The Blue Trees - Konstantin Dimopoulos

This artwork is right on the Burke Gilman trail here in Kenmore. On my ride today- took a break and wanted to see what it is all about. Konstantin Dimopoulos is a sculptor, installation and performance artist. These trees (Himalayan Birch) are planted, painted (enviro friendly, temp pigment) and the message is to inspire awareness and discussion about global deforestation. It is a beautiful site to see. Of course I'm gonna say, only by bike can one see such wonders! Well... its right by Bothell Way, so you more inclined to travel by car can do a quick pass.

Meet the Mule

This is the trusty steed that will take me on my tour. Note the new front rack. There will be more mods I am sure.

What a Day!

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous!

 Click Pic - THE BLOGS FIRST BLOG VIDEO

Cadence

While used as a cycling term - it can also mean anything that marks time. Sometimes, we don't even know that silent cadence of self doubt that marks the way we interact with the world. Round and round it goes - all the while ticking out the message - self doubt. The cycling term is simply defined as your pedal RPM. It's one of those training variables you can monitor while on the bike and use to improve your performance. I've actually never really kept track of my pedal cadence. However, I can tell you, the cadence of self doubt spins away all the time. But- this is precisely why I pedal, the bike cadence, each stroke is an accomplishment. Each stroke is closer to that goal. Up down. Up down. Round and Round.

Slicker Than Shit Through a Tin Horn

That is one of my Dad's sayings. Some how, perhaps by osmosis or just plain genetics, my Dad gave to me and his other progeny, what I would consider some old, faraway language. Mid 20th century Iowan. I'm not exactly sure what the saying means. I think it is just a way of punctuating something 'really cool'. I just say it, I don't really think what I am saying really. But, I like it.

Fast forward to the early 21st century and the age of the I-phone. I just bought a new phone and opted for the I-phone. Wow, tis so much more than a stinking phone. I quickly downloaded some apps.

Part of my training is the concept of intervals. Most probably know what these are, but if you don't, these are bursts of high-intensity work interspersed with periods of low-intensity work. And they hurt. Anyway, the key to these is set intervals of time (and intensity) and they can get a bit complicated to manage during a work out. Enter the UltraTrainer app. All you do is punch in some intervals, hit start and away it goes - counting time for you. Here is a pick of my I-phone displaying the warm up interval.

Here is the high intensity interval. SS 8" is a steady state interval for 8 minutes at 92-97% of  TT heart rate.

And here is the rest interval.

These were done 3x. Total looked like this:

Warm up: 15min

Steady State: 8 min

Rest: 4 min

Steady State: 8 min

Rest: 4 min

Steady State: 8 min

Rest: 4 min

Cool down: 10 min

The intervals are fully programmable and you can pick a myriad of the I-phone sounds to indicate the transition to the next interval. You can even choose the background color of each interval. How cool is that? Very cool. This App was a silly $2.99 and is truly slicker than shit though a tin horn! Thanks Dad!

Bored Yet?

I am. Ride, ride, ride and ride some more. And to boot - its always so nice spring training in the Pacific North WET. How do those poor souls in southern Cal do it? All that nice weather all the time? I think I need a new training toy to break my boredom. REI here I come.

Ankle Biters

Durn grass is 22 inches high now. Love spring, but the outdoor carpet goes on steroids this time of year. Quick, I can get in a mow before I head out on the bike. Oh, then I need to weed the beds a bit too. Ack! Now its almost too late for a training ride. Don't do as I do - please, just do something altogether different. Forget about the yard, forget about the chores, forget about all those ankle biters gnawing away at your training time. It really is a juggling act when you commit to that one lofty goal of a major ride. Work, family, chores, kids, your world is one big cyclotron. Rise above the din, keep going, stay focused.