May 28, 2010

5 Boros Bike Tour and Races Update

So it has been a few weeks since I participated with Melissa and my parents in New York City's Five Boro Bike Tour. The best way to sum it up was mostly a let down.

The day started very early in Queens with loading the bikes, and gearing up for the event. Then heading to the Long Island Railroad to have the easiest way to the city without paying a whole bunch for parking.

We made our way from Penn Station down the west side of Manhattan till we got to where my parents stayed for the night, Millennium Hilton. If you have never seen or stayed at this place it is right next to the World Trade Center/Ground Zero. This is the first time I had been to the World Trade Center since probably mid 1990s. It was great seeing the plans posted on the fences there, as well as construction taking place.

We came to find out that the starting line was right in front of the hotel, which worked out great for my parents. The only thing is we wished we knew this before hand so we could have planned for a later arrival time to the start.

Here is where the day started to suck. the race was suppose to start somewhere around 9 a.m. At about 10 a.m. we were actually moving. Once we were beginning our trek up to Central Park we thought this was great. Cruising along the wide open road, enjoying the sites. Then we got to Central Park

In Central Park the roads narrowed, went slightly up hill, and split then merged shortly after. This all caused a huge back up and one of our first parts of standing/walking the bikes. We continued to walk then bike a little, then slow down, then stop, then try to restart, only to be stopped by volunteers letting traffic go through the course.

We got to the first rest stop which was a huge Cluster F**k. The one amazing thing was that my uncle was doing the ride as well, and we were hoping to find him at some point during the ride (The problem was that there were thousands of people there and it wasn't very likely that we were going to find him at all during the ride). By some dumb luck we ended up 20 feet from each other near the port-o-johns.

After starting out again after filling water bottles and getting a little food, we made it maybe a mile or two on the FDR before we were stopped yet again because of letting cars dictate our ability to ride on these roads. 10 more minutes of walking the bike and then we were able to start climbing to ride the bikes on the bridge to Queens.

***This brings me to a complaint. The bike ride is suppose to be 42 miles, this is not a short ride, even when you are riding leisurely. So get out and ride, and be in some sort of shape to ride around and not be in the middle of the road and have to stop when there are people surrounding you. Melissa was almost taken out by a guy who couldn't make it and without looking or moving to one side, just stopped his bike.***


After making the decent off the bridge we are sent down a helix where there again is a stop and walk, also this is apparently the place, through no fault of our own, where the bike tour cut a few miles off of the ride. Since they couldn't start on time or properly control traffic we got screwed out of most of Queens.

Then after this go through the slums of Brooklyn (no sites worth seeing), then only a highway where it was just moving along to get to Staten island, got stopped up again at another helix, where we got to another rest area. This rest area was poorly stocked and didn't have water. The only water available here was from a fire hydrant (If we are spending the money get some proper water for all the people you allow to be at the tour).

Then we take a quick trip over the bridge to Staten Island. It was quick since we weren't allowed to stop on the bridge for any pictures. Then to the fake finish. It was fake because we had to still ride 2 miles to get to the ferry.

The nice parts were riding with the family and Melissa, seeing some good sites, and running into my uncle.

My suggestion for anyone reading this that would consider doing it would be to avoid trying. This is not well organized. It would be better for the company to have staggered times to ride, avoiding a lot of the clutter of people. Also cutting down on the amount of entries would help.

Anyways, once the tour left Manhattan it wasn't much of an event.

I'm finished with my rant, but the pictures are up on Facebook. There is a link to my facebook page to the right of this blog. If you want to add me as a friend to see the pictures go for it. I should accept shortly after the request is sent.

I also wanted to update the spring/summer races:


April 18th: Earth Day 5k (Silver Spring, MD) Finished 25:34

May 2nd: 5 boros bike tour (New York, NY) Finished with sunburns/tan lines to show
May 8th weekend: Trip to NY Lots of Fun!
May 12th – 16th: Agee/Spampinato wedding (Cincinnati, Ohio) Whole lot of fun, Congrats Agee's
May 29th weekend: Trip to NY

June:

June 12th-13th: Bike MS ride (30 miles on Saturday, 50 miles on Sunday)
Raising money for Multiple Sclerosis

July:

July 4th weekend trip to Philly!
July 10th: Caribbean Sounds 10k (Rock Creek Park) possible, not definite
July 17th: www.total200.com double century bike ride! 200 miles - 100 miles out, lunch, 100 miles back

August:

August 14th – 21st: Brigantine Family vacation (Brigantine, NJ)


September:

September 4th: Open Water Swimming races in Connecticut (3 mile, 1.5 mile, .5 mile)
Septemver 12th: Parks Half Marathon, Rockville, MD to Bethesda, MD
September 18th: Run Geek Run 8k (West Potomac Park)

October 10th: Boo! Run for Life 10k (West Potomac Park)

November: TBD (Vacation in Ohio for Thanksgiving hopefully)

December: TBD (Queens, NY for Christmas break)
Somewhere I would like to do a shorter triathlon (June –August time frame)

Apr 28, 2010

Even more updates for the summer

Additions have been made again for my summer races/events.

My BikeMS ride is still June 12-13th but now I have a link for anyone who would like to help with my goal of raising $300 towards MS research Click Here.

I'm also going to sign up for a half marathon in September!
In Bethesda/Rockville Area!

Vacations are set for Possibly October and definitely August.

Apr 20, 2010

Quick Post

Hey just a quick update, ran the Earth Day 5k run on Sunday. I finished in 25:34, an 8:14 average mile, and placing 145th out of 686 total people. Not to bad for my first running race post injury.

I also wanted to update the spring/summer races:


April 18th: Earth Day 5k (Silver Spring, MD) Finished 25:34
May 2nd: 5 boroughs bike tour (New York, NY)
May 8th weekend: Trip to NY
May 12th – 16th: Agee/Spampinato wedding (Cincinnati, Ohio)
May 29th weekend: Trip to NY
June: Opened at the moment. Group rides and training will be going on
June 12th-13th: Bike MS ride (30 miles on Saturday, 50 miles on Sunday)
Raising money for Multiple Sclerosis
July: Possibly 4th of July vacation?
July 10th: Caribbean Sounds 10k (Rock Creek Park)
August 14th – 21st: Brigantine Family vacation (Brigantine, NJ)
September or October: Melissa and I will run half Marathon on the trail or if we find a race
September 4th: Open Water Swimming races in Connecticut (3 mile, 1.5 mile, .5 mile)
September 18th: Run Geek Run 8k (West Potomac Park)
October 10th: Boo! Run for Life 10k (West Potomac Park)
November: TBD (Vacation in Ohio for Thanksgiving hopefully)
December: TBD (Queens, NY for Christmas break)
Somewhere I would like to do a shorter triathlon (June –August time frame)

Apr 13, 2010

Back From Injuries, Spring Time

Hey all, it has been a really long time since I have posted anything (August 9, 2009 WTF!). Mostly because there was nothing but annoying rants about how I couldn’t do anything workout-wise because of my injuries. If you are interested in reading any of these rants and 140 characters bitch-fest it is on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

To catch everyone up, I was dealing with a major leg/back problem since late December 2008/early January 2009 through returning from my two months working in San Diego in August and September. I had an MRI exam on my lumbar part of my back to find out that I had multiple minor herniated discs, as well as disc degradation. The doctor at Capital Spine and Pain took care of me and I had cortisone shot in my L5/S1 vertebrae. I followed, and continue to follow the doctors recommendations, “don’t help anyone move and stick to one girlfriend!”

The amazing thing about this injection is that it instantly helped. Still being cautious I didn’t really do a whole lot of training. I continued to get some physical therapy, but after a few months nothing seemed to be helping so I started going to the gym again. At first I was focused mainly on swimming and upper body weights. Avoiding putting any stress on my lower back.

Finally after a month or two of avoiding biking and running, I started to train a bit more. I started off with a jog on the treadmill at 5 mph. and slowly adding speed, then an occasional sprint. Feeling more and more comfortable with this I began bike riding. Since this was during winter I did some easy trainer work before moving to spin classes at the gym.

Now that it has begun to warm up and the snow is finally melting from the mass amounts of snow that caused the entire area of D.C. for almost an entire week just after the Super Bowl, I started to go on the roads with Melissa. Some short rides down to Georgetown and around the area. We even started running outside, again slowly easing into hard runs.

The good news in all of this is that the back is healed. There are occasional pains but I either take it easy and it is alright by morning or the next day. I have tried to take a good look at my training and make sure that I don’t have any more overtraining injuries. This has included taking days off and relaxing so my body will recover properly.

Also, thanks to my roommate I was able to partake in my first group cycling ride. WOW! I have never been going that fast on a bike in my life. At points we were topping out at 40 mph and when the pace line was formed we were cruising at 25-30 mph. Got to see new places to ride and met some interesting people.

One of the people ran the Boston Marathon and beat LANCE ARMSTRONG! The guy is 56 years old and ran 2 hrs and 46 minutes! How awesome is that to say that you beat a guy like Lance! Another guy I met coach’s triathletes and runners and helped my roommate train for the three ironman triathlon races that he has completed. The guy can also fly up hills on a bike. He was starting near the back of the pack and finish in the top ten (of what seemed to be 50 people) at the top of the hill.



Other things going on in my life right now:
Still living/working in Washington, D.C., Wednesday April 14, 2010 makes it two full years.
Still dating Melissa, almost 14 months now


This summer has some exciting events planned:

April 18th: Earth Day 5k (Silver Spring, MD)
May 2nd: 5 boroughs bike tour (New York, NY)
May 8th weekend: Trip to NY
May 12th – 16th: Agee/Spampinato wedding (Cincinnati, Ohio)
May 29th weekend: Trip to NY
June: Opened at the moment. Group rides and training will be going on
July: Possibly 4th of July vacation?
August 14th – 21st: Brigantine Family vacation (Brigantine, NJ)
September or October: Melissa and I will run half Marathon on the trail or if we find a race
November: TBD (Vacation in Ohio for Thanksgiving hopefully)
December: TBD (Queens, NY for Christmas break)
Somewhere I would like to do a shorter triathlon (June –August time frame)

Some things to think about for 2011 for anyone reading this:

1. My friend Kevin and I want to do Ragbrai (Click Here). Anyone interested in creating a team and getting custom jerseys? Probably need at least 8 people (maybe more).

2. Chicago Marathon 2011?

3. Any other event where I could get some good hurting in. Suggestions? Centuries? Tri’s?

Aug 9, 2009

First week in San Diego

Hey everyone!

Here is my first blog post from Sunny California! San Diego has been amazing so far, between the sunny skies, great view from the apartment and seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time, it has been a great week.

A recap of the highlights:

Monday began with saying goodbye to Washington, D.C. for two months. I'll miss everyone there, and I will be back shortly. The cab came and got me around 10:00 a.m. and took me to DCA. I'm always surprised flying out of there, no wait to check in, and fly right through check in. After sitting in the terminal for about an hour and a half I got on the plane to O'Hare. Flight was fairly uneventful. I was disappointed that the government associate did not think that I would want a window seat, or at least a row that was not over the wing. Neither happened so the only view I had was to look up and down the isle.

After landing at O'Hare without a problem, I walk to the next plane. Can anyone guess what happened there? Anyone that has traveled through this airport know, DELAY. Now I was happy it was only a thirty minute delay, BUT still added time to the trip. AT this point I thought I would get some food but nothing sounded appetizing, I figured there would be something available on the plane. Of coarse, nothing except for a drink. Seriously flying across the country, tack on a few extra bucks on the ticket and just give everyone food. Not that hard.

I have to also say that anyone who is thinking that they will take their young child on a plane. DON'T. They have to sit there, not go anywhere, and don't like the change in pressure. LEAVE THEM HOME.

After landing at the airport, getting the bags and car, getting to the hotel was easy, checked in and got to the room. After sitting I realized I had not eaten and did not have food. I was too tired to go anywhere and just gave up. It bothered me the next morning to see that there was a McDonald's right across the street and food just everywhere.

Checking into the base was another issue. Apparently no one told me/my home base that we needed to do some other work that my internship didn't tell us. So I finally got in and started to learn the system that I would be helping convert (why I'm out here in the first place).

Friday (post work)
This was the first time I felt I could go out and enjoy myself a little without having to worry about work, sleep, workouts, etc. So I went to where co-worker (Christin) suggested. A restaurant in Olde Town called "Olde Town Mexican Cafe". I went here to try the recommended margaritas. Christin was correct, great margaritas. Anyone who is in the San Diego area should check this out. order an 1800 margarita. Just delicious, a little strong on the tequila but grand marnier makes it very smooth. I also got Chicken Fajitas, which were also delicious with about half a green bell pepper, some red and yellow peppers, onions, guacamole, and re-fried beans. Very tasty and filling.

Saturday (pictures here http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hYL7bWZ7phw )


After having a good (wait great it's included so it is great) complementary, I went and got my ticket on base then drive to the ship. Parking right next to the ship was $10 for 10 hours! Seriously how could you be parking anywhere else!

I walked around the ship for 4 hours seeing a bunch of planes, areas of a ship, and listening to some interesting people with great insight to the intricacies of the ship. Follow the link to check out the pictures that I took.

After walking around the ship and checking out the flight deck, I realized that I only had breakfast before I went to the ship. I decided that I'd better go get dinner, so after getting a few things at the gift shop I headed to a place that was visible from the ship. The place is called "The Fish Market". This place had some of the best views, right on the water, and great food.

The meals I've had here have been at a bar since it is just me no need to waste a booth or table. I'm a fan though, I get the food really fast, and random conversations. I ordered Spicy Tuna Sushi which was good (especially with all the wasabi I added to it) for an appetizer. For dinner I ordered rainbow trout with steamed rice and vegetables. All very good, especially with the home brew Pale Ale.

Sorry for this being so long but I wanted to get the whole week out. I'm gonna most likely head to a beach or do some other site seeing tomorrow so I'll try to just blog about tomorrow in one blog.

Later

Jul 21, 2009

Finally An Answer!

Yesterday I finally got the results of an MRI I had on my lumbar (lower) spine. The Doctor I went to on the 13th wanted the MRI done after X-rays and hip evaluation ruled out any hip problems.

The result of the MRI was that I have a L5-S1 Disc Herniation; this has been causing the pain and numbness in my leg because of the pressure being put on my nerves. As of right now they want me to see a spinal doctor within their group. They have said that for right now the best thing for me is to continue with the Anti-inflammatory pills. The next step will be a localized cortisone-like injection to the area affected.

The benefit right now with this result of the MRI is that I know it’s not a leg injury. Since I have had the news I have started to slowly workout on my indoor bike trainer and tried arc trainer (similar to the elliptical). The self evaluation of the post-workouts is good with day after pain and soreness at a minimum. The soreness will come with added workload, but since this injury has occurred I’m taking the build up to working out slowly.

Biking is going to be the beginning of the working out, but soon I will add swimming. Since the angle and motion of the back while freestyle swimming isn’t very comfortable at the moment I will ease into the working out with stretches and exercises provided by Trainer Ali. If anyone else is having back troubles, after consulting a doctor, there are websites online that have great suggestions for stretches.

So that’s all that is going on now, but I’ll keep posting on the road to recovery, and in two weeks I’ll continue to blog about my trip and experiences in sunny San Diego, California.

Jul 13, 2009

Injury Update

Hey readers!

this isn't going to be an exciting post or anything, just keeping everyone in the loop.

I had x-rays on my hip this morning, and it came back negative. I don't have any broken bones, or anything like that. The hip specialist (the part of the body, not that he was overly cool or anything like that) said that there was nothing wrong with the hip, and he was concerned with it being a problem with my lower back.

I now have an MRI scheduled for Wednesday where hopefully they will be able to definitely diagnose the problem and fix it in time.