Fun On A Fixie

   A few weeks ago I managed to score a Trek Classic Cruiser single-speed bike with new Bontrager tires for the whopping price of $25. You read that right, Twentyfive Dollars. It is satin black. I mean all satin black, and without a scratch. Sure, it had dust, cobwebs, and two flat tires but all that was easily fixed with a tire pump and a little elbow grease. Even the chain is shiny and new. I tightened and tweaked a few things, lubed and wiped the chain, then took it out for a test ride. Oh. My. God. It is the coolest bike ever. Ever. And so much fun! Not only does it look awesome, it rides great! Being a Fixie (single speed) it makes even moderate terrain a nice, quad burning workout. All hills are a stand up on the pedals and pump. The chubby tires make almost any surface feel smooth and easy, unlike the skinny tires on my road bike that prefer smooth asphalt. The tires and upright body position make for an enjoyably scenic ride.
    When I'm on my road bike, hands down on the drops, the head position and need to watch for rocks and rough road, mean you don't see the bulk of what you are riding past. Plus, the higher speed of my road bike, and the fact that I am often on busy roads, means that all attention is on riding safe, not crashing, and not getting run over by a log truck. The Fixie is a whole different proposition. Even pumping hard on an incline I bet the top speed isn't much more than 12-15 mph. Average speed is more like about 10mph, not a whole lot faster than I run (well, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but not much). And if I compare time-wise, side by side, I bet an hour on the Fixie is a better workout than an hour on the road bike.
    Workout intensity aside, the Fixie is Fun, yes, with a capital F. Riding along I feel my face is stretched into a manic grin the whole ride. If I was going faster I would have bugs plastered in my teeth. I've taken it out on the rough farm roads around my home, and taken it via car into urban areas, and both are equally fun. With the upright position I can look around, head on a swivel, looking at all the things passing by, enjoying the sights and sounds. I had it with me in Gladstone last week, and rode it around the areas that were my daily run routes when I was training for my Iron distance tri. I even rode past The Cove where I taught myself to open water swim without being overcome with panic attacks. It was a little bittersweet. This is exactly the time of year I should be doing my big A Race event, an Iron or half-Iron, but injuries have kept me sidelined for far too long. So riding past The Cove, smelling that late summer spice of dying leaves and warm water, made me all the more determined to get back up to full strength by next summer. And all these thoughts, these dreams, came as I pedalled around on the new bike, imagining what could be. I even thought how funny it would be to do a sprint tri on my Fixie. That would get some looks, for sure.
    Of course all good bikes have to be named. My road bike is Joshua. But names have to come to you, you can't just make a random choice. As I was out riding the first time I thought, "Harold?" That didn't feel quite right. But, it made me think of the actor Harold Ramis, and his most epic role; Egon Spengler of Ghostbusters notoriety. So, Egon it is. I also made him a super cool bento box out of leather from my old, and way too big, motorcycle chaps. Yeah, this is the coolest bike ever. And he is mine.

Athlete Without a Sport

    Lately I have been feeling like an athlete without a sport. That may sound a bit dramatic since I obviously am always training. Yes, I want to do long distance swimming, but the available events are few and far between, and also contingent on water health and weather. I want to train for triathlon, but that is contingent on my own joint health and managing to stay injury free for an entire season.
    My younger son has been participating in Historical European Martial Arts, aka HEMA. It is sword fighting, with real swords. Not the heavy armored combat I used to do, where weapons were rattan, and heavy and cumbersome. HEMA has less armor, and the weapons, though steel, are lighter, hence, easier on my joints (maybe). I admit, I am sorely tempted. I like the idea of getting back into an intensely physical sport that is pared down to its essentials. No energy and emotion spent on the trappings, the politics, the cliques. Just fighting, plain and simple.
    I don't know if I will pursue it any further than sparring with my son and daughter-in-law. It is not like I really have a lot of spare time to add in another training regiment. But I will say, my shoulders and core strength are a lot better today then they ever have been.
    I dunno, just pondering possibilities. Like I said, I am feeling like an athlete without a sport, which is leaving me feel like I am floundering a bit. I will keep casting about, looking for that certain something that will keep the spark kindling bright. For now, that may be steel.

Four Weeks In

    I have now had four weeks of no grains, no baked goods, no dairy, minimal added sugar. I admit, when I started this I was hoping to shed a few pounds, and I did, a few. I also feel somehow a bit "cleaner," less bloat, and I feel somehow lighter. One thing I did not expect was that I have a lot less overall chronic pain. Honestly. This last year I have been fretting about how stiff and painful my major joints have felt, especially in my hips. Not so much the joints themselves, but the surrounding tendons and ligaments. The last few weeks I have been feeling considerably more fluid and flexible. I love this, and hate it at the same time. I don't know that my recent food restrictions are to credit/blame for this, or if it is a coincidence. I am loving not hurting all the damned time, I have even done a bit of running recently with no ill effects. I am hating the thought that in order to have my body feel as functional as possible I need to avoid grains, baked goods, and cheese (cheese being my last dairy hold out... because, Cheese). Is it worth it? I am asking seriously. Life without grains, baked goods and cheese? No bread? No rice? No pizza? No, I can't say my recent diet has been all that restrictive, I eat well, and make delicious foods. But g'damn it, I just want to be able to eat like a normal person.
    On the flip side, once you get past my whining about cheese and bread, my body is feeling hella better. Again, I don't know if this is a coincidence, or cause and effect. It could be that we are finally getting out of such cold damned weather, and the days are longer. it could be that I finally caved and started taking naproxin sodium before bed, so that might be reducing my overall inflammation. It could just be my body keeping me guessing. I think I will keep going with limited use of grains, and no cheese for a bit longer. Like I said, it's not like I am suffering deprivations.
    I had hoped to get to the end of the four weeks and seen a more noticeable shift on the scale. But it's not like I really have much weight to lose, just a few pound added on this last year, since I haven't been able to train quite as rigorously. Maybe, with less joint pain, I can get my training back up a notch, which is a reward all of its own.
    So, after four weeks, I can't say the change in my eating habits wasn't worth the effort. My body feels better, my brain a little clearer (again, this could be as much due to the shift in weather, and increasing daylight). I am going to start increasing my running and leg work slowly, see if the pain stays away. I may add in a bit of wild rice blend now and then, see what happens. I might bake some of my whole grain, gluten free bread, and see how it makes me feel. Just dip my toes in a bit. I have been missing cheese sandwiches on my warm, fresh baked bread though.

Dream of Running

    I dream of running. Not just daydreams. I dream vividly of running. In my dreams I run with an agility and speed that I have never managed in the real world. In my dreams I bound down trails with the grace of a white tail deer, the endurance of an ancient hunter, the lightness of a wood nymph. There is never any pain, unlike the real world. Last night I dreamed of running up a long staircase of ancient stone as part of my regular training. I went from staggering up like I likely would in reality, but quickly, through regular training, I was leaping up taking it three steps at a time. I was a beast. I drifted into semi-consciousness thinking, "I need to add stairs to my training." Then woke completely knowing that any run training has been on hold for over a year. In other words, there is no run training.
    My last running event was a 5K last summer. I am staying consistent with the strength training and physical therapy aspects of training, with the vain hope that it will let me run at some point. I haven't given up on the idea, but I will be starting from ground zero.
    Until then, I dream of running.  

One Week In

    I am not inclined to do drastic diets, I have done plenty of weird, fad things during my life. Having said that, I am almost a week into 30 days of no grains, no dairy, no baked goods, and minimal sugar. Kind of low carb, but still with plenty of natural carbs in the way of yams, and lots of fruit. I was looking at the Clean30 diet, and decided that it was nigh on impossible to do as a vegetarian. As a matter of fact, when you read through their official site it implies that if you are vegetarian you might want to consider adding some meat, "grass fed beef and free range poultry should be fine..." Honestly, it pissed me off. Besides, I do need to have some legumes now and then, and maybe a little quinoa and teff if need be, to break the monotony of eggs, fruits and veggies, Okay, there is a bit more to it than that, but that really is the basic break down. This hasn't been too tough, since I am gluten-free, mostly dairy free (a bit of extra sharp cheddar now and then), and don't use much sugar (1/2 tsp at most in my coffee, a bit more in my tea). I am missing my dark chocolate and fresh baked gluten-free bread with a little sharp cheddar, though.
    One week in and I feel less bloated, and I am down a few pounds (which is likely water, since carbs help you maintain water). I don't know that my energy level is any better, but the cold wet weather isn't helping me in that department. One thing I have notice in the last few days is that I am having less joint pain. Mostly, my tendons seem to feel less stiff and painful. I don't know if this is a coincidence, but I will take what I can get. I would love to come to the end of the 30 days a few pounds lighter, more energetic, more motivated, and less chronic pain. Who knows? Maybe I need to be even more neurotic with my eating than I already am? That would suck. But I can do most anything for 30 days, if there is better health at the end of the tunnel. (still missing chocolate and cheese though).

A Year of Unfortunate Events

    This winter has been a struggle. I have begun thinking of it as The Year of Unfortunate Events. For the last year and a half I have been plagued with a series of injuries and joint issues that has derailed any idea of running. I keep trying, and getting slapped down by pain. This has me feeling an inevitable doom. The knowledge that it is likely that I will never be able to compete in another triathlon. I resist the notion as best I can, but it is a pervasive fear.
   If it were just one joint I think I would be able to work around it. But it is pretty much everything from the waist down. Both hips, right knee, left foot and ankle, and most recently a strained adductor on my left leg. It is discouraging, to say the least.
    The current worst problem is my left foot/ankle. I am getting a fallen arch, clinically known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. For the last 6 months or so it has felt like, at best, I am walking around on a sprained ankle, and at worst it feels like I have broken bones in my foot. There is always pain, even when I am sitting. It wakes me in the night with a deep, throbbing ache. I keep it taped with KT tape, have nice little compression braces, and for work I wear a substantial rigid brace. I am hoping that by keeping it wrapped, wearing shoes with good support, and physical therapy I might be able to arrest the progress. The downside is that this is often a crippling condition that only gets worse with time. It is likely the result of having sprained my ankle so many times through my lifetime, added to my current job of being on my feet all day on concrete. Like I said, discouraging.
    All this has led me down a gloomy path. My training is off, my weight has gone up (not much, but enough), I am sleeping too much, and my motivation has gone down the tubes. It is hard to keep training when there isn't anything to train for.
    So, enough whining. I need to get back on track. I need to regain what I've lost. I still have the Bridge Swim in my sights, and have been doing a lot of strength training, and plenty of swimming to prepare. I really have increased my weight training this winter, and that has helped keep me from total despair. It is also giving me really ripped shoulders and back *bonus*.
    This coming monday I will start a modified version of Whole30. A thirty day eating concept that has no grains, legumes, sugar, dairy, or processed foods. The idea being to cut sugars and inflammatory foods, and to help me get past my current carb cravings. I can still have plenty of yams, potatoes, and beets to satisfy my needs. Plus all the vegetables I want, and plenty of fresh fruit. This really isn't much different from how I usually eat, except for the grains and legumes. I am vegetarian and rely on these as sources of protein. But this cuts back the carbs, rigorously. It is only 30 days, and I need something to jumpstart my new training regiment.
    Now, with that all being said, I need to get to the pool for a morning swim, after a good weight workout.

CrossFit-ish

    I have been increasing my strength training this winter, lifting heavier and more frequently. No, I don't lift heavy, I still stick with moderate weight and higher reps since my joints just won't manage high weights anymore. And I know that even when I have no motivation to do cardio, I always have motivation to lift. To that end, I am always in search of methods to increase productivity and results, as well as make it more interesting. I am also constantly looking for motivation, so I turn to YouTube for various videos. Since I have watched about every year of Kona Ironman, some more than once (c'mon, Mirinda Carfrae's come from behind win in 2013 was amazing.... her marathon run was phenomenal), I started looking for other venues to warm my blood. I've watched numerous trail running, and ultra running vids, various tri distances, olympic swimming, the list goes on and on. Recently I stumbled on CrossFit championships and Invitationals (team CrossFit). I have always been intrigued by CrossFit, but knowing my joints and their limitations, as well as financial limits, and lack of access, I knew I would not be joining a CF Box. That being said, I was intrigued nonetheless. Besides, how can anyone watch CF competitions and not admire the physiques and stamina of the athletes? These competitions take endurance down a whole different path. It is pretty fucking cool.
    After watching countless hours of CrossFit competitions I realized that a lot of my strength training falls easily into that mentality and style. Quick supersets; increasing weights and decreasing reps in a pyramid style workout with max sets (my personal favorite); combination moves; combining weights and body weight exercises. As well as meshing with my own belief that my strength is my strength when it comes to endurance, and weight training is integral to my ability to complete endurance events. Add to that, I know I have to keep my muscles in top shape if I want to protect my joints to minimize injuries and pain.
    So, being the internet age, of course I went onto Pinterest and searched CrossFit workouts to find an assortment of sets to add to my weekly regiment. In the process I learned terms that describe things I already do: AMRAP, As Many Reps As Possible (either during a specific time, or to failure); Chipper, a workout with many movements and reps (you "chip away" at it); WOD Workout Of the Day; EMOM Every Minute On the Minute. These add to the terms I already have in common with their lingo: PB Personal Best; PR Personal Record; Tabata, short intense work followed by short rest; HIIT High Intensity Interval Training; Ass to Grass, get low; DNF Did Not Finish; DNS Did Not Start; DFL Dead Fucking Last (on this note, DFL is better than DNF, but DNF is better than DNS).
    I have already begun integrating some new ideas into my regular workouts. Even before my current CF curiosity I have been increasing weights in some workout, increasing sets in others. Now I am adding some different bodyweight legwork to the weekly agenda. This week was my first 20 minute AMRAP of 10 each squats, lunges, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, sumo squats, calf raises, and burpees (burpees suck, by the way). This will be a regular addition. It was quick and furious, followed by a 75 minute swim, and legwork in the pool. Once my left ankle is back to a semblance of normal I will add jump squats, and probably box jumps back into my routine (I was doing them last year, but have been so injury prone they had to be given up for the time being).
     CrossFit is an interesting sport. It definitely pushes athleticism into a different realm. I wish it had been around 20 years ago, although the path I've taken hasn't been all that different. I have been serious about strength training and weight lifting my entire adult life, starting back in my late teens, including a bout with body building, and another with power lifting, Of all the activities I have done, it has been the one consistent element. Always. Now, I am excited to have found yet another manifestation of something I have always loved,
 

Strength Work

    Getting my training back on track after the holidays. It wasn't so much the holidays as it has been the weather. We have had snow and ice hitting every week, effectively keeping me housebound several days each week. Then the pool lost power for a few days, closing it, and when it reopened the water was too freaking cold for me to swim (yes, I am a wimp about swimming in cold water).
    My biggest focus over the last month or so has been strength training. I am swimming regularly, trying to increase my swims to 4 or 5 a week. I was successful with this, until the weather started crimping my style. So, strength training has been my go-to, since I can do it at home, or when the pool is too cold.
    I have been finding motivation watching Crossfit competitions. No, I don't do Crossfit, and have no plans to take it up. It is, however, an amazing display of overall fitness, and a great motivation while training. It has been great to watch while strength training, it is encouraging me to push harder and longer, which is exactly what I need right now.
    With the various injuries and such that I have struggled with over the last 2 years I know that muscle strength is my best defense, and best route to being able to increase training without further injuries. I have reached a point that I am not sure if I can continue with long course triathlon, my joints really object to running. It may be a pipe dream, but I am hoping that with all the proper strength training and conditioning that I might be able to return to running. Hopefully. If not, my alternate plan is distance swimming, and distance cycling. Regardless of where my endeavors take me, I know that strength will help me get there.
    I have often said, "My strength is my strength." For many people their strength is their speed, or their massive endurance, or a lifetime in their sport. For me it is my strength. My strength lets me power through tough sessions and distances. My strength also increases my endurance. I found a note to myself that said, "Power is work over time." Strength training is part of the process.
    So, for now, while it is cold, icy and grey outside, I will lift and train. I will use bands, kettlebell, barbell, and weight machines. I will use all the tools I have at my disposal to build my body's arsenal. My strength is my strength.