word.
This was just the preliminary!
I walked out of there feeling so incredibly weirded out...
What the Hell has happened to this world?
I can't write anymore about it at this point.

When I got home I decided to clean up my Klein road bike. Cleaning for me is cathartic  Must be a leftover Catholic purifying compulsion.
As soon as I grab my bike...Arrgh!!! WTF! the headset is completely frozen up. The bearings are seized up. Two days before I have to race on this thing. 
I just sink...
Screw it, I gotta get out of here before I slap someone.
I throw my cage pedals on my Tank and fly out the door and down towards the Marina...

Epilogue:
Felt better today, got some work done and just focused on my Klein and began the chore of disassembling the headset. When I got it apart I realized that the bearing seals had folded up probably due to the fact that the labeling had never been taken of during the original assembly! It had bound up the headset after almost ten years usage and very well I could have gotten in a serious accident had this happened on the road.
The assembly was done by a shop that I will not mention due to the fact this happened a long time ago and a bad mechanic caused this. I can't disparage a shop that probably has come along way since that time with probably very good employees.

Duathlon Saturday and at least I feel somewhat comfortable with with my equipment.

Animals, Athleticism -The Elixir For Depression

Lalya   Gaga   Bee

How do you keep the fire stoked? I question myself a lot with that. I hit these walls some days and it's like I've just fallen on my face. No rhyme, no reason...
I've grown up with this so, it's something that doesn't surprise me when it arrives. I've been diagnosed with depression and been down all the different roads of treatment, therapy  anti-depressants, all to no avail. It's one of those things that just is.
It's funny when I get in these moods. My dogs know there's something up and I get the serious "guard dog look." It disarms me and the realization that I'm a very valuable asset to them, that they somehow feel the need to protect me from myself.
My middle dog "Bee" is very attuned to me and when I start going "that bad direction" leaps on me scratching, pawing and licking my face. She knows that I don't need to go to that place. Maybe that's love?...

My experience with these rescue dogs has been completely transcendent for me. I've changed in so many ways because of them. Their honesty, loyalty and genuineness is rare in many humans but typically natural for canines. I find myself being inspired by them and aspire to the degree of pureness of which they exude in abundance.

I want to be like my dogs. At least in the way they seem to be Universe attuned.

They have so much to teach me about the world and myself. They don't have to get high, no need to risk their health and welfare for a rush. Love to exercise and always seem to work out their Doggy Day Care social challenges. They know their place in the pack and are happy in their positions.
My girls are awesome.

In combination with my puppy Prozac, keeping up a regular regimen of cycling, running and working out for my overall fitness is my go to remedy for these bouts of depression. I'm starting to understand and tie together the philosophy of how the human being is naturally born to move, to run and to compete. Secondly humans have a propensity to nurture, it's in our genes to strive for the harmony of others and ourselves.

I now realize that's been my problem all along. I wasn't allowing my being, my soul to do what comes naturally.
I think finally late in life I'm starting to get wise to the secret to living and being happy. All I really had to do in the first place was listen to my inner voice.
I'm hoping I'm right, so far so good.

As far as hitting the wall and falling flat, running has taught me so much. I'm learning to push through the dark and have the faith that tomorrow is another day, that they'll be miles ahead when the sun will come out and I'll float back up to where I'm at peace with myself.
   .................................................................

My first Duathlon! October 20th and I'm excited. I never knew that the true definition is Run, Bike, Run. Thought it was just a bike and run? 
In preparation I've gone back to cage/straps for my road bike pedals. Will make the running transition a hell of a lot easier. I'm becoming so "retro" in my old age.

I'm using my "Brooks-True Grits" trail shoes for the run and bike. They have a nice, fairly firm platform and slip in and out of the pedals quite easily.

Seeing my "Grand master" competition and after checking my age groups shirt size order, I think weight will be a factor working in my favor! I wear a small...the only one in the 50-60 group that does.
BTW I'm feeling great on the bike. The core workouts and 8 months of running a pumping up my wattage.
We shall see Saturday!...

Happy Anniversary My Beautiful Girl...Night Run and Reflections

Lovely Layla, my sweet little Angel...

Tomorrow will be the first Anniversary to the day when I was mysteriously directed to a miraculous convergence and ran head on into experiencing one of the happiest moments in  my life. On January 23rd 2011 I took a ride on my bike with my good friend Ron across bridge to Tiburon and back to San Francisco. I had a great day and as we rolled back into Sports Basement we just happened upon a mobile rescue dog event.
"Puppies"! I exclaimed to Ron.

I felt his eyes roll without even looking his way. I rolled my wheel right up to the first little pen which contained 3 little dogs.

As soon as I saw that little black angel I knew there was no turning back...

My first picture of "Lila" now called Layla within 20 seconds of seeing her.

She looked so much like my "Lady Gaga" but, a smaller version. I asked Ron to take a picture of me and Layla as I swooped her from the pen without even acknowledging the attendants watching over the dogs! Again I could read Ron's mind and knew all to well what he was thinking...
"Dude! Don't do it"!

Alas, but it was too late...
I emailed the shelter that night and inquired about possibly fostering the puppy.

This is how the correspondence followed-
On Sunday January 23 at 6:14 pm (after whining to Cathy about the event over dinner).


> >Hi,
> >
> >I met Lila at Sports Basement today (attached pictures). She resembles one of my
> >dogs "Lady Ga Ga". I was wondering if She would need fostering or, possibly any
> >of your dogs. I live and manage a large 117 unit apartment building (Dog
> >Friendly) We have two shelter dogs "Ga Ga" and "Beyonce" a wire haired dachshund
> >who get along beautifully. We also run a small day care for dogs and babysit
> >building dogs. Fostering would provide access to dogs so, to benefit adoption
> >opportunities We're thinking of getting into fostering...could you let me know
> >if you'd be interested and what it would entail?
> >
> >BTW the picture of Lila wasn't very well defined on your Facebook site so, I'll
> >send you the picts I took today that you can have for your site. I'm also a
> >photographer and would consider doing some part time photography for your dogs.
From NorCal Family Rescue
....................................................................................
> Hi there!
> Great photos! We'd love for you to foster Lila. She is already spayed and vaccinated and ready to go.
> My colleague Reed will send you our application - just take a quick moment to complete it - you are already approved to foster or adopt, we just need the paperwork for our files.
> You can pick Lila up tomorrow at our shelter space at 16th Street and Alabama. Dawn is your contact for tomorrow - pls text or phone her at 415-335-2245.
> Thank you! Great meeting you today.
> Best, Angela for Family Dog Rescue

Long story short, fostering never worked out and within 2 weeks I had added a 3rd dog to my Black Pack!
Happy Anniversary my little Sweetie...I love you! It's very odd but, I feel a connection with my dogs and animals in general of absolute trust and understanding that I rarely feel from my relationships with humans. Maybe humans just have too much freewill and are more apt to misuse it. In most cases I've just learned not to trust...sad for me.



........................................................................................
Running:

I had tentatively planned on a rest day today but, after yesterdays run I was actually a lot less stiff then I thought I would be so I just got out for a run. Maybe the training is starting to kick in. I'm shooting for some consecutive sub 8 minute miles maybe by the beginning of next month. Tonight was beautiful and not a soul was out there to get in my way. Most everyone was home watching the 49ers getting their ass kicked by the Giants...How embarrassing, arrrggghh!

I had an odd experience while I was just finishing my fastest mile for the evening. A car stopped in the middle of the road and the guy signaled to me. It was kind of weird that he didn't roll down the passenger window? (maybe it was broken). I had to go out around to the drivers side and at first kind of had a queasy feeling about it but, he basically was just looking for directions to St. Francis Yacht Club. He was definitely an Aussie. He then thanked me and mentioned something about help, life and something else then, handed my a card...
This is what the card said-

THANK YOU! (with some kind of B&W picture which I couldn't tell what it was).
Then- Help! along lifes journey
K.R.M Ministries inc.
Keith R. Moodie - Pastor Western Australia

Very weird...



Layla and Lady Gaga lounging in the sun.