5K Training Officially Begins

More specifically, it begins somewhere around 6,000 feet above sea level.  In case you’ve never attempted to do anything that high up, the general idea is that you can not breathe.  Being from a state like Pennsylvania, where our highest mountains are just barely touching the 2,000 foot mark, it’s a pretty big jump.

Despite the difficulties, I already started to find a rhythm in my short run and my breathing showed improvements by the end of the trip.  I won’t embarrass myself by tracking the distance I run JUST yet, but I ran enough to be thoroughly tired.  I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s run, as well as the rest of the week.  Training is hard, but the reward is amazing.

 

- Andy

Training Begins

This past Saturday Matt and I officially began our training for the 2010 Livestrong Challenge in Philadelphia.  The ride was really a test to see in what shape we were in as we begin more consistent/rigorous training in a week or two, but it was important nonetheless.

We went on a ride that I did last season which in total is about 60 miles.  After about 40 miles a combination of fatigue and destroyed bridges forced us to pack in for the day, the final total being 42.5 miles or so.  It was a good ride and showed me how much my training at the gym this winter had helped, and it was nice to see that Matt is right there with me (oh to be as thin as him!).

The more serious training will begin when I return from my current trip in a couple of weeks, but until then I’ll be working on my 5K run by walking and jogging in some higher elevations.  I’ll see if I can’t get some pictures along the way!

 

- Andy

 

PS – If you’d like to donate to me or anyone else on the team, you can find us at http://philly2010.livestrong.org/teamzibings.  Feel free to join us too, we’re open to anyone!

Back On The Saddle….Again

So after 2 weeks ‘rest’ from my injury, I finally got back onto the bike today for a somewhat serious ride that I could bear.  Chris and I did an easy 12 mile loop along Front Street and City Island in Harrisburg.  The ride felt good, and I was able to do some hill-climbing that I wasn’t even able to do when I was preparing for the Livestrong event.  Chris and I have a 33 mile ride planned for tomorrow afternoon to really give the legs a bit of a stretch, and to say I’m looking forward to it is a bit of an understatement.

Zibings projects are moving along at a good clip now as well, with my arm no longer restricting the amount of time I can type.  It even looks like someone is interested in helping to resurrect the Super Tech Help forums, which would be nice to see.  So much to do, so little time.

I’ll make sure I get some photos from the ride tomorrow, maybe even a video.

 

 
I got warmed up a bit too early for Chris and had to wait.  Turns out my Rally America hoodie is great for keeping me warmed up!

 

- Andy

A Disappointing End of the Day

Today I participated in the Philadelphia Livestrong Challenge.  I set off around 8:10am with the rest of the 45-mile group.  The ride started off quite well, this of course being the first time I’d gone on any manner of group ride in my life.  I ended up making friends with a fellow rider named Bob who took me “under his wing” as a past participant to make sure I didn’t kill myself.  It was certainly great having a friendly face amongst the hills to keep me upbeat.

Even so, my day didn’t end even remotely close to how I’d hoped.  A little before mile marker 10, on a quick left-right turn series, I was involved in a bit of a pileup.  As far as I can tell I was the only rider who was tossed off of their saddle, but it didn’t really matter much in the end.  I flipped over the front bars, did some strange aerobatics that involved jamming my left elbow and head (with helmet) onto the ground.  I popped up immediately and walked my bike to the side of the road as police and other riders stopped to ask if I was ok.

At this point, I could feel that I’d hit my left elbow quite hard, but it seemed as though I’d be able to recover.  I calmed my nerves, hopped onto the bike, and gave it a go with Bob for some more distance.  I made it to approximately mile 22 before I couldn’t stand to put weight on my arm anymore and stopped.  I was picked up by a SAG (Support and Gear) vehicle, and eventually made my way through medical stations and to the start line, but I didn’t get to finish.

My arm is quite sore right now, but I don’t seem to have done any major structural damage that won’t heal on it’s own.  To say I’m disappointed in my inability to finish would be an understatement, but it is simply how the cards fell today.  I met a lot of great people and am looking forward to next year’s challenge in Philadelphia.  You can be sure I’ll be back, and next year I won’t be so kind to the course…

 

- Andy

2009 Livestrong Challenge - Philadelphia

I've been talking about doing this for a week or so now (basically since I was informed of it's existence), and finally I paid the registration fee and committed to participating. I will be riding my bike 45-miles for the fight against cancer on August 23rd, 2009 around Philadelphia. I only need to raise $250 in order to be allowed to ride, but I figured I might as well set my sights high. You can visit my 'fundraising headquarters' at http://philly09.livestrong.org/andym84/. After about 9 years of being off my bike, I'm going to do a 45-mile ride after only riding for about 3.5 weeks consistently. Am I crazy? More than likely...

At least it's for a good cause.



Click Here to Donate


- Andy