"An Epic Day"

Even by Colbys high standards, today would qualify!

Today I became a mentor, and I met my mentee.  I'm participating in a  program run by Big Brothers/Big Sisters called "In School Mentoring" (ISM).  I am very, very excited.  It's all happening at Sparta Public School where Colb and Ky go.  They kindly gave me permission to hang out at their school, as long as I don't do anything to embarrass them!

I will spend an hour a week of non-academic time with an 8 year old in grade 3. What that means is that we're gonna "play". Like I said, I met him today, and found him to be bright and friendly, with a great imagination.  We start next Tuesday, and I'll keep you posted.

I truly feel grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the school community that my grandchildren belong to.  The principal is fantastic, and is 100% supportive of what is a new program for them.  It's probably obvious that  they don't pair you up with the schools model student, and in actual fact quite the opposite.  That's the point!  And it's also what motivated me to participate.  I have 4 sons, and 1 grandson, and was once a boy myself, and almost to a man we hated the classroom!  Any escape for an hour must be a good thing!

I was on a high on the way home, and then I got higher.  My new pedals arrived just after I got back to the house.  These are the special gadgets that I earned cleaning floors, and I got an excellent deal on e-bay, so I chose not to wait.  They are a indeed a technological marvel, and I enjoy just fondling them.  I'm reluctant to put them on my bike cause then they'll get used.  And there's no rush anyway, as I don't see the grass coming up anywhere yet!   I've probably already posted this, but in case not, here you go. Woohoo!!!

And while I told you yesterday that I had nothing to learn about taking care of my achilles I need to backtrack.  I found a new idea which I'm gonna give a chance.  Check this out.  It is still  quite sore today though, and at the very least I won't run for the next 4 days.  That means I won't be doing anything tomorrow after a hard bike today, so I think I'll go visit Odd John.  As much as he's my little brother, and I'm constantly giving him the gears, I gotta tell you that I respect him a lot, and always look forward to seeing him.  (John, if you read that part, ignore it.  You're a dick!)

And as to the bike workout I mentioned, I had to cheat just a wee bit right at the end.  I don't know if it was my legs or my brain that were all used up, but there certainly was not anything left.  And it doesn't really matter which, as I just feel good about giving everything.

computrainer long intervals, 90 mins total

"The least of the work of learning is done in the classroom."---Thomas Merton

Love
Peter

"I Get To Decide"

Feeling a bit daunted this morning.  I knew that the horrible running conditions of yesterday had played havoc with my achilles, but not until I dragged my ass out of bed did I realize how badly.  I could barely walk, and in actual fact it would more aptly be called a shuffle.  Shit!

Fortunately it was easy day and so after driving the kids to school…...

(I gotta give you an aside about that in case you wonder why I drive them so often.  Do you remember how it went when you were a kid being bussed?  The bus always took the same route, morning and afternoon, so that every kid spent the same amount of time riding each day.  Makes sense right?  Presumably because our kids go to a country school, and the bus arrives from the town we live close to, our kids are the first on in the morning, and the last off in the afternoon!!  I'm sure someone is saving some money, but it still really, really sucks!  That's why I drive them)

….I headed to the pool for my swim, and maybe a weight workout.  My swim was decent, and then I decided to sit in the hot tub a bit while contemplating the weights.  Of course I spent the entire time trying to stretch out my achilles, and considering what the hell I was gonna do?  I know enough about that particular piece of my body to know that there's no professional out there that can add value; no one to get an opinion from; no one to get treatment from.  I suppose I should be grateful that I could determine my own resolution, and certainly I have lots of options.  I could decide to ignore the pain and keep hammering.  I could decide to stop running completely until it heals.  I could decide to back way off and try to let it recover actively.  Too damn many choices, but not even one that I liked.

Then a guy rolled up to the hot tub, hauled himself out of the chair with the handrails, dragged his totally useless legs behind him, and came and sit down beside me. 

I decided not to worry about my stupid little problem!

1250 metre swim, weights

"If I decide to be an idiot, then I'll be an idiot on my own accord."---Johann Sebastian Bach

Love

Peter

"A Near Perfect Day"

First a perfect little snuggle before school.

Then a perfect little run.

Although it was just a wee bit chilly!

run, 22 kms

And this quote has absolutely no relevance to the post, but when I seen it I had to use it.  When a few words like this strike me so powerfully, it is often because I recognize it as advice that I need.  

"Silence is the most perfect expression of scorn."---George Bernard Shaw

Love

Peter

"Ramblings of a Lunatic"

First on this adoption thing.  Here's how I figure it came down.  Our dearly departed parents, being the devoted Catholics they were, decided to have a bunch of kids. After a fruitful but very disappointing start (Cory, Mary & Elly), they decided that maybe adoption would be a better route.  Back in those days the agencies would give kids to anyone, even to people who already had their hands full with 3 mentally challenged children of their own.  Of course that's where I came in, but after some testing they discovered that although I was a brilliant and kindly child, I also had very tight connective tissues.  I suspect the priest told them that this phenomenon was akin to having three "6's" tattooed on my forehead, and totally frightened them away from further adoption. Upon which, they immediately went back to having kids the old fashioned, biological way. Although Bill scared them a wee bit when he came along, upon Teresa's arrival they knew that once more they were solidly conceiving children that would need a little extra help to get through life!  This trend, of flexible, but semi-retarded children came to a climax a few years later when Odd John showed up with his head completely up his ass.  Talk about flexible!!

And so there you have it.  Despite my assertions over the years that I was one of 12 idiots, the acceptance of my adopted status now allows me to confess what I truly believed all along.  That I was the only normal child amongst 11 idiots!!  The very fact that I figured it out should be sufficient proof. 

And although I may not share the genetic factor that allows for flexible joints, I do acknowledge that I have somehow absorbed many other character traits from my siblings.  Many of them are of the good thing/bad thing variety, but I happen to believe that for the most part we've made the best of them.  Often 2 or more personality "flaws" seem to go hand in hand.  As I look in the mirror, and look around at the others I can conclude that there is a strong tendency to "know it all"! I would make one exception, so maybe she's adopted as well.  And ask just about anyone, and you will also get a consensus that the Rooyakkers stubborn streak is rather more like a full dye job.
So if you marry these 2 "flaws" together, you can get either an obnoxious, stubborn, know it all. like me, or you can potentially get an inquisitive, passionate, tenacious person, that although strong willed and knowledgeable, is also a kind, decent, human being.  I say potentially, because in actual fact every one of them turned out just like me!

But I was thinking about this stubborn thing while I was sitting on the trainer today.  I worked my freakin ass off!  It's not an exaggeration to say that it was one of the toughest workouts I have ever experienced.  I don't think that any of the professionals work harder than I do, once I am committed to a path.  You may recall that my recent focus has been on improving my cycling while in the aero position.  When you are on the very edge of succumbing completely to the pain, to still persist in staying with that pain, indeed takes a large measure of stubbornness.  Especially when all you have to do to make the worst of it go away, is to sit up a bit!  I'm proud of myself today.  Of the 36 minutes of high intensity, I spent 30 of them in the aero position, compared to 24 last week.

And then just to say that I did something useful, I cleaned the tiles in one of the bathrooms, and then started on our bedroom. You may think we're just lousy housekeepers when you look at this picture, but we're not really.  It just gets this way over time, despite regular cleaning.

But with a bit of elbow grease…

I will eventually get the whole house done, but since I haven't yet had any offers of help, that could take a while.  That's the problem with being adopted you see.  They may share their name with you, but they don't really love you.  I also need to get some new scrubbers cause they don't have the ones I like here in this two bit town of ours.

And lastly for today, to the unpleasant, self centred, person who has my eldest son trapped in his own body, could you please let him go.  I would like to have him back.  Thanks!

Computrainer intervals, 90 minutes total 

…and this is very good for me to remember...

"Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal."---Friedrich Nietzsche

Love
Peter

"My Recent Adoption"

I will address this issue tomorrow, as I am still in too much shock.  It explains a lot of things actually, but it is also very overwhelming.  Like I said, more tomorrow, once I've had a chance to absorb it.  As the Apple corporation is fond of saying. "This changes everything".

Easy day on the training front.  I went for a jog around the block, only to discover part way in that I had forgotten a second pair of mitts.  Turned around and came home.  I also got a little swim in.  All is well.

run 3.5 kms    swim, 1250 metres

"Adopted kids are such a pain - you have to teach them how to look like you."---Gilda Radner

Love
Peter

"This One's For You Elly"

Where, oh where, did you ever get the idea that you and your siblings have loose connective tissue????

Either

a) I'm adopted!
or
b) I'm the exception that proves the rule!
or
c) You have no idea what you're talking about!

Choose!!

The number one thing I wish I could change about my body is to get just a wee bit of flexibility.  The reason I am so often on the edge of injury is because every last tendon and ligament in my body is short, tight and fragile.  It is also the biggest reason I am such a poor swimmer.  I have limited mobility in my shoulders, my back, my hips, and my ankles.  While I know that a small part of that is because of my running and a lack of accompanying stretching, this is not a new thing for me.  I could just barely touch my toes as a kid, and now I can't get within 8 inches of them.

So whatever it means, I gotta tell you that I'm still quite proud of my ability to put my socks on standing up.  Perhaps John is full of shit, but my pride was sincere. Whadda ya say John?

Basement long ride….3 freakin hours!

Be infinitely flexible and constantly amazed."---Jason Kravitz

Love
Peter

"Places To Go"

People to see.  Things to do.  Not time for blogging tonite.

Besides I'm still recovering from my hangover.  Every couple of  months I give the drinking thing a try again, and every couple of months I regret it! I had 2 strong beers last night and that's all it took.  I got to sleep nicely, but by 3:00 am I was awake with a headache, mouth dry as sawdust, and anxious as hell.  When will I learn?  After some aspirin and lots of water, I spent the rest of the night in the recliner.  The only solution this morning was a run around the block.  It was very invigorating but also tiring.  Lots of wind, no traction anywhere, and lots of drifts to navigate.  Nasty.

Long ride tomorrow.  Also nasty!

So that's it.  Not even any poetry!

Run, 7.3 kms

"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut."---Ernest Hemingway

Love
Peter

"I Told You!"

If you recall, my prediction of a cold winter came about when I decided not to build a rink.  It's all my fault that its gonna be 20 below again tomorrow, and this freakin wind tearing at my back door makes me feel colder just listening to it.  Of course you city people don't know what that's like, but don't think that means I'm envious of you.  It just means I think you're warmer.

And tomorrow I gotta go running again, come hell or high water.  Just a short one though, so no worries.  I don't mind 45 minutes in a blizzard!

The nasty weather has me thinking I'm ready to go curl up with my book, so that will be it for today.  Right now I'm grateful that my children and my grand children are all off the roads, so I should be able to rest well.  Adrian spent half of the day parked on the 401 east of Oshawa, so I'm glad he's safely getting drunk at his friends place in Kingston.

And speaking of nasty weather I was glad that my workout was in the basement again today.  That has worked out nicely for me more often than not, as relates to the weather.  I gotta tell you that my computrainer was perhaps the best money I've spent in my life.  I'm not ashamed to tell you that it cost me almost $2000, because I've already gotten 10 times that much value out of it.  In my past life, the 3 1/2 half years that I've had it would have cost me about $22,000 in beer and smokes!!

Oh, and the workout itself was tough but good, as I continue to focus on gaining strength in the aero position.  I can't wait for spring to see of it actually males a difference.  I feel optimistic!

And speaking of past lives.  I've been working, and paying employment insurance premiums, for more than 40 years.  Today, for the first time in my life, I filled out EI benefit forms, and they're gonna start giving some of it back.  Or, I suppose I should say to you, as participating members of our great society, "you're" gonna start paying it back.  Damn, it's good to be a drain on society!  Thanks for having jobs my friends and family.  One thing I found amusing about my long record of uninterrupted employment is that it qualifies me as a "long tenured worker".  What that means is that the only jobs I have to take are ones that are the same as the one I had, and the pay for which is at least 90% of my previous salary.  What's funny about that you may ask???…..Hah!!  There's no such job!!!

And some time earlier in this post I told you that I was all done for today.  Now I mean it!

Well except for my poetry

It's cold outside,
but not so cold.
That even the wind,
can make me feel old!

To have a warm heart,
it's gotta be told.
Is more important,
than silver or gold!

And sorry my friends,
if that sounds quite bold.
But on this little truth,
I'm totally sold!

…I feel like chuckling like Janis Joplin does after Mercedes Benz...

computrainer, week 11, day 2, 80 mins


"Cigarette sales would drop to zero overnight if the warning said "CIGARETTES CONTAIN FAT."---Dave barry

Love
Peter

"Top Ten"

I had a great post inspiration this morning.  It came to me while putting my socks on after my swim.  It was gonna be great in light of my recent reflections on age.  It was gonna be called, 'The Top Ten Ways You Can Tell You're Still Young and Healthy'.  I didn't quite know what it would look like, but whenever I've tackled a top ten list I've always managed to put something together.  I tucked the idea aside, with the intent of coming back to it a little later in the day.  When I finally sat down with pen and paper, I came up with a whole bunch of great ideas.

And I could share them all with you, but I suddenly realize I have a problem.  The idea of the list would have been not just to inform, but also to prove that I still qualified.  Alas, I found my self laughing at my list, because that is simply not the case.  While I came up with lots of examples that proved my fitness, they didn't necessarily provide evidence of youth.

And so I choose to forgo the list, with the exception of the very item that inspired me in the first place.  I think this one is irrefutable evidence of both fitness and youth, and furthermore it is one that I can attest to being within my capabilities.

So without further ado, I give you the number one way you can tell you are still young and healthy.

#1---You can put your socks on while standing up!!

swim, 1250 metres, 26:42

…and just a quote I liked...

"Many a witty inspiration is like the surprising reunion of befriended thoughts after a long separation."---Karl Shlegel

Love
Peter

"Second Childhood"

Some times I feel likes it's sneaking up on me quickly, this devolution that comes with age.  I was thinking about my post for tonite when the nice lady at the Home Hardware checkout asked me if I was a senior?  I had to get her to repeat it a couple of times, because I couldn't figure out what she was asking. When I finally replied in the negative, she looked at me as if to question whether I was lying?  No doubt my impaired hearing didn't do a thing to dispel her doubts.  It was a very strange moment for me.  Do I really look that old?  I admit to resenting it just a wee bit.  Somehow I have this irrational idea that my fitness should have people thinking I'm younger.  I guess when you're all bundled up in a winter coat complete with hat and mitts, and only the grey goatee, and the radiated neck are visible, that fitness isn't very obvious.  Next time I'm either gonna hit the deck and whip off 20 or 30 pushups….or just lie and take the discount?

Anyway, to continue with my theme of senior-citizen-hood being akin to childhood, I can indeed confirm some similarities.  Most notably today was the amount of time it took me to get dressed for my run.  I hoped to get 20K in, and because it was quite cold, the occasion called for some good planning.  Here's about how it went.

Apply lotion to feet, crotch, chest (for heart rate strap), nipples, and inner arms.
--
Jockey Shorts
--
Right sock
--
Left sock
--
Right calf sleeve(to protect the calf muscles from cold)
--
Left calf sleeve
--
Heart rate strap
--
Medium shirt
--
Tights pulled over shirt tail
--
Right ankle support, for injured achilles
--
Heavy shirt
--
Running pants over second shirt tail
--
Right shoe
--
Left shoe
--
Headphones with iPod in pants pocket
--
Jacket
--
GPS watch strapped over jacket sleeve
--
Balaclava
--
Sunglasses
--
Hat
--
Left glove
--
Right glove
--
Second left glove
--
Second right glove
--
Cherry life saver as saliva substitute
--
And finally….ready to head out.  Woohoo!!
--
--
--
--
But wait
--
--
--
--
Whoops!
--
--
--
--
Gotta pee!

Second childhood for sure.  I considered going out anyway but it was damn cold to be pissing down my leg, halfway to Port Stanley.  That would probably only feel good for about 30 seconds.  I unpackaged what I needed to, and headed out after reassembly.

And it went reasonably well.  My right hand froze pretty well solid, but that's just because I don't have a good pair of mittens.  They should go on sale soon.  :)

As to my achilles, the next few days will tell the tale.  I've been icing on and off since my run and right now it feels pretty good.  I'll let you know.

And Cathy, the secret lies in extra fine grit, foam sanding pads.  I went through 2 of them at less than 3 bucks each.  I did however try to pick up a few more at Home Hardware (the elder abuse place) and I didn't like the ones they had.  I want to find the same brand, as they had just the right amount of flexibility.  I also used a foaming bathroom cleaner, with a rag. and a bucket water.

And John,  Jesus asked me about magic erasers as well, so I gave him a comparison to the Catholic Church.  They both look good on the outside, but only one of them tolerates a lot of abuse!

Run 20 kms,  5:17/km

"Childhood sometimes does pay a second visit to man, youth never."---Anna Jameson

Love
Peter

"Lord Help Me Jesus"

I have always been a fan of Kris Kristofferson.  (pop quiz…what's his real name without looking it up?) There's something about his voice that I always found soothing.  So it was a pleasure to hear one of his songs come out of the computer while I was on my knees cleaning grout.  And most aptly, it was his classic 'Why Me Lord', the signature line of which is, 'Lord Help Me Jesus".  Yup I thought!  Help me Jesus to clean these floors.  "Grab a rag and get down on your knees with me, and we'll have this done in half the time."  But you know what?  Asking probably wouldn't be necessary.  If I ever  happen upon Jesus cleaning a floor I'm gonna start helping without being asked, and I am absolutely convinced that he wouldn't need to be either.

Or at least that's my picture of Jesus.  He'd smile at me, get down on his knees, sing Leonard Cohen songs with me, and talk grout!.  Furthermore, he wouldn't once ask me If I'd been saved; he wouldn't once threaten me with hell; he wouldn't ask me if I was gay or if I'd ever had an abortion; he wouldn't ask if I was Hindu, Muslim or Jew; he wouldn't ask me if I go to church on Sunday, or if I'd ever been divorced.  I bet he wouldn't even ask me if I capitalized my "he's" when I'm referring to him.

If the conversation did turn serious I would probably apologize for what we've done to his reputation, but I think he'd probably just deflect it.  I suspect the only question he'd have for me is how I managed to get my grout so clean, and of course I would share my secret with him.  Besides,  it would be pretty hard to hide it from him because he'd be right there helping.  And that's the only way anyone's gonna get my secret.  Most of our house has ceramic tile, and I've only got one room done, so if you wanna come and help, I'll tell you all about it.  Needless to say, it's not magic erasers!

Today was the first day of week 11(of 20) on the computrainer, and I was just a little nervous.  For some reason my legs were quite sore this morning, and that puzzled me momentarily.  It had been 2 days since my test ride and all I did yesterday was an easy block run.  But then I got it!  They were sore in a different way than usual, and it was clearly because of the amount of time and effort I committed to riding in the aero bars.  I had spent 23 minutes of the 30 minute test with my head down, compared to less than half in previous attempts.  So although the soreness was suddenly a good thing, the fact remained that my legs were tired and I headed downstairs with some trepidation.  You may recall that I told you that the next 5 weeks were gonna be the same as the last 5 but that is not the case.  Even though the baseline remains the same, the workouts get longer and more varied.  Today's main set was 6 X 6 minute intervals, with 3 minutes rest between.   If you want to make 6 minutes seem 10 times as long as 3 minutes, this is the way to do it.  I was proud to spend 24 of the 36 minutes in the aero bars!!

And the answer to the quiz….Kristoffer Kristofferson!!!

computrainer, intervals, 80 mins total
250 tiles, 500' of grout

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"---Jesus

Love
Peter

"Key To Her Heart"

I feel like I won the lottery, although some of you may tell me that today's discovery should have been apparent years ago.  Alas, I'm not that astute I guess, and so it took me almost 27 years of marriage to find the key to my wife's heart!  I've tried romance and jewels, I've tried flowers and dinners, I've tried homes, gardens, vehicles, children and grandchildren!  I've tried sweet talking and threats, promises and more threats!  I've even tried a state of the art, 60" zero turn, lawn mower, and while she appreciated or rejected as appropriate all of my efforts, I'm afraid to tell you that none of them unlocked her heart in that once in a lifetime magical way that all men dream of.

But my search for the holy grail ended today my friends!  And not in some paltry, mediocre, subtle kind of way, but rather with a giant, earth shaking, monumental bang!  You see I discovered a secret.  A secret so special I can't even share all of the details with you.  And I discovered this secret while she was out running, and so I had a bit of time to plan my strategy. I was pretty sure that she would pay dearly for my little bit of new found knowledge, and I was absolutely correct!  Like I said….the key to her heart, boys and girls!  Woohoo!!

And how might one tell you may ask, when he has unlocked his wife's heart?  Well I suppose that could be different for anyone.  While many men may want loving and tenderness, some may want dinners and housekeeping, and some may even want her to to go away and leave him alone, my indicator is somewhat unique.  I knew I hit the jackpot; the big one; the dream lottery, when in exchange for my secret, my honey not just agreed, but actually encouraged me, and with much enthusiasm I may add, to go out and buy the Garmin Vector pedals I want for my bike!!

But of course some of you are thinking, big freaking deal!  His wife agrees to let him buy a pair of bicycle pedals, and he thinks he's discovered the secret to the universe.  Admit it, that's what you're thinking aren't you?  Well if so, that's just because you don't know that these pedals are a long awaited breakthrough in bicycle pedal technology, and that they cost a totally ridiculous sum of money, which is clearly not considered in the Rooyakkers family budget,  And furthermore, that they are a luxury that I want as much for the technology, as for any value they may add to my cycling.  I won't go into the details of the pedals other than to tell you that they will basically give me the same data while riding outside, as I now get on my computrainer in the basement.  For those that are curious, here's a better look.

And I hope that by now I have peaked your curiosity.  As I implied earlier, the key to my wife's heart should perhaps have been apparent. Anyone who knows her at all can confirm that she is most apt to be swayed by the little pleasures that life brings, rather than by diamonds and jewels.  And so it is with great pleasure; with a profound sense of gratitude; with genuine humility; and an overwhelming sense of awe, that I advise you that the key to Roo's heart lies in our kitchen floor!!

No shit?!
Yup!  Yup!  Yup!

You see, I figured how to simply, effectively, and with a reasonable effort, clean the grout between the tiles.  And furthermore, I offered up my services as the grout cleaner, and wondered aloud if my labours could be considered as partial payment towards the pedals?  When her response was to include the bathrooms as well in return for complete payment, I knew I had struck matrimonial gold!   Of course it will mean quite a bit of time spent on my knees, but as any man knows this is the normal position from which one conducts a marriage, regardless of whether he has discovered the key to her heart.   Acceptance of that fact of life, combined with the other fact that I have a very good pair of gel filled knee pads in the garage, allows me to gracefully and gratefully 'assume the position'.   Game on!!

Of course there's still the minor item of the budget, but now that I'm significantly motivated I'm pretty sure I can work it out.  It's simply a matter of eliminating other luxury items which don't mean as much to me.  I'm thinking toilet paper and soap just for starters, and I'm sure lots of other things will come to mind.  Toothpaste maybe?

So it was a pretty good day over all.  I took it easy on the training front, only running around the block.  While my nagging injury is still nagging, I'm at least comfortable enough to test it a bit more.  On wednesday I will try for 20 kms.  By rights I should have gone to the pool and the weight room as well today, but my right shoulder is struggling a bit (whine, whine), and so a break was called for.

run 7.5 kms

"A small key opens big doors."---Anon

Love
Peter

"Happy Birthday Michael"

Among all the  things that have ever happened to me, you are one of the most special.   Right from the get go you were the bearer of so many unexpected pleasures.  And you continue to be so, to this very day.  Happy 27th my son!!

What I want to know is, why did I need to pay for braces….twice???!!!
And when did you lose your hearing aids??  Oh yah!  I think when you became a teenager eh?

We had a wonderful lunch at the Mandarin, just Mike, Colby, Roo and I.  Apparently that was the 3rd time in a row we've met there for his birthday celebration, so I guess it's a tradition.  I look forward to the end of this PhD, so that he can start paying!!  Just kidding Mikey!  Actually, please save up your money in case I live beyond eighty!

And that was the highlight of my day.  My bike test didn't really go quite as I expected, or at least as I hoped.  Of course my expectation may have been out to lunch. I'm still thinking about it.  I was actually 5 watts under the test of 5 weeks ago.  While I knew that my revised aero bar strategy would have an impact, I guess I never expected so much.  I didn't feel great right from the outset, but whether it was an off day, whether I haven't gained any fitness, or whether it was primarily due to the commitment to the aero bars, I'm not sure.  I am however going to stick with the strategy primarily because of the one very, very bright spot from the workout.  My average cadence was exactly 100, which is absolutely phenomenal!  It is widely accepted that a high turnover is one of the key elements of successful long distance riding.

I suppose the good news is that my workouts for the next 5 weeks are not going to be any harder, and by the letter of the law could actually be a little easier.  I've made the decision however to enter the same number (from the previous test) in the calculator, and as such the next 5 weeks will be identical to the past five.

Game on!!

Computrainer test, 30 mins, 192 watts, 1:15 total ride

"The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations."---Eli Khamarov

Love
Peter

"Test Day Tomorrow"

And I don't feel ready.  Thirty minutes of self torture!  Makes me nauseous just thinking about it.
I have at least decided how I'm gonna approach it.  I definitely want to spend more time in the aero bars, since this is the ultimate test of improvement for me.  I figure while I'm in a race (depending on hilliness), I will spent anywhere form 60 to 80 percent of my time there, and as such I should shoot for the same while training.  I will also try for that in my test, and I think the best way to accomplish  that is with a pyramid, similar to how I've been doing my tempo rides.  That will result in sitting up for only 7 of the 30 minutes.  Let the pain begin!!

Swim, 1250 metres, weights.

…and lots of brilliant 'test' words from others

…for the old

Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members."---Pearl S Buck

…for the young

The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children."---Dietrich Bonhoeffer

…for all of us

Every formula of every religion has in this age of reason, to submit to the acid test of reason and universal assent."---Mohandas Gandhi

…and the ultimate test

"Here is a test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't."---Richard Bach

Love

Peter

"No Ideas"

Then I stumbled upon this, and my problem was solved!

I'm pretty sure I took this pic, and I'm guessing but I think it was 25 years ago.

I call it "Bitch With A Bat"

She does look like she's gonna smash that fucker does she not?

And while I can tell you that she has given up the bat, I can also assure you that she's still just as fit,  and still a bitch!

 But her grandchildren love her, so I'm gonna keep her around.

Easy ride, 60 mins

Life's a bitch, and she's got lots of sisters"---Ross Presser

Love
Peter

"Lazy Day"

All I did today was run 15 kms, made some protein bars for Roo, and took Colb to hockey.  When I told one of my kids that I had a very, lazy day, I got a laugh.  Presumably because any day that included running 15 kms couldn't be considered a lazy day?

But I know better.  For me it was a lazy day.  I have felt lethargic lately, and can't quite put my finger on why.  It's one of those times when I have to rest on my laurels.  I know that generally I combat that lazy streak fairly well, and as such I need to be gentle with myself.

Plus the bit of time that I did spend actively was certainly not lazy.  We had a rare south wind, and while that would seem to be a good thing, it was also a rare 'cold' south wind.  I was happy with my effort, despite the relative slowness of it.  I spent a lot of time in advance getting my achilles ready, and while it was there the whole time, it didn't get worse as the run wore on.  That's a positive sign.  I've also been icing it on and off ever since, and taking the appropriate NSAID's.  Tomorrow morning will tell the story.

The highlight of my day however was Colby's hockey game.  He jammed his finger pretty severely at school, and while he struggled with the decision to play, he truly toughed it out.  On top of that, he played with an attitude….the good kind.  I think it may have been the best game he ever played!  At the risk of sounding like a doting grampa, I was immensely proud.  We decided that we both deserved fast food afterwards.

Chatting with him at the hamburger joint made me realize that my lifestyle (not the lazy part) has some impact on his.  That made me feel pretty good as well.  It allowed me to forgive myself for my laziness.  I believe he doesn't see me that way.  Actually he floored me with his comments.

Run 15 kms, 1:20

"I'm glad I have an active grampa.  Not the old kind that sits in front of the TV, and when you get in their way they say, "Move, move!""---Colby A Rooyakkers

Love
Peter

"My Pal and I"

There is no finer time for me than when Colb and I are home alone.  To give the event the dignity it deserves, I'm gonna go lay on the couch and read, while he plays on the computer.

Easy ride, 45 mins

"There are fathers who do not love their children; there is no grandfather who does not adore his grandson"---Victor Hugo

Love

Peter

"Frustrated"

I can't stand it when I can't fix something.  Today's failure was a gas furnace.  The worst part is that it's a 40 minute drive away, or I'd still be able to play with it.  Somehow I still believe I could figure it out given enough time.  I need to let it go now.

Besides, all of my frustration was more than made up for by the opportunity to spend a terrific hour with my charming niece Rachel….a truly remarkable young lady.

I also went running today, and admit to a just a wee bit of disappointment there as well.  I thought my achilles was gonna be completely pain free, but it was worse than the last time out.  I'm hoping it was only because there were a few hills on today's route.  I should have avoided them, and will do so for my next attempt.  And right now I'm not sure when that will be.

run 10 kms, swim, weights

"Deficiency motivation doesn't work. It will lead to a life-long pursuit of try to fix me. Learn to appreciate what you have and where and who you are."---Wayne Dyer

Love
Peter

"Happy Birthday Kylie!"

I can probably count on one hand those events in my life during which I remember exactly where I was.   Excluding of course the obvious, routine things like when I was married, my kids were born, that kind of thing.  Nope!  This one ranks right up there with remembering that I was milking cows for Gary Fox when I heard that Elvis was dead.  I was driving down Hwy 74 near Belmont when I got the call.  The call that  advised me of the event that in itself surprised the rest of the world.  I had a grand daughter!!  Apparently ultrasound aren't infallible after all!!

That call was 8 wonderful years ago.  Today we celebrated!  And according to Colb, once you're 8 you've reached the age when you should be able to handle a cake in the face!

He was very proud that he talked her into it.  Maybe this will teach him that making her feel special is the best way to get along with her, or at least the best way to get what he wants  :)

Anyway, Happy 8th Kylie!  Anyone need a booster seat?

Computrainer ride 2 hours, 45 mins

Kylie….

"It doesn't require a special day to express how much I Love You... if every ordinary day is more than special when I am with you."---Anon

Love

Peter

"Sleepy Sunday"

It's only January 12th and I've suddenly had enough of winter. I'm afraid however it's not gonna change just because I wish it.   I need to make a greater effort to get outside and do some work.  The combination of less light, less air, and less work, is very bad for me.  I can feel myself getting sleepy.

The good news is that my achilles felt somewhat better today.  I'm cautiously optimistic and hope to start stretching out the distance soon.  And while some more time running will certainly help, I know I need to do more than that.  I'm afraid I'm a lazy person at heart, and the way I deal with that in the summer time is to just go hang out where the work is.  Then somehow I usually find myself doing it.  In the winter time the only real working staring me in the face is cleaning the toilets!  As much as I enjoy that, it really doesn't need down every day!

And tomorrow is long bike day…blaaah...

Run 7.3 kms

"A dying man needs to die, as a sleepy man needs to sleep, and there comes a time when it is wrong, as well as useless, to resist."---Stewart Alsop

Love
Peter

"More on Control"

Or I suppose in my case rather than "moron" control, it's "idiot" control!
And while I acknowledge that especially for idiots, giving up control is a key element in the search for peace, I also believe that there is merit in controlling the things we can.  Furthermore I think there may be benefit in the actual act of systematically and logically organizing certain elements of our lives.  The critical thing of course is to determine what those elements are.

Of course it's easy to rule out the obvious ones, like other people.  Many have tried this, and while they may occasionally have met with success, it's pretty certain that it rarely survives the test of time.  And of course there's trying to control that most beloved of all challenges, the future.  That one has never worked for anyone!  What we do have a fair bit of control over is our attitudes, and our reactions to events.  I'm working very hard on both of those while admitting that I have a long way to go.  Crazy really.  I don't think I'm the only human being that obsesses over things we have no control over, while at the same time investing little or no effort in developing the necessary skill to control the things we can!

So while I work away at developing my control wisdom and applying it appropriately, I also think there are totally useful things I can do just to satisfy my lust for precision.  I think I found one such thing which on top of being useful, won't add any anxiety.  I have created a rudimentary family budget which has 28 separate categories and I've done my best guess analysis at assigning a value to each line item.  Mind you I did my homework so I have very good numbers for things like taxes, insurance, utilities etc.  Now I will start to actually track each and every one of our  expenditures against the budget.  It comes pretty naturally to me to keep track of my spending as I had to do it for years just to get my expense money back from my employer.  However I need to give my honey a giant thanks for humouring me on this one.  She's been great so far.

The real beauty of this whole exercise is that I get to learn something I've always wanted to tackle.  I did a bit of research on home budgeting tools, but didn't find anything that was right for me.  They were either too simple. too complex, or just plain expensive!  Back in my work days I was always amazed watching the experts manage an electronic spread sheet.  The things they could do boggled my mind.  I have Excel on my computer and so I decided I'm gonna learn how to use it. So far I'm pretty proud of myself.  As I add individual expenses under each heading it totals them automatically, as well as keeping a running grand total for the month.  I've only just started however, and will continue to refine it as I go.  I'm in control!!

Today has been a pretty lazy day.  I had an idea of doing a little work outside but fortunately the feeling passed.  I did have another very tough, very satisfying bike workout.  I continue with my strategy of doing the main part of the workouts in the areo position, and I'm surprised about how tired it leaves me afterwards.  I think that's a good thing.  The main set of today's ride was tempo (hard and steady) for 50 minutes.  I did it in pyramid fashion with each cycle increasing the time down in the bars up to a peak, and then back down again. To elaborate, that meant 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-6, 1-5, 1-4, 1-3, 1-2, with the 1 minute breaks done sitting up.  It is quite difficult, but I'm pretty convinced it will make a difference.  Now I have a decision to make, as next week is test week.  Do I do the test with a similar approach, or the way I previously have…. hmmm…?

My achilles is felling a bit better again today so I will go out and torture it once more tomorrow.  I'm just trying to take it one day at a time, and if in the end Roo has to run The Bay by herself, so be it.  She got in 27 on this beautiful January day, so she's getting close to ready.  The race is in 11 weeks and I'll still be fine if I can get going within the next 2 weeks, but beyond that I may just have to forfeit my entry fee, and become head cheerleader.  I'm probably good with that, since the finish is indoors.  I wonder if they sell beer?

computrainer tempo ride, 1hr, 20 mins

"Control is never achieved when sought after directly. It is the surprising outcome of letting go."---James Arthur Ray

Love

Peter

"Pensive"

For me that's a good thing.  When I'm certain of things, it's usually accompanied by stress.  This evening my thoughts are all over the place, and as backwards as that may seem, this helter skelter sensation also seems to leave me with a feeling of peace.  I'm pretty sure it has something to do with being a control freak.  When I acknowledge that I'm unsure about a fact, a concept, or even an idea, it's like taking a sedative.

Or…maybe not??  Did you know that Ritalin is a stimulant!  I was shocked to learn this fact today.  Yes indeed!  We feed our children a stimulate to help them relax! Maybe agreeing to give up some control works the same way for me.  Perhaps thinking about potential twists on my preconceived notions actually stimulates my brain, and in turn helps me to relax.  Who knows?

Regardless, the problem with my current state is that despite starting this next paragraph 3 different ways, none of the ideas seemed to develop naturally.  I think I'm just gonna leave it at that.  I anticipate a good nights sleep, with a hard bike workout in the morning.

swim 1250 metres, weights

….and I really like this quote.  It's good advice for me.

"The intellect is a cold thing and a merely intellectual idea will never stimulate thought in the same manner that a spiritual idea does."---Ernest Holmes

Love
Peter

"The Best Laid Plans"

Of mice and men!

I had an idea for my post today but when I finally sat down to write it I just couldn't find the enthusiasm.  Perhaps I just wasn't committed enough to the idea eh?  And when that's the case, you probably don't want to hear it anyway.

All is well, except for my achilles that is.  I ran today, but it's quite sore again now.  I'm thinking about next steps…no pun intended!

run 7.3 kms

"Don't worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good, you'll have to ram them down people's throats."---Howard Aiken

Love

Peter

"Day Three"

Believe it or not the schools were closed again today!  This may have happened once in my entire life that I am aware of, and in that case, (when I was about 13-14) we had a major ongoing blizzard, with literally meters of snow over the time period.  While it was still cold this morning, I seen absolutely no good reason to have another day off.  My grandchildren were devastated!!  Yah Right! The schools in town were actually open despite the fact that the buses didn't run, but since every kid that goes to our country school is bused, it was shut up tight!

Anyway Colby was still busy learning as he finished his space shuttle.  Nice job Colb!

And to give you a sense of what's involved, you can see what it starts out as.  It is just a bunch of flat cutouts (16 in total) that you need to bend/twist/shape into the desired configuration, and than attach them together.  You need to use tweezers, and have a lot of patience.  Very cool really.

We have one more to do, which we're gonna tackle as a team.  That will be a challenge for us, as we both need to practice subduing our A type personalities.  As the "adult", it will I suppose fall to me to lead the way.  I'll let you know how I make out.

Tough bike workout today as I continue to focus on staying in the aero position.  I have a good feeling about this approach, just because how spent it leaves me feeling.  Despite barely doing any running recently, the bike workouts have been a killer.  And that's good!  I need to remember that the purpose of the workout is to tax the system, rather than to produce numbers.

And tomorrow I am definitely gonna try to head outside again.  The only decision will be whether to do it in the morning after I drop the kids, or to wait til later in the day.  It's still gonna be pretty cold first thing.  As to the kids, I'm dropping them off at school whether it's open or not!!

Coby had a challenging question for Roo and I today.  He said, "Where you would rather be right now?  Out running in this cold, or sitting inside in front of your computer?  The truth now…." he finished with.  I knew my answer right away.  Right now I would rather be warm and sitting in front of my computer, but in just 2 days I would no longer be enjoying it.  So even if it's hard, I go running so that I can enjoy doing other things for years.  Without exercise, the rest of my life deteriorates quickly.  He seemed to accept my answer.  

computrainer intervals, week 9, day 1, 75 mins 

"There are really only two requirements when it comes to exercise. One is that you do it. The other is that you continue to do it."---Anon

Love

Peter

"Model Making"

Sometimes I buy things for my grandchildren that I want for myself.  It's one of the benefits of the job.  Today I worked on one of Colby's Christmas presents.  It took me probably 2 hours to build.  They are very cool little models but also very tricky to assemble.  My eyesight was the biggest challenge as you have to insert these very fine little tabs into matching slots and then bend then over.

Do you think it will fly??  Probably not!  The little Fokker doesn't even have an engine!

Colby is working on his (Space Shuttle), but since he's not quite as obsessive as his Grampa, his will be a two day job.  I promise you a pic when he finishes.

I know I said I was going running today but things changed.  My leg is probably not ready to go, and yet I still almost went.  After I got back from the gym at about noon I went and cleaned out the neighbours driveway, thinking I'd go right afterwards.  Ten minutes out on the tractor decided for me.  It just wasn't gonna be worth it.   No traction, very cold, very windy, and a sore achilles.  Even an idiot can figure that one out!

swim 1250 metres,  weights

"Airplanes are interesting toys, but of no military value."---Ferdinand Foch

Love

Peter

"Too Cold To Think"

I'm  glad I got a toilet, even if I have to clean it myself.  Can you imagine heading out to the outhouse in this weather.  As a kid I clearly recall having the occasional option of shitting in a pot in the back kitchen instead of going out to the one holer.  I suspect that option was reserved for nights like this.  And before you start thinking that the pot was a luxury, I must tell you this back kitchen was in no way heated.  I don't know why it was called a back kitchen when it was really no more than a lean-to on the back of our log house.  Regardless, I remember being grateful for it.

I think I must have been about 4 or 5 years old when we got our first porcelain throne,  It was a momentous day. I can still picture dad carrying it into the house.  And the timing was fitting for me, because that was about the age at which I started to think.  It so impacted my life, that to this day I do my best work while 'sitting down', and if today's post doesn't contain much wisdom I think it can be safely blamed on a bit of constipation.

And if were indeed too cold to think, and if that were compounded by the lack of a toilet, and then further compromised by a lack of fiber in a mans diet, can you imagine?  Under those conditions I would not have made it out of elementary school.  All I can say is thanks Mom, for regularly feeding me green beans.

And while that bit of stupidity may not be a real excuse for not having a blog topic, it is never the less the only one I got.

My long ride was the usual boring event today, but I survived it without too much anguish.  My book unfortunately ended half way through, and so I was forced to spent the rest of the time thinking.  (whoa!  thinking again)  And if I didn't spend it on my blog it was only because I was  considering all the problems of the universe.  And although I didn't come up with any solutions I now feel well positioned for my next ride.

Tomorrow I'm gonna run again just to see what happens.  Right now my achilles feels not too bad.   Wish me luck!

Computrainer long ride  2:30

…I really like this quote…

"Thinking is more interesting than knowing, but less interesting than looking"---Johan Wolfgang Von Goethe

Love
Peter

"Just a Touch of Grey"

Thanks goodness that I got outside for a little run today. I can feel the effects of shortened daylight, and prolonged indoors.  I don't know whether it's just a cop-out, but I believe some personalities are just more susceptible to depression than others.  Why else do circumstances become critical factors to some people, within which others seem to cope well.  I do acknowledge that patterns of thought, and habits of living are powerful factors, and while perhaps not the whole picture, those things are at least within our power to influence.  So while I accept that I am one of those vulnerable people, I can not accept that my mood is out of my control.

And speaking of circumstances, I am so immensely grateful for mine.  Despite my assertions that I can control my mood, I'm not sure I would be so confident if I didn't have my family, my physical health, and yes, even my relative affluence.

But it is, what it is, and I may suggest that as one of those people in "lucky" circumstances, I have some responsibilities to help others who are less lucky.  Then again, I don't think "responsibility" is the right attitude.  That would imply a lack off character if I didn't set out to do so, and I think that's both unfair, and valueless.  Guilt in general is a useless sentiment, and I need to be at peace with my contribution to mankind as it is.  After all, while I concede my current situation to be pretty damn good, I have faced extreme duress in my life, and continue to face a personal sadness that I'm afraid may never go away.

I suggest that  "opportunity" may be a better way to look at my situation.  Certainly I have the greatest of all blessings, that most sought after yet most limited element, time.  While we all have the same number in a day, my 24 hours have more flexibility than most.

So while I woke up with a "touch of grey" this morning, I name it a mere shadow of the absolute darkness I've experienced at other times, and that others now experience.  I think I can keep it in perspective, and if 'opportunities' present themselves, I promise to fulfill my 'responsibilities'.

As I mentioned, I went running this morning, and while it felt so good to be out there, it was not as successful as I hoped.  The twinge was still there, and unfortunately it got worse as the run wore on. I only went around the block in the hope to do it again in a few days.  Lots of icing and stretching in the mean time.  Whatever comes, I am determined to stay relaxed.

And tomorrow is long ride day.  From a perspective of mood, spending 2 1/2 hours in the basement is probably the worst thing I can do.  But that goes back to yesterdays intestinal fortitude post, and so I will do it.  They don't call me an idiot without cause.

Run, 7.3 kms

"Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you."---Anon

Okay. I will. 

To Claudette: You are the wind beneath my wings!
To my 6 children: You are the force that drives my life!
To my grandchildren: You are my sun, my moon, and my stars!
To my siblings:  You are my conscience!
To my friends:  You are the icing on the cake of my life!

"Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home... it's your responsibility to love it, or change it."---Chuck Palahniuk

"I left just a little grey.  My wife likes it that way"---Maurice 'The Rocket' Richard
Love
Peter

"Intestinal Fortitude"

I remember the first time I ever heard that expression.  It was in grade 7 or 8, and it came from the priest who would come by once a week to give us a little pep talk.  He said it was a fancy way to express, having guts!  I even remember the ridiculous context within which he used it.  He was challenging us to find the courage to avoid hanging out with the non-catholics.  Since we were of the age to be thinking about possible futures, he was warning us of the pitfalls of "mixed marriages"!!  He himself was of course committed to a life of celibacy, which clearly made him a leading expert on intestinal fortitude.  And although I have it on good authority that he fell off the wagon a few times, I'm pretty sure that he only molested catholic girls.   That way he couldn't be called hypocritical.

Ok Peter…shut the fuck up!  Sorry!  Just sometimes I still get angry, and it feels good to bitch!

And I came by my rant honestly today, as it actually evolved out of my workout.  Today's bike session was a 45 minute tempo ride at 177 watts, preceded and followed by 15 minute wmup/wmdwn sessions.  Perhaps I've told you before that it is quite a bit easier to sit upright than to ride in the aero position, but due to aero dynamics you still have a net gain in the tuck.  The problem with trying to do that indoors is two fold. First, because you ain't going anywhere, there ain't no wind resistance, and secondly, long stretches in the aero positions is very hard on the crotch.  But that's exactly what I need to be doing during the winter months; getting strong in the aero position.  And of course the only way to do that….is to do lots of it!

However, since the program forces a certain power performance out of you, the constant, ever persistent, nagging, tendency is to sit up.  I usually shoot to spent at least half of the intense part of my workouts down in the bars, but today I decided that the majority of my workout should be done the hard way.

So when you've already been riding hard for 40 minutes; when you're legs are burning; your lungs are bursting; your heart is pounding on your chest walls; the sweat is pouring off your face; and your crotch is on fire while your balls are numb, it takes quite a bit of intestinal fortitude to stay down!!!

And while I'm pretty proud of my effort, I'm now too tired to screw the nice catholic girl I married.  Of course you know what they say about catholic girls….maybe there could be options???

I wish I could be this mentally tough every day, because that's what makes the difference.  You need a lot more guts to train for an Ironman than to do one.  Anyone can tough it out for a day, but day after day, is a bit more demanding.  Well, a lot more actually.  I managed 35 mins out of the 45!!

And a special shout out today to my 2 dear friends, Ky and Deb, who just signed up for their first 5K.  Game on ladies!!  I'm damn proud!  But don't slack off, or you know who is gonna be all over your blue and white asses!!
(…shhh... Roo is coaching them and we all know she's a merciless bitch!)

computrainer tempo ride, 75 mins total

…and while I know it's a bit cynical I don't apologize for this quote.  Life has made me cynical, especially about any group that tells me I'm going to hell.  Read carefully.

"It is remarkable with what Christian fortitude and resignation we can bear the suffering of other folks"---Jonathan Swift (of Gullivers Travels fame)

Love

Peter

"Two Minutes"

Yup!  Two whole minutes before I even felt any anxiety.

As suggested I took the kids to the pool today.  We had a hoot right from the get go.  Colby did have one concern, and that was the fact that I was gonna wear my speedo.  I asked him if I looked funny in it, and despite his assertion that indeed I did, he also offered to cope with his embarrassment.  That's my boy!

We played all kinds of games in the pool, and afterwards Colby went to train on the elliptical and the rowing machine, while Ky and I went and shot some hoops.  I also sat in the hot tub for a while, where much to their chagrin, they were not allowed.  All in all we had a great time, and we felt we deserved lunch afterwards.

Oh, and the 2 minutes? I won the hold your breath under water contest, hands down!  I haven't tried this in years, and as such was more than surprised.  I didn't feel a twinge until 2 minutes, and I believe I could make it to 3 given a good enough reason.  I also don't know what it means, but regardless I'm a bit proud of it.  The only new concern associated with that little success may be the fear that I'll live past eighty!!  Oh, Oh!  I may need to look for a job after all…

So like I said, our exercise got us to lunch, where I impressed my grandchildren with another one of my skills.

When I told them that I learned it in a bar when I was 18 Colby was truly impressed.  In his mind, doing it drunk was a major accomplishment, especially in light of the fact that neither him nor Ky could manage it sober.  He said he felt almost insulted, and after a moments pause Kylie agreed, except that she was in-"salt"-ed!

So after 58 years of hard work I have developed at least 2 strong skills, and while balancing salt shakers, and holding one's breath may not seem like major accomplishments, both feats impressed my grandchildren.  Case closed!!

Funny thing is, they weren't at all impressed by the fact that I could buy lunch?

As to ironman training today, there was none!  My achilles is feeling better as hoped, and after a hard bike workout tomorrow, on Sunday, I will try running again.

"You have a choice. Live or die. Every breath is a choice. Every minute is a choice. To be or not to be"---Chuck Palahniuk

"You're never promised your next breath."---Lenny Kravitz

Love
Peter

"I'm Responsible"

I half thought about doing a rink this year but then wisdom won out.  Unfortunately my decision also resulted in all this snow and cold.  I can unequivocally guarantee you that if I had made the other decision, that it would be about 3 degrees and raining right now!  Instead the gauge says minus 15, going down to minus 20!   In this kind of weather you can practically build a rink overnite.  Next year I may tackle it again just to control the weather.

And when I think about it maybe I really will.  What I need to do is a bunch of advance work.  I think that the only way it is worth investing in a rink in our part of the world is to prepare in the summer time.  The keys are to have a very flat surface (within 2 inches of level), and to have a good enough liner to be able to retain the water when it melts.  We'll see?

Meanwhile winter is upon us in all it's glory, and while I never shy away from going outside in any weather, I admit that this morning I was just a wee bit glad that I'm on an injury break.  The nasty east wind made it feel like minus 30.  I give Roo credit for braving it.  She says it's a mental thing for her and that I understand well.  I can already tell the difference that a few days inside wreaks on my psyche.  If I can't run I'm gonna have to get out there and walk, or find some other outdoor activity.  Blowing out the driveway doesn't count, even though I enjoy that as well.

Interestingly enough the downtime isn't stressing me from a training perspective like it would have in the past.  I think the biggest thing I learned is that IM preparation is a long journey, and other than the first time (when I was starting from scratch), I probably did too much, too soon.  Not having to think about an end of April marathon is helping a lot as well.

The one thing that still bothers me a bit however is my weight.  Not because I'm uncomfortable with the way I look, but only because I don't want to carry any unnecessary baggage on race day.  I am over 170 now which is probably 10 pounds over my best weight, and 15 more than I would really like.  I try to console myself with the knowledge that it will make no difference on the swim, and very minimal on the bike, but who wants to run with  an extra 10-15 pounds for 42.2 kms??  And although 10 pounds doesn't sound like much, it needs to come off very, very slowly.  Any quick lose would be counterproductive.  Which simply means I gotta get my act together now!!

I know that part of my eating problem is in response to stress, and while it probably appears that I live an idyllic life, I do still manage to create my own demons.  My wife calls it "running her tape".

Other than my "elephant" (which some of you know about), the only real stress is related to this retirement thing.  Practically as we speak, any real source of employment income is coming to an end, and although we have planned reasonably well for this day, I still struggle.

And I don't really think it's about the money itself.  Money is only a symbol somehow.  I have spent my entire life  gathering up my little pile, and taking some real pleasure in it.  Now my pile is suddenly going to start getting smaller.  Perhaps it adds another meaning to the expression, "over the hill", where the hill is your pile.  I think it may be part of the reason that many people struggle to retire at all.  It brings with it this sense of a quickly approaching ending.

 I think it's funny that we always feel sorry for anyone who "died penniless"!  That should in actual fact be the goal, should it not.  Some peoples pile is big enough that it sustains itself but that ain't us so we best shoot for penniless eh?

Any how.  Winter it is, impending old age it is, and despite my assertions that I can influence at least one of those, the reality is that I control very little.  Best come to terms with that eh?

I hope someone is thinking about the weather in Mont Tremblant though.  Minus 30!!!  Holy
smokes!

Tomorrow is supposed to be my easy day, and I'm gonna make it so despite the fact that I didn't do a long run today.  I think that's okay.  Maybe I'll take the kids swimming.

swim 1000 metres, weights

"Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one."---Benjamin Franklin

Love
Peter

"2014"

This is gonna be the year of DIY initiatives.  Anything that I can figure out how to do myself, I'm gonna do myself, rather than pay someone else.

Today I cleaned the toilets!  Well most of them!  I need another good nights rest before I tackle Adrians!!

And while you may think that's a pretty straightforward task I'm also pretty sure there's better ways to do it than I did today.  Then there's the sinks, and the showers. and the counter tops, and the mirrors, and the appliances, and so on, and so on.  There will be some learning there as well.

I started with this stuff and while it worked pretty good, overspray was a bit of a problem.  I ended up wiping walls and floors as well, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna do any of Roos work!

I accepted this part of our joint housekeeping duties since it's something I understand.  It is pretty straightforward to see when a toilet's clean.  No ambiguity like there may be with sweeping, vacuuming or dusting.

I also decided that there will be no more of this paying someone else to change the oil in our cars.  Of course in acknowledgement of my approaching senior-citizen-hood, I decided to get one of these to help me out.

For you non automotive types it's called a creeper.  You lay down on it to roll yourself under the car, rather than drag your ass across the cold, hard floor.  Believe me it is a significant pain saving device.

Only one problem!

I recently traded in my pickup truck for something a little more fuel friendly, and while I'm happy with my grampa car, it is unfortunately a lot closer to the ground than my old one.  Once I add the 3 inches that laying on the creeper gives me, I could no longer get under the damn car!!  My nose was always hitting something!!

So today I did a little browsing on Kijiji, and found a pair of these for 30 bucks.

Even the non-mechanical among you can probably figure what they are for.  Yes indeed, you drive the front end of your car on top of these and, voila….you gain about 8" under the car.

So that's how I'm starting out the year.  Cleaning toilets and changing oil.  I would tell you that it's a humbling experience, but I can't really say that I feel any more humble.  That could just mean that I'm already damn humble, or alternately that there ain't no cure for my arrogance??  And who really cares eh?  The toilets need cleaned, and I'm gonna clean em!  That's all that matters.

I even find it funny that while I'm home cleaning the toilets, my wife is out playing poker with her buddies!  You see, I'm okay with it cause even though they are very nice people, her friends, they are also Leafs fans.  I think she considers it charity work to visit them and give them some kind of a life.  To put their lives in perspective you must remember that the last time a Leafs fan had anything to be happy about, the modern toilet hadn't yet been invented!!

So like I said.  I'm starting with toilets and 10-W-30, and looking for other opportunities.  And while it may not be a whole lot of fun, I nevertheless choose to be proud of it.  Hell, I'm proud that we even have a toilet.  After all, while it was a few years prior to 1967, I clearly remember shitting in a hole in the ground!

And you know that old body I mentioned earlier in the post?   I gotta give you the bad news that I'm gonna have to take a little time off of running again.  I'm afraid that's the only way my achilles is going to get better.  Such is life.

Todays bike workout went well.

Computrainer, week 8, day 1---80 mins

"It's not hard to tell we was poor - when you saw the toilet paper dryin' on the clothesline."---George Lindsey

Love
Peter

"Happy New Year"

run 7.5 kms

Love
Peter