162# and Counting

I'm down to 162#!!!! That's 20 lbs since January 1st. I feel better then I have in years. It's actually a bit scary because I haven't been strictly dieting. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely eating better but I could do better. I've still had no coffee and still eat very little sugar.

I think the big difference maker right now is my thyroid medication. I had my blood work done on Tuesday and my TSH is currently .29 (norm is .34-4.82). TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and it has to be thought of in an opposite sense. If the TSH is low that means you have excess thyroid hormone. So right now I would be considered a bit Hyper-Thyroid. The upside to being "Hyper" is just that, it tends to be easier to lose weight. The downside is, if you are hyper for too long it can cause osteoporosis. It can also cause you to be a bit shaky and weak as well which is why I may decrease my dosage just a bit. I'm wondering if this is the reason my legs seem to give out a bit quicker on harder bike rides. I'm feeling so good though that I'm a little afraid of changing anything.

We had a good group ride last Saturday (if you consider 4 a group). It was a 50 mile ride with a good climb at about mile 37. I was really happy with my current level of fitness though I definitely need to start increasing the tempo and muscle endurance workouts. I've got the endurance but the power is weak.

I've been able to ride outdoors all this week but I understand it's supposed to be 20 degrees colder tomorrow and through the weekend. We're supposed to be doing a 5 hour ride on Saturday so it may be a chilly windy ride.

That's about it for now.

Thanks for reading.

Live Each Day

The word Cancer scares the heck out of me. I'm 36 years old and people all around me are being diagnosed with some sort of cancer, people not much older than me. I'm not sure what the odds are of being diagnosed with some form of cancer but I'm guessing within a few years, the odds of someone pretty close to me (if not myself) being diagnosed are pretty good. Just last year a very good friend was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 41 years old. I've been keeping up with The Puddin Cyclist, and my heart and prayers are with him constantly. This is a guy whom I've never met, but I for some reason feel like I can relate. He's a guy that if he lived closer I know I'd be riding bikes with. I'd be at his house everyday just making sure he didn't need anything. This is a guy who has always put his family first and now comes down with a miserable disease.

I bring this up because his latest post mentioned that when he beats the cancer, his priorities in life will be more focused on the "important" things. Family, sunsets, living life NOW, etc...

Owning and running a business can take a lot out of you. I have to say, I work quite a bit. Yet I still make a great effort to spend daily time with my family. I like to play ball with my boys after school and I enjoy riding with my wife. When I first started my business, I wanted it to be different. I want my employees to have the time to put their families first. I want them to enjoy coming to work. I want them to make a difference in the lives they come in contact with. I want the same for myself.

Boz at Pedal or Die has also been a great motivator for me. Without even trying, his words just strike a chord with me. While driving today, I was looking at the clouds and thought "if Jesus came down through those clouds right now, how many would be ready?" The video below was an eye opener for me.


We live in a world with tremendous sin. We put God aside and just go on living our materialistic lives. Have you ever for just one hour put your thoughts with God and realized how great of a feeling it was? I did it today, and it was such a peaceful feeling. Whether one believes in a Higher Being or not, when your heart is set on helping others, in God's eyes you are a blessing. When I was in high school a teacher gave me a card that said, "What you are in the eyes of God.......That you truly are". I was too immature at the time to make sense of it, but now I hold on to that quote with all I've got.

That being said, LIVE each day to the fullest!!! Don't wait until your 65 and retired to plan on Living. Do it now!!!!

God Bless
Thanks for Reading

Mtn Biking Weekend

Were back from a great weekend of riding down in 80 degree weather. Phoenix is absolutely beautiful right now (minus all the people). From all the winter moisture, the desert floor is glowing with green grass and flowers.


We left friday with bikes in tow to do the Estrella Mountain Reserve Mountain Bike Race. My wife raced the sport class, I did the beginner men's, my 8 year old did the under 12, and our 5 year old did the kids race. Typical, everybody won a medal except for me (I'll include my excuse in a minute).

My wife did awesome. This was her first race in the Sport class and she kicked butt. She even took some time to help out a fallen rider and still managed to take second place. This a woman who really hasn't trained very seriously this year and still ends up taking a podium spot. While I train my butt off and have to settle with the top 1/3 of my class.

Ok, here's my excuse. Each class of riders are designated by a certain number written on our legs. He's flying through the group at the starting line asking each rider their age and assigning (and writing) their corresponding class number on their legs. He asked me my age (37) and proceeded to write a "3) on my leg. So this means I leave with the other 3's. After the 1's and 2's started he said (to the 3's), "ok you guys should be the 40-49 age group". So I quickly thought "oh crap, I should have been a 2. So I took off like a bat out of he## about 50 yards behind the slowest group of 2's. I could see the lead group about 100 yards ahead. About 25 yards in, the track was already single track which made it harder to pass the slower riders. My heart rate was 174 by the first half mile. My legs were already on fire but I just kept plowing through the rocks and sand trying to pass one rider at a time. Remember, I am not a mtn biker and I was quickly realizing why. The track which is probably fairly normal for most mnt bikers, was absolutely brutal to me. Very rocky, and when it wasn't rocky it was 6 inch deep sand which made my legs burn even more. To make it even more pleasurable (NOT!!), the first 6 miles was all climbing. And when I say climbing, I mean climbing. If you sat too far back on your seat, you would definitely go over backwards. It was a mixture of trying to keep your front wheel down while at the same time keeping your butt back so as to not lose any traction. The backside was a blast. Downhill Baby!!! Still very rocky which was a beating, but at least gravity was helping pull me towards the finish line. I ending up finishing 8 out of 24. I was disappointed but what the heck, it was my first time out and hopefully over time I'll get better. We're not able to really train on mtn bikes right now. The forest is still snow covered and where there's not snow there is tons of mud.
It was really a great weekend. I'm super proud of my wife and boys. Everyone gave it 100% and had a good time doing it. Here's some pictures while at the races.




Here's our 5 year old at the start of his race.

My wife trying to make me feel better

Is Spring almost here?

We'll tomorrow it's supposed to be 64 degrees. I've been stuck all week on the trainer and can't wait for a long ride outdoors tomorrow.

Here's a picture of my son and me on the trainers. I put him on my very first trainer (I believe it's called a specialized 4000). My grandma bought it for me back when I was 15 and just getting into racing. I definitely like my Cycleops better. As you can see, he's on a mnt bike and he about wore all the knobbies off in one trainer ride.

We're going down to Phoenix this weekend for another mountain bike race. It looks like it's going to be a family thing. My wife is going to race sport (mtn bikes are her thing), my boys (8 and 5 are racing juniors, and me, I'm going to race beginner (I'm not a mtn biker). My goal will be to finish with all my skin intact. I'm like the Tyler Hamilton of mountain bikes. If there's a crash, you can pretty much be sure it will involve me.

I'm still on track with my training. I seem to be holding at 169#, but intend on hitting a more strict diet as of March 1. I'd love to be at 160 by the Ironhorse. I'm going to continue working on my base miles with long slow rides with high cadence. The first part of March, I'll start with the build portion of the workout plan. I'm getting a little nervous about my goal of 2:45:00 at the Ironhorse. It may be way beyond my capabilities but what the heck, it's worth a shot.

Boz @ pedal or die kicked some butt this last weekend. He's been training like crazy and deserves the awesome finish. Read his blog, it sounds like an interesting race. Not to mention he doesn't forget to give the Glory to God at the end. Good job Boz.

Well I'm sorry for the delay in writing this week, we've been hammered at work. I guess that's a good thing but man I'm worn out. I'll try to be sure and write more this week.

Thanks for reading.

You Never Know

Let me first give the update on my weight loss. I'm still lingering around 169-170. I haven't been dieting as strictly as I was but I've decided to stay my current course and then hit the really strict diet again as of March 1st. I'm very happy with my progress and really don't want to get burned out this early in the season. I've been getting in quite a bit of time on the bike (mostly on the trainer) but really can't wait for some warm weather. I got in 2 hours on the trainer yesterday and then about a 22 mile ride today outside. Can't beat the outdoors.

And now to my original topic. Today, being Sunday we of course spent the morning at church. I always have to talk myself into going but once I'm there I'm always happy I went (the guilt trip from my wife helps as well). Until last year, my Sundays were usually consumed with my long ride of the week.

Last summer we took a family vacation up to Wyoming. Of course I took my bike and we chose a route that would allow me to get a ride in almost every day. On the way up and also on the way back we stopped in Grand Junction CO. I've ridden the Grand Mesa before and always wanted to ride the Colorado National Monument (if your a cyclist, this is the "Tour of the Moon" in the movie American Flyers). Anyway, I didn't get to ride the Monument, but something even better happened.

Before leaving town, we stopped at McDonalds with one of those indoor playgrounds. While waiting for our food, and watching the boys play we noticed two little girls with "Third Day" shirts on (Christian music group). The girls happened to be with their grandfather (a very young looking grandfather) who was babysitting while the rest of the family was at another Christian concert in Denver. We got to talking to this guy and somehow got on the subject of Christianity.

We learned that he had just lost his wife (she was only 47) to cancer. He had moved to Grand Junction to be closer to his grandkids. Now I have always tried to live a good Christian life but really didn't like the idea of church very much. As we spoke, you could tell this guy was on fire for Christ. His words somehow touched me more then most. He shared that through life's challenges he learned that as a father (and grandfather) one has to really walk the walk. I told him that we have always spoke to our boys about Christ, but he said that wasn't good enough. As a father, my boys look at everything I do. They look to me as their prime example in life. What am I teaching them by riding my bike on Sunday and not going to church. Is riding a bike more important then giving thanks to the Power that allows me to do so?? This guy poured out his heart, and he has no idea how much it has effected my life. I thought about him and all his words the entire trip home. I've been going to church ever since. I still get my rides in but church is first. I spend time with my boys, and if there is time left, I get in a good ride. Today was one of those days. We went to church, after church my oldest son and I played some baseball, then both boys and I went for a bike ride, and finally aroung 3:30 I got in my ride. I was a great day.

In summary, I learned so much from a guy that I had never met before. This guy, unexpectantly lost his wife to cancer. In doing so, it taught me to cherish what I have and to live in moment. He helped put my priorities in order. Funny thing is, he has no clue how much of an impression he made on my life. I still don't know his name, but I think of him often and pray that he doing well. If you're a dad, remember your kids look to you more than you could ever imagine. Whether they are 3 or 16 years old, you are their example. Set the bar high for yourself and your kids will follow. The road to follow Christ is definitely not an easy one, but it sure is worth the ride.

Thanks for reading. If your a cycling fan, don't forget to watch OLN (now Versus) on Sundays. The Tour of California has started.

Great Weekend Riding

We loaded up the van on Friday to head down to Phoenix for some warm weather riding. My wife went down to race her mountain bike at White Tanks and on Sunday I rode the Laveen Country Challenge. The best part of the weekend was the warm weather. It was a balmy 76 degrees. It's funny to see all the valley riders in their tights and long sleeve jerseys while us mountain folks are soaking up the sun in shorts and short sleeve jerseys.

The mountain bike race was impressive. Not being a mountain biker and not having gone to many races, it was a surprise to see so many racers. There were tons of riders of all different skill levels. My wife took second but I had to give her grief in that I thought she was sand bagging. She raced the beginner class and I think she needs to move up to the Sport class. Right now she's getting by with very little training but has the skills of someone way beyond a beginner. She's much better then she gives herself credit for. I think she'll step it up in her next race.

My ride was just that,,,,, A ride. Nothing competitive, but a really good workout with a bunch of other riders. The ride is put on by the Laveen Lions Club, and considering what they have to work with, it's a pretty fun ride. I've done it for the last 5 years and have a good time every year. It's just a great way to get out of the cold and enjoy the presence of about 300 other riders. I rode with Rick who is in the best shape he's ever been in. Usually I drop him within the first 20-30 miles but this year I think he was probably stronger than I was. Being a triathlete, he really hammers on the flats, but I can usually drop him on the climbs. Like I said though, I think he's in the best shape ever. I was truly impressed with how strong he rode. Not that I'm some powerhouse or anything, but he kicked butt today. We were fortunate to find a super fast pace line and hung with them for almost the entire way. It's always nice to find a good safe group to ride with. When everyone takes their turn at the front, it can make for some pretty fast times without one person having to kill themselves to keep the pace up.

They also have a 15 and 30 mile ride as well. Our original plan was for me to do the 62 miler and my wife and boys to ride the 15 miler. Our 8 year old would have no problem with 15 miles but our 5 year old......no way. So we borrowed a bike trailer from a friend with the plan of my wife pulling our youngest. We'll as we unloaded the bikes (about 30 minutes before the 62mile ride started), we realized we were missing a piece of the trailer. The very important part that connects the trailer to the quick release on the bike. So my wife, having 1 hour before their ride started, made a quick trip to Wal-Mart for a cheap little bike for our 5 year old to ride. They ended up making their own route (safer) and got in about 5 miles of family cruisin. Actually that's the farthest our little guy has ever ridden. All in all, it was a great weekend. I wish I had more pictures but to no avail.

We're back home now in the 45 degree weather. I'm hoping I can keep up the long mile riding for now. It sure was nice to ride some of the cobwebs out today.

More Snow!!!!

Wow we got hammered again. It's snowing like it used to. I think most businesses closed early today to ensure their employees could make it home. It looks like this week will be spent on the trainer. I'm going down to the valley this weekend to ride the Laveen Country Challenge. It's not a race but a chance to ride with a big group of other cyclists as well as a chance to get some sun. The town of Laveen puts on a nice little bar-b-que afterwards as well.

My diet went by the wayside this weekend. The Superbowl is no time to stick to a diet. It would just be too much torture. My wife makes some awesome snack foods and I being the good husband that I am was definitely not going to turn them down. I've got back on track though today. I got in an hour and 10 minutes on the trainer tonight and plan to ride most of the week.

Speaking of the Superbowl, I hope everyone was going for the Giants. After all, the "other team" was busted for cheating early in the season. And what happened........NOTHING!!!! You get busted one time for cheating as a cyclist and you are automatically banned from racing for 2 years. When are the pro football and baseball organizations going to step up and hold someone accountable? I hate myself for wanting to watch both of these sports. As long a people continue to pay big money to watch these games, nothing is going to change. So I guess..........Nothing is going to change.

I had my thyroid levels checked today and my TSH was low (this means I'm Hyperthyroid). My usual dose has been 6 days of 125mcg and 1 day at 137 mcg. A couple of weeks I did two days of the 137mcg. I think this is what sent me overboard. I feel good, just a little shaky but it can be damaging to your health if you remain hyperthyroid. I'm going to go another month on the original dose of 1x137 and 6x125 and then retest. I'm hoping this will take me back down to normal.

I guess that's it for now. Hope everyone is doing well.

Thanks for reading.