Monday, November 9, 2009

Rhio Scholarship Essay

This essay is for the Rhio Scholarship 2009.


Life sometimes has a very unique way of presenting subjects or challenges to you. I find myself seeking scholarships and financial aid for school now that I am nearly 40yrs old. I thought after a little college 10yrs of marriage and 4 kids I was well beyond the school thing. After being of of many people who have recently been downsized or laid off, I needed to return to school. The other happenstance here is the fact that my mother in law passed away in December of 2008 from breast cancer. Then I came across this scholarship.

Tommie, my mother-in-law, was diagnosed in March of 2006 with Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She had not gotten regular checkups, was a lifelong smoker, had taken hormonal replacement therapy, and most importantly ignored and hid all of the obvious warning signs of her condition. Things were not looking good at all. She was told that these things can never be predicted exactly, but she has between 3 and 6 months to live. They could start some therapies for her, but she had better get her affairs in order because she was not going to beat this. Of course this came as a huge shock to all of her family. The cancer was one thing. She also had to deal with the guilt and shame of not seeking help or treatment much earlier. With a very strong support network of family and friends around her she decided that now was the time to throw everything she had at this disease. Her husband Bob is one of the strongest men I know. Never, ever did he look at her and ask why? He was supportive of her from day one. Looking forward and not backward was the key to her fighting. Tommie was able to live a very good life for much longer than any of us ever expected. Only in the final two months of her life did the quality of her day to day health suffer. She was able to golf, travel and spend time with family pretty much until the end. We all miss her very much, but are very thankful that we had the time that we did.

Rhio O’Connor believed strongly in the importance of educating current and future
leaders about the value of “thinking outside the box” when it came to the cause of cancer
and its rational treatment. To read about his story please visit the Surviving Mesothelioma website. Rhio's story sounds so much like my Tommie's. Not in the details of course, but in the spirit that they both had when they found out they were sick. Neither one hoped for anything else except for complete healing. Going into a battle with a demon like cancer and praying for anything less than complete healing is like a football team saying, "gee, I hope we score 14 points today, that should be enough to win." You cannot fight for anything without putting all your heart and soul into it.

Rhio took his fight one step farther. While respecting and listening to his doctors, he took it upon himself to be his own "general contractor". No one other than the patient has their interest more in mind. Like Rhio, I would take everything to the extreme. If I was looking at a particular treatment, I would find all of the information on it I could. Rhio did not have the benefit of a strong Internet when he got sick. Today you can find just about anything on the Internet. That is where I would start. I would find out which hospitals and professionals are the top in that field. I would then go directly to them. The next thing I would do would be to rally as many of my closest friends, classmates and church members as I could. The wonderful thing about friends is they are better than any Internet search could ever be. Too many people curl up and go away when they get sick. They don't want to seem like a burden or seem like they are looking for sympathy. I could care less about the sympathy part, but if my life is on the line I want all the help I can get.

Communication may be the strongest medicine we can administer to ourselves in the time of crisis. Being fulling informed does not mean just asking your doctors questions. It means finding information on your own. It means making those connections that will change the course of your treatments for the better.

A friend of mine was in a car accident 5yrs ago. His small pick up truck was struck broadside at 60mph. He rolled an estimated 5 times into a telephone pole which fell upon the upside down cab of the truck. The rescue crews did not believe he was alive because of the lack of space in the cab area. His wife was told to meet the helicopter at the pad at the hospital to say goodbye. He was paralyzed so badly that he had to be on a ventilator for almost 6 months. Through his persistence, faith and his wife's devotion he is now wheeling himself around in a wheel chair. His wife found treatments that have made significant progress in his recovery. His father-in-law started a web site that mainly provided updates on treatments and allowed friends and family to post prayers and well wishes. Through information received on this site they got some direction and inspiration for some specific new treatments. They are going to Russia every 6 months for stem cell treatments. It is not covered by their insurance or endorsed by his doctors here in the states, but through diligent research and prayer they decided to give it a chance. The results have been amazing. Their goal is for him to walk one day. Based upon his determination and progress so far I believe he will.


That is the type of determination and ingenuity that I hope to be able to exhibit if I myself or one of my family members is diagnosed with cancer. I would engage everyone I knew and let them know I will need their help with my illness and support. Cancer has touched so many lives. Just about everyone has someone who has suffered. That community knowledge base can be more valuable than any electronic search engine.

If you want more information on mesothelioma please visit http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/.


Monday, October 5, 2009

Mon, Oct 5, 2009 - 11.55 mi [Cycling]

Mon, Oct 5, 2009 - 11.55 mi [Cycling]
11.55 mi in 00:45:36 hours at 15.20 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] COLD! Had to bundle up again, but I wanted to get out bc it is not raining.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, September 25, 2009

Fri, Sep 25, 2009 - 11.45 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Sep 25, 2009 - 11.45 mi [Cycling]
11.45 mi in 00:45:26 hours at 15.12 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride. Getting a little chilly. Hopefully I can get in 6 more rides this year.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wed, Sep 23, 2009 - 11.36 mi [Cycling]

Wed, Sep 23, 2009 - 11.36 mi [Cycling]
11.36 mi in 00:43:34 hours at 15.64 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride. Starting to get a little chilly. Might get cold next week. Want to get in a few more rides this week bc of the change coming.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sun, Sep 20, 2009 - 12.43 mi [Cycling]

Sun, Sep 20, 2009 - 12.43 mi [Cycling]
12.43 mi in 00:55:35 hours at 13.42 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Kinda sick. Just wanted to get my hr up a little. Easy ride down to Best Buy and then back home.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, September 18, 2009

Fri, Sep 18, 2009 - 11.59 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Sep 18, 2009 - 11.59 mi [Cycling]
11.59 mi in 00:44:16 hours at 15.71 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. Good cadence. A little wind, but otherwise perfect weather.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Monday, September 14, 2009

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 - 11.47 mi [Cycling]

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 - 11.47 mi [Cycling]
11.47 mi in 00:44:57 hours at 15.31 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride. Awesome weather. Need to work on foot placement to minimize soreness.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sun, Sep 13, 2009 - 6.37 mi [Cycling]

Sun, Sep 13, 2009 - 6.37 mi [Cycling]
6.37 mi in 00:25:00 hours at 15.29 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Just a quick maintenance ride. Riding tomorrow too.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, September 11, 2009

Fri, Sep 11, 2009 - 11.39 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Sep 11, 2009 - 11.39 mi [Cycling]
11.39 mi in 00:44:46 hours at 15.27 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride. Not much sleep last night, but I needed to keep up my pace.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Wed, Sep 9, 2009 - 11.43 mi [Cycling]

Wed, Sep 9, 2009 - 11.43 mi [Cycling]
11.43 mi in 00:44:46 hours at 15.32 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride. A little humid. Just rained last night. Cool but humid.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Monday, September 7, 2009

Mon, Sep 7, 2009 - 13.48 mi [Cycling]

Mon, Sep 7, 2009 - 13.48 mi [Cycling]
13.48 mi in 00:52:33 hours at 15.39 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. Went a little farther than normal. I might just start doing the 13.5 on a regular basis. It only adds 10min.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Back to School (Again)

Back to school time has a different meaning for me now. Not only are the kids heading back, but I am starting classes again.
I have completed my EMT-Basic classes over the summer and have passed my National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians(NREMT) EMT-B Exam. I am waiting for my State of Michigan License to come through so I can get a job as a Basic EMT. Here in Kalamazoo County the ambulance services hire a few EMT-B's, but all of the trucks in Kalamazoo, Portage and the immediate surrounding areas usually require a EMT-Paramedic to be on board. That is why I am starting my Paramedic classes on Tuesday. Of course the pay is better too. The EMT-P classes start Tues and go thru next fall. Then I will have to pass a NREMT EMT-P computer based exam and then a EMT-P practical skills exam.
Nate, Madi and Cort all started classes last week. Madi and Nate started classes at a new school. Kalamazoo Christian East Elementary closed last year due to declining enrollment. The district was forced to consolidate all the elementary students into one building. Since the West Elementary campus is much newer and had the most students they decided to put all of the students at that campus. They are adjusting well.
Cort is starting her Junior year at KCHS. She is probably the least thrilled of all to start school again. This year will be pivotal for her. Schools look at this years GPA to determine admissions and scholarships. They cannot wait for Sr year classes to end to finalize those decisions.
Niki is starting K at a new school also. We chose to send him to a new school because the teacher was recommended to us. Hopefully the new school, full days and a new teacher will be a painless adjustment for him.

Sat, Sep 5, 2009 - 11.50 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Sep 5, 2009 - 11.50 mi [Cycling]
11.50 mi in 00:45:46 hours at 15.08 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Very good ride. The weather has been fantastic!
Posted from My Cycling Log

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Thu, Sep 3, 2009 - 11.48 mi [Cycling]

Thu, Sep 3, 2009 - 11.48 mi [Cycling]
11.48 mi in 00:44:26 hours at 15.50 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. Just blowing off some energy while waiting for my test results.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 - 12.39 mi [Cycling]

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 - 12.39 mi [Cycling]
12.39 mi in 00:48:36 hours at 15.30 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride. Great weather. Had to take a break from studying.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Sat, Aug 22, 2009 - 11.61 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Aug 22, 2009 - 11.61 mi [Cycling]
11.61 mi in 00:46:06 hours at 15.11 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Weather is kinda crappy. Good ride though
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Sat, Aug 15, 2009 - 11.53 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Aug 15, 2009 - 11.53 mi [Cycling]
11.53 mi in 00:42:05 hours at 16.44 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. Little wind. Great cadence. Awesome
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, August 7, 2009

Fri, Aug 7, 2009 - 7.15 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Aug 7, 2009 - 7.15 mi [Cycling]
7.15 mi in 00:29:00 hours at 14.79 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Not a good ride at all. Weather was perfect. A little cool, no wind. Did not get enough sleep last night and just had no energy today, but had to get something in before the weekend. Weather is supposed to be crappy.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Sun, Aug 2, 2009 - 11.39 mi [Cycling]

Sun, Aug 2, 2009 - 11.39 mi [Cycling]
11.39 mi in 00:44:26 hours at 15.38 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Windy. Good start to the ride, then bonked. Not sure why. Wind? Sleep? Diet? The last 5 miles really sucked!
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Sat, Aug 1, 2009 - 11.93 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Aug 1, 2009 - 11.93 mi [Cycling]
11.93 mi in 00:45:26 hours at 15.75 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. A little windy, plus the trail is broken up in a couple of places.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, July 31, 2009

Fri, Jul 31, 2009 - 6.39 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Jul 31, 2009 - 6.39 mi [Cycling]
6.39 mi in 00:25:00 hours at 15.34 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Still having tire issues. Did I mention I had presta valves?
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, July 24, 2009

Fri, Jul 24, 2009 - 10.58 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Jul 24, 2009 - 10.58 mi [Cycling]
10.58 mi in 00:42:00 hours at 15.11 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Flat tire.Windy. Generally a pretty crappy ride.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sun, Jul 19, 2009 - 11.79 mi [Cycling]

Sun, Jul 19, 2009 - 11.79 mi [Cycling]
11.79 mi in 00:43:35 hours at 16.23 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good not great ride. A little chilly for the dead middle of summer. 51 when I went out @ 6am!
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, July 17, 2009

Thu, Jul 16, 2009 - 11.45 mi [Cycling]

Thu, Jul 16, 2009 - 11.45 mi [Cycling]
11.45 mi in 00:43:30 hours at 15.79 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great morning ride. These school mornings kinda leave the time short. Have to try to get up that 10 minutes earlier so I don't have to rush as much.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Thursday, July 16, 2009

What's goin on?

The short answer is a lot.

Robin is working a lot. Her company is in the midst of a merger. She is going thru a bunch of change over stuff involved with that.

The kids are all good. Nate is going to Detroit for the week, starting on Sat with an Air Show at Willow Run. Then he has a week of Fish Camp. I know he will have a blast.

Madi is doing well. I feel kinda bad for her because we did not have anything specifically scheduled for her this summer. She has been doing a lot of activities with friends.

Niki is talking up a storm and is using much more complete sentences. We still struggle with behavior issues with him. He is a great kid, but the challenges can be overwhelming for him and us at times.

Cort is having an up and down summer. She went to Orlando for a week earlier this summer. She spent a week in Chicago on a mission trip with her friends church. That was interesting, because she was without a cell phone for that time period. Somehow, she survived. She is working a little here and there. She is also driving and enjoying all the things that go along with that. Things like, putting gas in a car with your own money, paying for insurance, having dead batteries, following directions while you are driving, and the most fun of all...hitting mom's car in the driveway (very minor damage, and no injuries). Now one of her best friends is not going to be in the same school next year.

Me? I am cycling as much as I can fit in and trying to be a stay at home, going to school dad. School is going well, but it seems like I am constantly studying for Anatomy. EMT class is going well. I seem to be picking things up well enough. I am also getting ready to apply to a number of ambulance services as soon as I can. Once I get done with EMT class then I have to take the NREMT exam. Then it is off to Paramedic school for another year.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Fri, Jul 10, 2009 - 11.43 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Jul 10, 2009 - 11.43 mi [Cycling]
11.43 mi in 00:41:58 hours at 16.34 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. Perfect weather. Good cadence. Could have done at least 5 more, but I have school this morning.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Wed, Jul 8, 2009 - 6.41 mi [Cycling]

Wed, Jul 8, 2009 - 6.41 mi [Cycling]
6.41 mi in 00:24:05 hours at 15.97 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Short ride. Worked til 11pm last night, but wanted to get something in b/c wife is going to be away a couple days.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Sun, Jul 5, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]

Sun, Jul 5, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]
11.89 mi in 00:45:13 hours at 15.78 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride, not great. Back to back days after not having ridden for a couple weeks. The other issue was all the deer on the bike path. Saw three within a 1 mile stretch.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Sat, Jul 4, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Jul 4, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]
11.89 mi in 00:44:01 hours at 16.21 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride for not havign gone for almost two weeks. Wife and kids have been sick along with school. No sleep=no morning rides.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wed, Jun 24, 2009 - 6.39 mi [Cycling]

Wed, Jun 24, 2009 - 6.39 mi [Cycling]
6.39 mi in 00:23:15 hours at 16.49 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Very short ride. Have a long day today. Also rode yesterday, but weather is supposed to be bad Thurs AM so I needed to get something in today.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tue, Jun 23, 2009 - 15.63 mi [Cycling]

Tue, Jun 23, 2009 - 15.63 mi [Cycling]
15.63 mi in 01:00:35 hours at 15.48 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. Went 11.9 today. Today was actually shorter because I crashed big time on Sat, but did not reset the odo or time. Had to replace the rear wheelset as it was badly bent. I only ended up with some bumps and bruises. FYI-Wood bridges are very slippery when wet.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Thu, Jun 18, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]

Thu, Jun 18, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]
11.89 mi in 00:41:55 hours at 17.02 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Nice morning ride, really tried to step up cadence. I think I did well. Results are beginning to show.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tue, Jun 16, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]

Tue, Jun 16, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]
11.89 mi in 00:44:55 hours at 15.88 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Nice weather, no wind, felt great, need to work on cadence more, I think I can add miles and speed with better cadence.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Sat, Jun 13, 2009 - 18.59 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Jun 13, 2009 - 18.59 mi [Cycling]
18.59 mi in 01:13:15 hours at 15.23 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Hilly and and the road was wet. Overall not bad for my first event.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Tue, Jun 9, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]

Tue, Jun 9, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]
11.89 mi in 00:45:45 hours at 15.59 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] No rest. Race pace. Good ride
Posted from My Cycling Log

Thu, Jun 11, 2009 - 9.27 mi [Cycling]

Thu, Jun 11, 2009 - 9.27 mi [Cycling]
9.27 mi in 00:33:40 hours at 16.52 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] No rest. A little bit of sprinkles. Good ride overall.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Sat, Jun 6, 2009 - 17.50 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Jun 6, 2009 - 17.50 mi [Cycling]
17.50 mi in 01:09:45 hours at 15.05 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Longer ride, race pace only stopped once at the 9mi mark. Getting ready for next Sat 17mi RBC event.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Fri, Jun 5, 2009 - 7.37 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Jun 5, 2009 - 7.37 mi [Cycling]
7.37 mi in 00:28:30 hours at 15.52 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Short ride to get legs stretched out again. Been cold in the mornings and windy. Also been studying for school a lot so little sleep. Great short ride though
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Sun, May 31, 2009 - 4.94 mi [Cycling]

Sun, May 31, 2009 - 4.94 mi [Cycling]
4.94 mi in 00:22:00 hours at 13.47 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Very slow ride. Felt horrible. Decided to bag it rather than push things. It takes too long to recover from a heavy over do it ride especially when you don't feel well.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sat, May 30, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]

Sat, May 30, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]
11.89 mi in 00:45:15 hours at 15.77 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Great ride. No breaks. Getting ready for 1st event in two weeks. 17mi.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Mon, May 25, 2009 - 18.49 mi [Cycling]

Mon, May 25, 2009 - 18.49 mi [Cycling]
18.49 mi in 01:14:15 hours at 14.94 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Very hard ride, very windy, added an uphill portion that I did not expect either. The strongest winds were right at the uphill portion.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Sat, May 23, 2009 - 15.50 mi [Cycling]

Sat, May 23, 2009 - 15.50 mi [Cycling]
15.50 mi in 01:01:10 hours at 15.20 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Hard ride. Lifted yesterday and did legs so today my legs were a little sore. Got going eventually, but not as well as I hoped. Monday will be a long fast ride.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Wed, May 20, 2009 - 10.49 mi [Cycling]

Wed, May 20, 2009 - 10.49 mi [Cycling]
10.49 mi in 00:40:00 hours at 15.74 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] 1st early morning ride. Not bad. still stiff from lifting yesterday. Overall, I am satisfied.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Monday, May 18, 2009

Mon, May 18, 2009 - 15.85 mi [Cycling]

Mon, May 18, 2009 - 15.85 mi [Cycling]
15.85 mi in 01:01:21 hours at 15.50 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride. A little chilly to start. Good finish. Could have gone longer, but did not want to push it.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, May 15, 2009

Fri, May 15, 2009 - 11.43 mi [Cycling]

Fri, May 15, 2009 - 11.43 mi [Cycling]
11.43 mi in 00:44:15 hours at 15.50 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Did some hill work. Need to add the clips. Feet slipping off pedals too much. I will have them before the next ride.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Wed, May 6, 2009 - 7.49 mi [Cycling]

Wed, May 6, 2009 - 7.49 mi [Cycling]
7.49 mi in 00:28:30 hours at 15.77 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Short ride. It is going to rain over the next few days. Wanted to get one in before it rained.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tue, May 5, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]

Tue, May 5, 2009 - 11.89 mi [Cycling]
11.89 mi in 00:45:07 hours at 15.81 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Good ride on back to back days. Feel pretty good now. First ride in weeks without major wind.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Monday, May 4, 2009

Mon, May 4, 2009 - 10.43 mi [Cycling]

Mon, May 4, 2009 - 10.43 mi [Cycling]
10.43 mi in 00:40:36 hours at 15.41 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Windy Again! Not as bad as lst week, but twice as windy as forecast.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Sat, May 2, 2009 - 19.33 mi [Cycling]

Sat, May 2, 2009 - 19.33 mi [Cycling]
19.33 mi in 01:23:00 hours at 13.97 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Very tough ride. Winds again were a problem, plus I lifted yesterday. THe out portion of this ride is very steep. I just could not get going very well. Winds were 20mph with gusts to 30. I am getting a little tire of these weather forecasts being so wrong on the wind.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, May 1, 2009

In Season Cycling Weight Training.

I have started a new in season weight training program for cycling. With help from the Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Cycling by Robert G. Price, I have developed a routine I can do two days a week while cycling 3 to 4 days a week.

The idea is to build and maintain muscular endurance instead of muscle mass. I have nothing against muscle mass. I have definitely noticed an increase in my own since I began seriously training a year ago. My goals are different with this program though.

My cycling tends to be 45-90min. Distances can range from 8-25mi at a time. Especially when you get to the 12+mi range endurance becomes an issue. I am working on diet to help with some of the energy issues, but that can only get you so far. I am also looking into ways to increase my VO2 max or oxygen maximization. That comes mostly on the bike. I will post more on that later.

The chart below details the routine that I will be following. The differences compared a normal weight training program is the weight used and the number of reps. A good rule of thumb in normal weightlifting is to start with 80% of your one rep max. Then complete three sets of 8 reps. If you cannot do at least 6 reps the weight is too heavy. If 8 reps seems easy then the weight is too light. This muscle endurance training focus' on reps rather than weight. This compliments the cycling training.

My target for endurance will be 50-60% of my one rep max in 3 sets of 20. I have modified the recommended areas because the book suggests only one exercise per week for upper body. I also do this routine in a circuit training mode, which allows little overall rest, but allows individual muscles to recover a little. For example, they recommend dumbell bench presses one week and barbell bench presses for chest. That's it. I want to stay well rounded. Posted below is the chart:

(You can click to enlarge)

















I will post back later on my progress.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Wed, Apr 29, 2009 - 10.41 mi [Cycling]

Wed, Apr 29, 2009 - 10.41 mi [Cycling]
10.41 mi in 00:40:41 hours at 15.35 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Windy!! Head wind down and back! Winds are variable 15mph, gusts 25-30. Legs were tight and cold. Terrible ride overall.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Spring has sprung!

Just a few family items worthy of updating:
  • Robin had her knee surgery last week. Praise God thinks went well. She is slowly recovering. Patience is not one of her gifts so that might be tough on her.
  • I am getting a chance to bike more often since the weather has broken. I purchased a used Schwinn Crisscross. It is a much lighter bike and I am learning more about biking and have increased my average speed quite a bit. 2mph may not seem like much, but over 45min that really adds up. I want to work up to 17mph avg by June. I am also getting the bug for a real road bike next summer.
  • School starts in a few weeks for me. It will be kinda weird getting back into that, but I am looking forward to attending.
  • Cort is working a lot. She is getting ready to take her driving test. She also has a busy summer planned.
  • Nate, Madi, and Niki are all doing very well in school. Niki is beginning to potty rain more and more.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Mon, Apr 27, 2009 - 11.88 mi [Cycling]

Mon, Apr 27, 2009 - 11.88 mi [Cycling]
11.88 mi in 00:43:45 hours at 16.29 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Very windy again. 20mph head wind going out with gusts to 30mph. Still very congested too. Coughing up a lot of phlem when I stop.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Sat, Apr 25, 2009 - 15.52 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Apr 25, 2009 - 15.52 mi [Cycling]
15.52 mi in 00:58:30 hours at 15.92 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Very windy 16mph steady gust 25-30. Still feeling the effects of my cold. chest congested. Gears still screwed up, but got a great cadence going once I cleared the hills.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, April 24, 2009

Fri, Apr 24, 2009 - 7.92 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Apr 24, 2009 - 7.92 mi [Cycling]
7.92 mi in 00:31:30 hours at 15.09 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Head cold. Stuffy, runny nose, chest congestion, cough. Loaded up on meds and had to get at least a short ride in today. Feel wasted, but I think tomorrow I will be fine.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Sat, Apr 18, 2009 - 15.13 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Apr 18, 2009 - 15.13 mi [Cycling]
15.13 mi in 00:59:30 hours at 15.26 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] Longest ride on the new Schwinn so far. 3rd ride in 3 days. Too much. I normally just ride back to back or at least have 1 day recovery. It was so nice today though. The new tires and lube on the chain seem to help. I was able to get a good cadence going eventually.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Friday, April 17, 2009

Fri, Apr 17, 2009 - 10.54 mi [Cycling]

Fri, Apr 17, 2009 - 10.54 mi [Cycling]
10.54 mi in 00:40:04 hours at 15.78 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] 2nd ride on the CrissCross. Still need that rear tire and to fix the deraileurs. Got a better cadence going today than yesterday. Overall the best ride of the year so far.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Thu, Apr 16, 2009 - 7.68 mi [Cycling]

Thu, Apr 16, 2009 - 7.68 mi [Cycling]
7.68 mi in 00:32:10 hours at 14.33 mi/h on Schwinn CrissCross. [Cycling] 1st ride on new Schwinn. I need to get a new rear tire, adjust the rear derailleur, it keeps skipping over a gear. I also need to adjust the front. I cannot get it into high gear. Overall, just a short ride as I already lifted today. It is so nice outside though and I was anxious to ride the new bike.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Sat, Apr 11, 2009 - 14.10 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Apr 11, 2009 - 14.10 mi [Cycling]
14.10 mi in 00:58:30 hours at 14.46 mi/h on Road Master Mountain. [Cycling] Kinda of an all over ride. I went to Zoo City Cycle, then down Kilgore to Oakland to Romence over to Breakaway Bicycles. I test rode a Trek there around the bike trail loop. I then took the Garden Lane entrance bike trail back up to Kilgore again. Then I went over to Portage Rd then back home.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Spring Break update

Nothing too exciting going on here.

I just wanted to give a few personal and family updates.

  • I have decided to go back to school. I am going to train at KVCC to be a Paramedic. I am starting classes May 18th with a Biology class and an EMT class I need as prerequisites. The actual paramedic program starts in the Fall and goes thru the following summer. This time next fall I should be working as a paramedic with a local ambualnce service.
  • My wife twisted her knee back in February and tore the meniscus in her left knee. She is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery April 21st. She is very scared about having her knee scoped, but she is also in a great deal of pain. Hopefully this will provide her with some relief.
  • I was thinking about training for and competing in the Borgess 5k Run. It has been so long since I ran distances (about 22yrs). I have been biking seriously for about 4yrs, but running is such a different animal. Pounding on the joints, expending energy very quickly in large amounts. I might be able to add some running over the next 6mo and then try next year. My heart just is not in to the running right now.
  • I love biking though. I am planning on competing in the Starkerman Jr. Time Trial 20k on May 15th up in Gayord at TreeTops. I need to get my bike tuned up a little and me also before I tackle that one. There are a lot of hills and I need to get the brakes fixed on my bike first.
  • I have added on some weight recently. I am sure it is because of a number of factors. I am unemployed, so sitting at home all day leaves many foods open to tempation. I also am lifting more and doing less cardio than I was last summer. Once I get on the bike and start classes, I am sure the weight will come off quickly. I am 223 right now with a little more of a ponch than I had at the begining of the year. That also should come off quickly. I have added some new ab exercises to my routine and they will produce quick results.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Sat, Apr 4, 2009 - 12.11 mi [Cycling]

Sat, Apr 4, 2009 - 12.11 mi [Cycling]
12.11 mi in 00:52:10 hours at 13.93 mi/h on Road Master Mountain. [Cycling] Very windy!! Up to 25mph gusts. Of course most of that was on the way back.
Posted from My Cycling Log

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Keeping up hope.

Due to the recent downturn in the auto industry, I was laid off last week. My wife's company is merging with another bank and causing some very nervous times in her department. My mother in law also pasted away just before Christmas.

I light of all these recent setbacks and sad times one could say that things look bleak and hope is hard to find. I teach Sunday School at our church and we are going through the Heidelberg Catechism as part of our curriculum. I was struck today by the question that we went over today.
Question #26: What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and all that is in them, and who still upholds and governs them by His eternal counsel and providence, is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father. In Him I trust so completely as to have no doubt that He will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul, and will also turn to my good whatever adversity He sends me in this life of sorrow. He is able to do so as almighty God, and willing also as a faithful Father.
That line that says I trust in God so completely is so very true. I must trust in God that he will turn to my good whatever is sent my way. Funny how God shows you the way at the most unexpected times.