A Ticket To Kona

GRRRRR - July 11, 2009

2009-07-11T13:31:19-10:00

The original plan was to set the alarm for a reasonable 6:30am, get up, have breakfast and then head north to the mountains and do 3-Gap. I figured if things went as scheduled we would be back before noon and would have had a beautiful ride in the mountains so I could show off my Alberto Contador skills (ha). Then we would have the entire rest of the day to enjoy and relax.

6:30am alarm went off, I heard Angela roll over and hit the snooze. No worries, I wanted another 10 minutes of snoozing anyway. About an hour and a half later I rolled out of bed before heading down to breakfast. Then we packed up all the bike crap and then we determined that we probably shouldn't do 3-Gap anyway because neither of us have had even a 2 hour and 30 minute ride this year let alone including mountain climbs. So now we were WAY off schedule.

So we decided to head out to the Harbins route (between Suwanee and Athens). We left around 9:15am but not to worry, I knew a shortcut! My shortcut was a loser as I ended up getting a wee bit lost and realized I now had to backtrack. What should have been about a 40 minute drive was now approaching an hour and half drive. I was less than pleased.

But we unloaded and started gearing up and then while Angela was pumping her tires, we heard her front tire leaking. She thought it would be good practice to do it on her own so she did want any help. She only had one question, "Do you have an extra tube???" GRRRR. The morning was quickly becoming frustrating.

But she did great. I didn't have to help her one bit and she changed it faster than most guys that I know! Impressive.

We ended up riding a bit over an hour (about 20 miles) and I really just tried to push it and keep the heart rate and watts raised especially on the hills/rollers (and keep up with Angela - not an easy task for me right now). Nothing crazy and no heart rates over LT but felt like I was working hard for some short stretches. I haven't down loaded the data yet but I'm pretty confident that I had old iron distance wattage or better for the ride. I'll be curious to see how fast bike fitness comes back to reasonable shape over the next few months.

Gotta cruise, UFC 100 is on tonight and although I'm tired I'm sure I'll watch at least some of it while it records in case I fall asleep.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
107 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
176 - Total days trained in 2009
0.00 - miles run today
14.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
969.25 - Miles run in 2009

In Stride - July 10, 2009

2009-07-10T15:53:52-10:00

I jumped in the pool this morning after a 9 day swimming break over vacation and just gritted out a 6 X 600 main set. No warm-up, no change of pace, just get in and swim long sets with 30" rest intervals. My time was noticeably slower than last Wednesday by multiple minutes overall for the entire workout. No worries, it is what it is.

I did a 3 mile run at lunch and was right back to slow running. Given it was hot again at lunch but I was hoping for something a little more similar to the way I was running over vacation in the cooler temperatures.

Beyond that, I'm a tired kid and will try to just take things in stride as I settle back into a routine. Angela and I plan on riding outside tomorrow for multiple hours so we'll see how it goes.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
108 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
175 - Total days trained in 2009
3.00 - miles run today
14.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
969.25 - Miles run in 2009

Home Sweet Home - July 9, 2009

2009-07-09T13:19:02-10:00

I landed in Atlanta this afternoon and am now enjoying home sweet home. Above is a picture of some last minute fishing that I did as the sun was setting last night. If it seems as though all I did was try to hang around the water and enjoy the outdoors, well, you would be correct. It's funny how we often go back to things that we did in our youth and I did plenty of fishing while growing up. Trips like this vacation just reminded me a lot of growing up - http://atickettokona.typepad.com/photos/growing_up_kindzia/19801.html

I also know how easy it is to slip into certain behaviors and habits. I could tell as the days were passing I had more of a desire to skip workouts and head to the water than when I'm at home. When I'm home, I can get into a groove and a routine where I enjoy my daily actions (generally speaking) and I find I can eat well, train well, sleep well and keep things moving along. When you take yourself out of your normal routines, then all heck can break loose and I find it easier and easier to change my eating patters, sleeping patterns, workout patterns, etc.

Now, on a practical note, that is probably the best thing that a vacation can provide; a break from your current routine and habits. If you did the same thing on vacation as you did at home, you wouldn't ever really have an opportunity to refresh yourself and recharge your batteries. I feel pretty recharged and refreshed after being away for a few days and doing things that I don't do everyday.

But tomorrow I am back into the office (short week eh?!?!) and will try to get back into the swing of things on my workout schedule including a swim and run.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
109 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
174 - Total days trained in 2009
29 - Missed days of running in 2009
0.00 - miles run today
11.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
966.25 - Miles run in 2009

Tour de Lower River - July 8, 2009

2009-07-08T10:10:10-10:00

I'm really enjoying the Tour de France this year and have been doing my best to sneak in as much of the race as possible. I think it will be easier for me to follow along once I get back from vacation and on a normal schedule.

This morning my sister Steph and I did a tour of our own along the lower Niagara River from Lewiston to Youngstown (and back) where the river empties into Lake Ontario.

I was able to scrape up and borrow a sweet Gary Fisher hybrid which was awesome (I need one of these for the garage!)

We had lunch at the Ontario House on the river and ate outside on the front porch. It was a stellar afternoon. In the background is Canada and you could see the river emptying into Lake Ontario. If you were to head North from this point and travel straight across the lake you would eventually run into Toronto on the other side.

My Dad joined Stephanie and I for lunch in Youngstown and afterwards we walked down to the Youngstown Yacht Club and walked along the river before heading back on the bikes.

My sister Stephanie and I goofing around. This past weekend marked the 250th anniversary of a very historic battle in the French and Indian War that took place at Fort Niagara within walking distance of where we were. This war and corresponding battles started setting the stage for eventual American Independence in 1776 - http://www.fiw250.org/timeline.asp

At the Lewiston sand docks. Again, that's Canada across the river. We are a good 5 to 10 miles up river from where we had lunch at this point. It's always a great thing when you get to mix exercise with fun activities. It can be done!

We are going fishing again after dinner at the reservoir but it might be too late for me to include those pictures in today's post. Sorry kids.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
110 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
174 - Total days trained in 2009
28 - Missed days of running in 2009
0.00 - miles run today
11.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
966.25 - Miles run in 2009

Waving Hello - July 7, 2009

2009-07-07T13:34:47-10:00

I had an easier time waking up at 5:00am to go fishing this morning than waking up early for a big day of training. That's just how it goes sometimes.

Above is a picture of downtown Buffalo from the direction of Lake Erie. On Saturday we were fishing in Lake Ontario and today we were fishing in Lake Erie. One of the cool things about growing up in Niagara Falls is that you have access to many fisheries that includes Lake Erie, the Upper Niagara River (above Niagara Falls), the Lower Niagara River (below Niagara Falls), Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, Chautauqua Lake and various streams all within 100 miles (and most within 30 miles). For a quick geography reference see below;

Niagara Falls is just north of Buffalo and that is Lake Erie on the lower left and Lake Ontario on the upper right. The size of these lakes are enormous.

If you refer back to the picture at the top of the post of downtown Buffalo, the skyscraper on the right is HSBC Tower. That's where my brother is currently working and today, not only is it his birthday (happy birthday bro), he was up there working while we were down below fishing (it doesn't seem fair that he was working and we were fishing but that's how life goes sometimes...)

I know what you are saying, "Nice bass." I caught my limit today. I was holding it up towards HSBC Tower but later at dinner my brother acknowledged that he never even looked out the window today. He's not that into fishing so he wasn't that impressed with my bass catching abilities. But I know you guys are impressed and that's why I'm sharing :)

I was actually a bit sore in the quads from the criterium racing yesterday. That's why I thought a recovery day was in order and I did some fishing in lieu of training.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
111 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
173 - Total days trained in 2009
27 - Missed days of running in 2009
0.00 - miles run today
11.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
966.25 - Miles run in 2009

Cat 6 Competition - July 6, 2009

2009-07-06T15:44:15-10:00

Most cycling enthusiasts are familiar with the levels of competitive cycling. Those being Professional, Category 1 (Cat 1 or elite), Cat 2 (sub elite), Cat 3, Cat 4 and then Cat 5. Many aren't familiar with the no-holds barred, unregulated underworld of Cat 6 cycling competition. It's a brutal, ruthless, cut-throat collection of villains and suburban legends.

I decided to give it a whirl and enter into one of the Cat 6 criteriums on a tight but closed course. It was a little nerve wracking and I knew I didn't have superior pure cycling fitness but with all the endurance training under my belt over the years, how bad could I do? I was about to find out. I was surrounded by family members and they not only were supportive but seemed to be egging me on. They obviously know I'm a competitive lad and I am often up for challenges of all types.

If you think these people are playing around and take this sport casually, you are wrong. I knew I was going to be in for fight when the other competitors showed up wearing face paint. This was no ordinary face paint, this was classic Braveheart warpaint.

I had very little time to familiarize myself with the closed course. It was a series of four right turns, with some elevation grades and changes as well as some slick conditions. I felt there was going to be a risk of having the rubber come out from under me not only on the tight corners but on some of the quick grade changes on the straightaways.

I was also on a borrowed bike. I don't want to make excuses ahead of the fact but I really preferred to have something that felt like it fit me a bit better. I like an extended stem, ergonomically designed carbon drops and I have a fancy for Shimano Dura-Ace for smooth shifting. So if I sound a bit gear snotty, well, I am. Sure there are plenty of people that say it's not the bike but the engine but those people are stupid and if you don't believe me than you are a liar and need to get a life right now.

As I lined up, I felt my heart racing. I'm not sure what my heart rate was because I didn't have my heart rate monitor. But a criterium of this nature is not about controlling heart rate. It was only a few loops around and is a race of power and a race of truth. Once it's "go-time" it's "go-time" and you just pedal as hard as you could, try to hang on and then try to push at the end to see where you cross on the line relative to your peers.

As I looked around at the start, I could tell my competition was pretty confident. They had that arrogance of knowing the course, riding familiar equipment and the killer instinct was showing through. They were there for one reason and it wasn't to help somebody score enough points to consider moving into the Cat-5 legit world of cycling.

After a few laps, I was feeling the flow and was excited that I was still in the race. I started to move back in the field and although I eventually was out of the draft of the peleton I really felt alive. I was doing this for myself. Not for my parents, my friends, my wife, my co-workers, I was giving it 100% for me and feeling like a million bucks for trying my hardest. Sometimes it's not about winning, it really is about participating and with all the fans cheering and going crazy I finally got just a taste of what Lance Armstrong must feel like when climbing Alpe D'Huez. Life is glorious.

As you could see above, I took the turn around the hot tub a little wide and really was out of the draft. But I had great form and was fighting through like a champ. The crowd in this section was particularly boisterous. I think they loved my fighting spirit. Everybody loves an underdog and a hero that they could relate to. I could just sense everybody wanting to be me, even for just a single moment in life and that felt really cool for once.

Some people immediately came up after the race because they wanted a snapshot of me and my equipment and I offered the crowd an ample question and answer period. I ran a traditional diamond frame although went with steel rather than carbon as I wanted some extra strength in case things got nasty out there. I ran a black slick on the back wheel and a knobby on the front but in hindsight should have had my crew reverse those for better traction and handling. Again, it was my own fault that I didn't check out the course enough ahead of time and this is a rookie mistake but that's what you get when you invite a competitive endurance triathlete to a cage fight.

I also went with a fixed gear because anybody that needs gears in a criterium like this has no power and should be ashamed of themselves. The chain fender was a safety procaution that was a requirement per rule 14b paragraph 2. I was willing to risk riding without the fender to drop the weight of the bike but the rules committee informed me that it was an infraction and it also had event insurance implications (it would have made the race insurance policy null and void). Sometimes you have to think about the greater good in sport and realize it's not always just about you. So I sucked it up to stay groovy with the Cat 6 insurance commissioner and thus raced with a really heavy bike because of the chain fender. I'm pretty sure I would have raced faster without it because I don't even think it made me more aerodynamic. I'll be in the wind tunnel soon and will find the drag coefficient to prove my point. Stay tuned later for that update in case you are interested. But I'm sure the results of the wind tunnel testing will make most of the triathlon forums anyway.

I also chose hot pink for bike color because...well...if you have to ask why then you must have eaten a garbage sandwich for lunch and need to grow a new brain.

Obviously you aren't allowed aerobars in criterium racing so the bike was equipped properly on the front end. I was fortunate to try out the new Specialized carbon soled sandal racing shoes that are surely going to be hot, hot, hot in the cycling world. These things were comfortable, stiff and had fantastic airflow just as the factory rep described. I gave them two thumbs up. Thank you Specialized.

Finally I'd like to thank all of my sponsors and supporters; Lulu's Nail Shack, Warsaw Polish Kielbasa (The Original Kielbasa), and Girl Scout Troop 454. You guys rock and I love you all. Thank you for helping me fulfill my dreams. I couldn't have done it without you.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
112 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
173 - Total days trained in 2009
26 - Missed days of running in 2009
6.00 - miles run today
11.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
966.25 - Miles run in 2009

Omega 3's - July 5, 2009

2009-07-05T15:45:36-10:00

It's a well known fact that everyone (including endurance athletes) should take in an ample supply of omega 3 fatty acids for optimum health. I prefer to get mine from fresh sources (fish and nuts). When I get the chance to pick up some fresh salmon, I take it. This afternoon the winds finally died down on Lake Ontario and we were able to head out for some local fishing.

We caught a number of "shakers." Above is a picture of our friend John with a small salmon that we call shakers because they are so small that they don't trip the releases on the downriggers. They just "shake" the rods to let us know that they are on the lines. With the bigger salmon, there is no mistaking that they are on the line as the reels SCREAM while the fish takes off and then the fun begins.

Above is a picture of my nephew Jack while they do battle with a screamer. It was actually his first time out with us fishing for the big ones so my Dad had to give him a hand, help him out, show him some angling techniques and then provide some additional muscle.

Who needs some fresh Omega 3's??? This is about a 15 pounder. For reference, as the season progresses, the fishing gets better and probably peaks in August. Most of the fish by August are in the 20 to 30 pound range (so perhaps as much as 50 to 100% bigger than the one in the above picture).

The only exercise today was a bicep workout from reeling in fish. Not a bad gig...it's a lot of fun to be out on the water and have an opportunity to catch fish like this.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
113 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
172 - Total days trained in 2009
26 - Missed days of running in 2009
0.00 - miles run today
5.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
960.25 - Miles run in 2009

Happy 4th - July 4, 2009

2009-07-04T10:04:48-10:00

Our planned fishing outing this morning out in Lake Ontario was canceled due to strong winds coming out of the north. The strong winds created waves greater than 4 feet and led to a small craft advisory. Sometimes I don't think people in the United States realize how big the Great Lakes are. Lake Ontario is almost as wide as Pennsylvania and almost as high. Today was just a nice but windy day but severe storms could leave waves exceeding 8 feet high and could topple boats less than 20 feet long.

So instead of fishing, I took a walk down to my old childhood stomping grounds (I grew up right on the river at the top of the gorge). In the above picture, that's Canada on the right and the good old U.S. of A. on the left. The picture (above) is looking up river back towards Niagara Falls (which is probably about 4 miles up river.)

This is a shot looking downriver. That's the Lewiston-Queenston bridge and the Canadian power plant on the left and the American power plant on the right. Our power plant supplies much of the electricity for the Northeast United States.

It was good to be home and down by the river. I loved the river as a kid (and still do as an adult) but undoubtedly some would wonder what was so great about the river. They obviously lived sheltered lives if they had to ask why a kid would love the river while growing up. There was always something to do.

You could always try and catch fish (the river is loaded with all kinds of species).
You could throw rocks in the water. I never could hit Canada (not that I tried...)
You could build stuff out of sticks.
You could go hiking along the trail that goes all along the water.
You could try and catch grasshoppers and bugs.
You could have a contest to spot the seagull flying the highest.
You could shout across the water, "Canadian fisherman stink!!!" That seemed to always make us laugh.
You could build a boat out of sticks and leaves and then try to sink it with rocks and sticks.
You could always find a way to get your shoes wet no matter how hard you tried to stay away from the water ("I don't know Mom, they just got wet???")
Or you could just sit on a giant rock, look at the water and be happy that you weren't in school.

What more could you ask for while growing up?

A number of years ago they built a walk around fishing pier at the bottom of the power plant so I took a walk around the bend to watch some others do some fishing while enjoying their holiday.

If you are a thrill seeker, you could always buy a ticket for one of the many jet boat tours that run the river up through the rapids.

And of course after my morning hang out session down at the river I watched Le Tour!

Have a happy and safe holiday.

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
114 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
172 - Total days trained in 2009
25 - Missed days of running in 2009
0.00 - miles run today
5.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
960.25 - Miles run in 2009

In Da House - July 3, 2009

2009-07-03T14:38:05-10:00

My parents appear to be all ready for the 4th of July celebration complete with the Marine Corp flag. There is a marine "in da house."

Above is another picture of said Marine's organic garden. Apparently they try to grow whatever they want??? I've never seen a plant like the one above. I would imagine it is very popular amongst the members of the military.

And now for my vacation science lesson. For you to be reading this, about a trillion floating atoms have assembled in a precise and integrated way to become "you." It is an assembly so complicated and precise that we can only hope that these trillion floating atoms agree to stay assembled in a somewhat similar fashion. Although to move faster in triathlon, we actually have to guide a few billion atoms here or there to add some mitochondria, muscle mass, an expanded vascular system and some better abdominal muscles so we could look better for our race photos.

I'm not quite sure how or why these atoms have assembled in such a manner. Being "us" is a thankless job with very little appreciation thrown the atoms way. In a nutshell, they do their job for zero glory or gratitude. For all of their attention to their precise roles, they don't really care about our USAT rankings. I'm not even sure they know that we ride carbon? What makes it all the more interesting is that the atoms that compose us (in our entirety), not a single one of them is actually alive. They are just a bunch of protons, electrons and neutrons bound together and temporarily agree to staying intact.

Now the interesting thing about our atoms is that they eventually agree to part ways and go on to other projects after a period of time. Atoms come together to form triathletes for about the same amount of time they come together to form ice-skaters, hot dog vendors, lawyers and Polish endurance junkie bloggers; approximately 650,000 hours (or about 75 years although for the record I'm living to at least 100). That's on average. After that, they move on to other contract assignments. I'm not even sure who gives the orders or why they decide to split and move on to other projects. But all things come to an end, even the Jackson 5 and Milli Vanilli. We may think we become a pile of dust, but in reality, the atoms just move on to form other things, maybe even Slowtwitch readers or a piece of carbon.

It's a very amazing process and an extraordinary chain of events that allows a trillion atoms that are not alive themselves to come together and become something that is very alive and real that is capable of screwing up their nutrition on race day or doing too much intensity within a base building period. I'm not sure how my atoms came together to form such a slow 5k runner but I wish they would figure out how to travel 140.6 miles a whole lot faster. Sheesh!

What A Difference 30 Degrees Makes

This morning I went out for a 5 mile run. It was 62 degrees when I walked outside in Niagara Falls, New York (right on the Canadian border). I've had about 4 weeks in a row of running 90+ degree temperatures so a drop of 30 degrees felt wonderful, almost amazing.

What was interesting is the effect of running faster than I have been in the lower temperatures. My body no longer has to allocate blood flow to my body's cooling system. All the blood flow can go straight to the legs and the aerobic system. I ran 5 miles at an average pace of 7:59's with an average heart rate of 141 bpm. Holy smokes I was pleased. However, running at 141 heart rate in 90+ degree heat results in a dramatically different running pace than running at 141 heart rate in 60 degree heat. As a result, my legs were tired from running so much faster. It was muscular fatigue that started catching up with me.

It highlighted how important it is for me to find ways to run in cooler temperatures over the next few summer months. That means either running earlier, or later (when it is dark) or inside on a treadmill. But if I continued to run all summer slogging away in the wicked heat, I'd end up just training myself to run slower than I should be running because my heart rate would cap out not because of aerobic limitations, but because of cooling system limitations.

I also wore a brand new pair of Asics Kayano 15's for the run and the left foot did wonderful in the new shoes. No pain while running and just a little tightness later in the day. But a huge improvement just being back in my normal running shoes (thank goodness).

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
115 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
171 - Total days trained in 2009
24 - Missed days of running in 2009
5.00 - miles run today
5.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
960.25 - Miles run in 2009

Making The Connection - July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T14:01:23-10:00

I'm now on vacation in Niagara Falls, New York. Above is a picture of my father's garden (all organic). Part of dinner was a salad from fresh picked lettuce and vegetables from out back. At lunch we nibbled on snap peas that were just plucked off the vine. It doesn't get any better (or fresher) than that. Angela and I had plans of putting in a garden for this year and, well, as you know things come up and certain goals fall through the cracks. I would really like to put this back on the list of things to do for 2010.

When I'm on vacation, I enjoy doing things that often are pushed lower on the priority list due to the normal scheduling conflicts of life. A few of you are aware that I'm a big science and math fan (although I tend to keep that on the down low). It's not that I have a problem with most people not liking the sciences or thinking that they are not fun or fascinating, it's just draining to me to try and convey thoughts, ideas, and discuss theories with a general population that is more consumed with whose outfit looked great on American Idol the previous evening.

I also like writing about science and math but am concluding that the readers of this blog would quickly grow frustrated if items discussed strayed too far from expectations. So we need to compromise. I'll write about what I enjoy today but promise to tie it in for you triathlon junkies. Fair enough?

Once upon a time (no this isn't a fairy tale, it is true), an astronomer named Percival Lowell believed two things; first, that the planet Mars was covered with canals built by industrious Martians and second, that there existed, somewhere beyond Neptune, an undiscovered ninth planet. Lowell based this belief upon irregular orbits of Uranus and Neptune. Lowell ended up biting it (deceased) in 1916 before being able to prove that Martians built canals or that there was a ninth planet (In hindsight, proving the first would have been much much harder than proving the second, especially prior to 1916.)

Now Lowell was part of a very wealthy Boston family that eventually endowed a famous observatory (aptly named the Lowell Observatory). Upon Percival's death, the family (probably to overcome the embarrassment of the Martian canals story) hired a young astronomer named Clyde Tombaugh to search for the 9th planet. Sure as shit, Tombaugh discovered the 9th planet which was eventually named Pluto (using the P.L. from the initials of Percival Lowell), but discovered it in a way that demonstrated that the observations on which Lowell had predicted the existence of a planet beyond Neptune proved to be completely erroneous.

This is one of life's amazing ironies. A lunatic but wealthy astronomer predicts a 9th planet (and Martian canals) but ends up dying. The family hires someone to prove the existence of the 9th planet. The hired astronomer proves that the observations of the deceased family member was nothing like the massive gasball Lowell had postulated, but stumbles upon a faint point of light that turned out to be 9th planet by accident (Pluto). How is that for strange luck?

Now, how does all of this connect to triathlon?

Well, I like endurance triathlon. Most of the knowledge I acquired about endurance triathlon I learned from GORDO . Gordo's been an elite pro for a number of years and has used and tested an abundance of sport specific equipment. Eventually Gordo started riding bikes manufactured by PLANET X . And the 9th planet that a few astronomers continue to think may be out there (a really really big planet as much as 10 times the size of Jupiter but so far from the sun that we can't see it) is referred to as what? You guessed it...Planet X.

And I set the alarm and was on the Computrainer prior to departing for the airport. Short, but sweet!

By the numbers;

183.2 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2) Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165
116 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon
170 - Total days trained in 2009
24 - Missed days of running in 2009
0.00 - miles run today
0.00 - miles on current pair of shoes
955.25 - Miles run in 2009