The Clydesdale Project

Pardon My Nudity

2012-02-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

Ask the children to leave the room. Husbands, hide your wives. I have enclosed a naked pic of me below to show the highlighted area of my lower back pain.

I am fine, but spent much of January with limited mobility and a lot of aches, due to my compressed lower disc in my back. During the day, I can basically stand upright and walk somewhat normally. But if I have been sitting much, or if it is morning or night, then I am limping and in a bit of pain. Bending is nearly impossible. Climbing in and out of my vehicle is slow and painful work.

It is embarassing that I let this happen again. Too much sitting (required by work) and not enough stretching and exercise is to blame. I often find myself thinking that my running habit of late 2010 and early 2011 is no longer possible for me. Yes, I can still bike, but I really did enjoy the running thing.

At 46 years of age and still overweight, am I now too old to gradually begin a walking/running habit? One year can't make that big of a difference, can it? (Hopefully not).

So, here is the pic. The white and red highlighted areas? Tattoos! My body is my canvas.

I May Have Found The Answer

2012-01-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days where many people seemed to want to vent their troubles on to me. I was sympathetic, but tried hard not to get any on me. It felt like I was slogging through mud all day, getting worse by the hour.

By the end of the day, I was at the grocery store picking up some items for dinner. Naturally, I thought that I deserved an extra snack for the way home. Or maybe even to pick up some candy for a long drive that I have tomorrow. This is how I have grown to be a very large man.

I needed a treat to bring me some happiness. And it definitely would have worked for a short while.

But then I was surprised that I started repeating the thought "Food is not a reward, Food is not a reward, Food is not the answer".

I don't know where that came from. Probably God. Maybe a recent post I saw on Clive's site http://www.massivemtber.co.uk/?p=2104, where he got a right good arse-kicking by Gaz and Toby (read the post, then the comments).

So, I steered away from the junk and went home. Believe me, it was an achievement.

Then I went home and poured a nice vodka and soda.

I feel better already.

Big Clyde

The Shark Analogy Returns

2012-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Day 3 of eating very well. Balanced diet, lots of water and a 1,800 calorie limit. Doing fine. Should have good results on Sunday's weigh-in.

But I am still pretty sore in my lower back due to a slightly compressed disc and weak core muscles. I've been sore since my very short run about two weeks ago. Maybe I should have walked it, instead of running the 2nd mile. How many times do I need to learn this lesson? At least once more, I guess.

So, once again, I am like a shark...if I don't keep moving (at least walking regularly), I'll be in deep trouble.

http://clydesdaleproject.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-officiali-am-shark.html

How are all of you doing on this third day of the new year?

Big Clyde

The Winning Season

2012-01-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

I red-shirted last year. Maybe some of you did also.

On 12/22/11, my wife and I were enjoying our 22nd anniversary and we agreed that 2011 was our most difficult out of the 22 years together. Our marriage was fine, but we struggled elsewhere. And yet, our health, faith and family were all fine. Certainly many others have much deeper struggles and we keep that in perspective.

But I am a believer in the change of seasons, or starting a new chapter, or...(choose your metaphor). I think that it is convenient and healthy to consider January 1st to be the embodiment of that cheesy phrase "the first day of the rest of your life".

I weighed in this morning. It was a much higher number than I wanted to see, but that is what happens to a guy like me with an office job, no planned nutritional program and a typical sedentary lifestyle. I eat like an American (ordering the combo meals at McDonald's, eating the entire entree at a Mexican restaurant and snacking on sweets whenever I feel like it). Some people have enough common sense to moderate themselves naturally. I don't when it comes to food.

So, I have to get intentional again. I really don't even mind it, because I have counted my daily calories before and dropped a lot of weight doing it, without huge sacrifices. It just requires me to be intentional.

That is what I am doing, starting today.

I will run this year and I will bike. But at my current weight, I will be walking more than running and focusing on days on the bike, not speed or mileage. Improving speed and mileage will come soon enough. For now, I have to consistently drop pounds by eating healthy food.

My short-term goal is to lose 12 pounds in January. My long-term goal is to lose 75 pounds. That will not put me at "skinny" by anyone's standards, but I think that is probably my healthy range. I'll keep you posted weekly as to how I am doing.

My head is ready and there are no obstacles ahead. This feels like I am starting a winning season and I am excited. Thanks for following along.

Big Clyde

3rd Annual "Best Christmas Video Ever"

2011-12-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

I am showing it again, because it makes me so happy.

I present to you...the Best Christmas Video, Ever!

This is from "Gotta Be Andrew" from Wales. He calls it a Christmas parody. Okay. Regardless, I am glad he put it out there. Enjoy.

DO NOT ENTER !!

2011-12-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Clyde House has taken a serious turn.

My 10-year-old boy has barricaded off part of our dining room where he is creating an art project for Mrs. Clyde. We are all eating on our laps until he is done with his masterpiece.

My 13-year-old boy is playing the child's version of the "Hi, Bob" game by counting the number of times any version of "Captain Jack Sparrow" is said in all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Someone please tell me that there will be a future career choice that can benefit from his cataloguing skills.

Finally, my 16-year-old daughter is extremely pleased with her Christmas gift purchase for me. She has told me twice in the past two hours, how excited she is and that I am not to enter her room until Christmas morning. She stated that a python is now guarding her door. She even posted a sign with this picture on it:

Yes, the guy looks like me.

She is a clever girl. For all I know, she is experimenting with pot in there or writing the next Unabomber Manifesto. Nonetheless, I am banned from her room.

It is a cheerful house when the elves are hard at work. It reminds me that I better get to the mall pretty soon.

I hope all is well at your house!

Big Clyde

The Longest Mile

2011-12-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

I ran last night for the first time in two months, I finally went for a run. Two miles in exactly 28 minutes.

Mile #1 started with 5 minutes of walking. Then a 2 min run, 2 min walk interval. I finished mile #1 in 15 minutes.

Since it was an out-and-back and I was now warmed up, I decided to run the entire way back at a light pace. Mile #2 took 13 minutes.

The hardest mile was #1. It didn't really take me 15 minutes. It is pretty fair to say that it took me about two months, due to my procrastination.

I knew that I was much heavier and my legs were out of shape...and, and, and. Thus, that first mile was a long one.

But once I got out there, mile #2 was not really bad at all.

It was good to be out there again. I will do the Sun Run 5k or 10k in late January and see what else is coming after that.

Big Clyde

Just Like Antone

2011-12-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

One of the curses that my wife has had to endure in our almost 21 years of marriage is when I ask her "How about that guy?...Do I look like him?"

This usually happens when we are out running errands somewhere and we see some other big guy with a weight problem. Most often, I am way off and have chosen some guy who is much rounder than me. It is hard to get a true sense of perspective when we tend to just see ourselves standing in front of the mirror. Maybe that is why so many people have their "a-ha" moment when they see a photo of themselves (from the side, or the back).

Anyway, we have been watching The Biggest Loser this season and met Antone Davis. He is similar to me in a few ways:

He's 6'4" (193cm)
He's bald (or shaves his head, like I do)
He's in his mid-40's, married with kids
He has battled his weight for awhile now

About two weeks ago, we were watching the show and my wife initiated the comment this time.

"That's you," she said.

At this point, Antone probably weighed just above 300 lbs. He looked like me (but with a better tan). Though he once weighed 476 lbs, he was now in my neighborhood.

Last night, we watched the finale and he weighed in at 245 lbs. He reminded me of a body type that I once had (except the huge muscle tone that went with it).

I lived in Japan in my early 20's and got down to 217 (basically because I only ate ramen and drank beer and rode my bike everywhere. Hmmm).

I am not trying to get down to 217. Maybe not even 245. 250 sounds good. Now, I can even picture what I would look like.

Remember the phrase about Michael Jordan? "I want to be like Mike!" That is silly for most guys. They will never grow to be 6'6".

But I can be just like Antone.

Big Clyde

The December Mantra

2011-12-13T21:06:00.000-08:00

I've avoided the scale for a few months now. For a few reasons (and a lot of excuses), I've also avoided:

egg white veggie breakfasts
my running shoes
water
my blog
your blogs
sweat
dailymile.com
fruit and veggies (are they even still in season??)
my bike
sparkpeople.com
the "Big Clyde"(*) sandwich at Subway (foot-long ham with tons of veggies, no cheese and vinagrette)
2011 race schedules

Here is what I have spent my time on recently:

family evenings at home
work with new bosses and some new strategies
pizza
candy
my La-Z-Boy DreamTime Reclina-Rocker
ice cream
~~laziness~~ comfort
a warm house, sheltered from the cold outdoors

Honestly, I don't predict a change in behavior tonight. Or tomorrow.

But I want to get back to that feeling of having lost 50 pounds like I did a year ago. I dropped the weight and I did it pretty quickly.

It came off quickly and pretty easily with food choices (in the first few months) and then increased exercise. It is math, like we all know. Burn more calories than you take in.

But what about the yo-yo pattern? How about those stats about how so many people lose weight, only to gain back even more? Sure, that's me (now). I am the cliche. Guilty. Now, ask me if I care.

I can't change history. I had a tough year and focused elsewhere. Whatever.

But I'm not done yet.

The future is unwritten...for all of us.

Here's my mantra for December:

"The best way

to predict the future

is to invent it." - Theodore Hook

There, I feel better already. Thanks for hanging in there with me, my friends.

Big Clyde

"Punkin" is not a word

2011-11-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

Unless you are less than 6 years old or over 60 years old, please go ahead and just pronounce it like this:

pump-kin

Thank you.

Big Clyde

Thankful Things

2011-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the good words on my previous post. If you were local, I'd buy you a pint.

In advance of Thanksgiving, here is a list of the things that I am thankful for today:

My wife, three kids and I are healthy and happy.
The kids are doing well at school.
In our community theatre company's upcoming performance of Aladdin, my youngest son will be the Sultan and my older son will be Genie (the role he was born to play).
My daughter is planning her school's winter formal dance and is a member of National Honor Society.
We are very happy at our new church. This is more meaningful than I can really explain here.
My mom is healthier now than she has been in 20 years.
My dad just came out of back surgery (which went well). He also dropped 98 pounds over the past 2 years and now weighs less than he did in high school. All due to nutrition choices. Amazing! (Got to get me some of that!)
At work, we are starting to settle in to the new "normal", where only a few of us are still working here in Arizona. But the transition has kept me very busy lately. It's good to be busy in this economy.
I have an excessive amount of vacation time saved up, which I hope to utilize this holiday season.
We are heading into Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is my favorite time of year.

And now, I present you with a video from last week's SNL. It kinda features Andre the Giant (my alter ego).

My Red-Shirt Season

2011-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Still here. Nothing to report in terms of The Clydesdale Project. No recent miles, no calorie-counting.

There is a difference between giving up and not moving forward. I anticipate moving forward again with training for another 5k, then 10k in January. But I have not been exercising for awhile.

I started this blog in 2009. I wrote a lot of posts and read/commented on many posts. I trained and raced in El Tour de Tucson (34-mile route). But my wife was working about 60 hours per week, my kids were in different schools that weren't challenging or fulfilling and I had A LOT of free time. In hindsight, we were all doing our own thing and not too happy.

In 2010, I raced more, lost a lot of weight and learned that I can develop new healthy habits. The kids got into a new smarty-pants school, which was very challenging for all of us. In a few other areas, we worked very hard and ended the year with a major transition in our lives. We ended the year feeling worn out, unhappy and facing a lot of question marks ahead.

In 2011, my motivation was elusive. I remember starting to write several posts about my goals for 2011, but never finishing them because I just didn't have much motivation. Things were too challenging in other areas of our lives. So, I stayed at home much more, ate whatever and gained back a lot of weight.

Though I had some successful events this year (running a 10k, 30 Days of Biking), I am coming to think of 2011 as my "redshirt season".

The term "redshirt" is used to describe a student-athlete who does not participate in competition in a sport for an entire academic year.

At age 45, I am clearly not a college athlete. But it is fair to say that I spent much of this year on the bench (and even healing up a bit).

I read posts that call for "no excuses" and that "time in training is really better for your family in the long term". I get it.

I've also seen training become obsessive, which can be challenging for families and marriages. We all have different priorities, different motivating forces and different lifestyles.

My priorities? Being a good husband, a good father, helping with homework and chores, paying the bills, doing my job well and being present. I can do that and be overweight. It's just nothing to blog about.

Can I carve out 30 minutes a day, 5-6 days/week for exercise? Sure. I have to. I've got to get back in that routine. And I will. I am finding my motivation again and have been looking at training schedules and races for 2012.

Thanks for staying with me and encouraging me along the way.

Big Clyde

These go to 11...

2011-11-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

Enjoy your 11-11-11 day.

Also, I was surprised that there were only two comments on my idea for a prequel to Mary Poppins, posted here. I'd love to hear more feedback if you get a chance to read it.

Big Clyde

Made-Up Movie: The Sweep

2011-11-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

(As I wrote in my previous post, imagine that you are a top executive at a movie studio. This is my pitch for a new movie...would you give it a "green light"?)

The Sweep

genre: action/drama

London, 1896. It is pre-World War 1, but tensions are running high between Germany and England. Within the British government, there is a covert committee that is focused on gathering intelligence. They are concerned about rumors of "sleeper cells" of German spies, living in London. It is believed that Germans have placed spies (even as families!) throughout London neighborhoods and that they are plotting to destroy England from within it's own country.

Their biggest problem area is within the densely populated rowhouses of London, where houses are 3 stories tall and connected to each other using adjoining walls, forming a row of houses. If they suspected a German spy living in one of the center houses, how could they ever listen in on conversations and strategies?

Clive Bertram was a gifted British gymnast. At 21 years old, he was on a great adventure...the Greek Olympics had been revived and he was representing his country at the Summer Olympics of 1896...the first international sporting event of the Modern Era. But he did not win. The Germans were bigger, stronger and more experienced. The swept the gymnastics event and even mocked the other athletes, including Clive.

As he was boarding the ship to return to England, Clive was approached by two men, who represented the intelligence committee of the British government. They asked Clive if he would like to use his gymnastic talents to protect his country. "Protect them from who?" Clive asked. The men pointed to the Germans who were nearby, celebrating their Olympic victories.

Clive agreed. His task was simple, yet dangerous. He was to spy on the suspected spies that might be living within the rowhouses. How? He would be working undercover as a chimney sweep. These rowhouses all had chimneys, given that fireplaces and coal furnaces were their only heat source. The coal fumes would clog up the chimneys and therefore, a "chimney sweep" would need to be hired to clean out the chimney.

As a "sweep", Clive could slip down into whichever houses he needed to in order to listen in on conversations, enter into vacant rooms and gather intelligence. A perfect plan for a gifted gymnast.

(obligatory montage training scene)

One day, on his way to a nearby building, he saw a girl who was crying in the park. He had a younger sister himself and wanted to console her. She was 14 years old and had been adopted when she was little. She said that her parents were cruel, often neglecting her and leaving her shut into her room for days and days, with little food or attention. Her name was Marta.

In time, we learn that Marta's parents are among the list of suspected spies that Clive has been investigating. He took particular interest in her parents because he wanted to make sure that Marta was going to be okay. As the intelligence committee learned more about this family, they suspected that Marta's parents were indeed German spies who had adopted the little girl simply to appear as a family to avoid suspicion.

The German spies were getting busier with meetings in their home and more activity that concerned the Brits. Their increased activity needed more intelligence gathering than a "chimney sweep" could provide on a daily basis. He needed to get more info. He decided to trust Marta and enlist her help against her adoptive parents.

Wanting to escape the cruelty of her German spy-parents, she agreed to help Clive and the Brits. Together they gathered intelligence and would regularly "sweep" the home for details.

Their intelligence pays off and the British soldiers invade the home. In a dramatic standoff, Marta's "father" holds a gun to her head and takes her as a hostage. She begs them for mercy, but they admit that she means nothing to them and she was merely a part of the ruse. Clive saves her and her cruel parents are killed. The spy network is fully revealed and many German spies are arrested.

The British government is so pleased with Clive that he becomes an officer of the British Crown in a quiet ceremony at Scotland Yard. He agrees to remain in his undercover role, given that more spies will likely invade (as we lead up to World War 1).

But he now needs to really blend in with the local people. He comes out of the shadows and becomes known as a humble and friendly chimney sweep. A regular fixture among the rowhouses of London. And to avoid any questions as to why a talented Olympic gymnast would become a chimney sweep, he chooses a new name. Clive Bertram simply becomes known as "Bert the Chimney Sweep" to the local neighborhood people.

And the young girl, Marta? Now once again orphaned, she becomes a ward of the state. Within days, she is adopted by one of Bert's bosses (Mr. Walter Poppins) and taken into his family. Wanting to leave her early life behind, she reinvents herself as well and becomes "Mary". As she grows up, she devotes her life to caring for the neglected children of London...as a nanny.

Bert and Mary still see each other from time to time, though no one knew their history, until now.

The end.

(Notes: by now, you've likely realized that this is my idea of a backstory for the two main characters of Mary Poppins. Even as a kid, I always wondered how they met. You can tell that they have an interesting history and seem to drop in on each other's lives. This backstory seems a fun and plausible beginning.)

Casting suggestions:

David Henrie

Elle Fanning

The Two Shall Become One (finally)

2011-11-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am combining my two blogs into this one, The Clydesdale Project.

From the beginning, my focus here was to see if a big guy could lose weight via cycling. I then learned a bit about nutrition and started to lose weight. Then, I started running. I have really treated all of these things more like hobbies than permanent lifestyle changes. That doesn't work for me. My old habits continue to creep in unless I am very focused. So, the Clydesdale Project and my effort must continue on.

But I also enjoyed the writing element of blogging. Aside from cycling, food and mileage, it has been fun for me to share some stories and thoughts with you, some family and friends. So, I started a second blog: Clyde Explains. There are some funny stories there, all true. But a while back some of you suggested that it just might be easier to throw it all into one blog. I'm finally getting around to doing that.

I certainly intend to keep the focus here on exercise, health, races, etc. That is what most of you are focused on as well. But I will also add in a few random stories and ideas that interest me and maybe some of you.

Below is a post that I originally had on the other site. I need to re-post it here because the follow-up post is coming in a day or so and I figured that it might need some explanation.

http://notangryjustsaying.blogspot.com/2011/10/made-up-movie-introduction.html

I play a game with my kids that we call "Made-Up Movie". Actually, I stole it from Adam Carolla's radio show that he used to do.

The idea is that you basically create an idea for a movie that could potentially be pitched to Hollywood. I am not in the business and not interested in being a writer for a living, so the ideas go nowhere outside of our family...until now. From time to time, I will blog about one of our many made-up movie ideas.

Some of these ideas will include casting suggestions. Some will be prequels or sequels. They all are formulaic, meaning that I am not reinventing story structure here. They may seem to be cliche or similar to typical movie genres. That's the point.
But I bet you would want to see these movies, if they were at your local theater!

We see so many tired movie plots getting greenlit in Hollywood that we started thinking that we could come up with equal or better plotlines. It's just an updated version of the cavemen sitting around the fire.

Next movie: The Sweep

(P.S. Does anyone know how I can transport the old blog posts into this blog without dumping them all into our current date? I'd rather just somehow insert them into the historic dates as they were written. ???)

About the job...

2011-10-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

I realize that I have been off-focus for awhile and virtually abandoned our Fall 31 Day Challenge. My apologies to those of you who committed to join me. I hope that my poor performance in this challenge didn't derail any of you.

Given that this blog is largely my diary, I wanted to take a moment to write down some feelings of my recent work issues and how things feel so differently now. I think that my stress at work has affected my workout commitment (and I also know that many of you would not allow work to be an excuse for reducing exercise...we're all different).

Here's the situation. I am in the housing industry, selling building materials for a large publicly-traded company. We are the high-end product and NOT the cheapest...a tough sell in this market. Our sales began to drop in August of 2008. Layoffs began happening in my company and among my customers.

image of Sword of Damocles

Imagine that EVERY MONTH, you knew of friends and co-workers that lost their jobs (or had their companies close down entirely) and they just went away. This is what I have lived with since 2008. I have learned the term "Sword of Damocles".

Every month, I could have shown a running list of people I knew that lost their jobs in my industry and this doesn't mean that they switched companies...they just were unemployed, or if lucky, found a job in some other business. It feels a bit ghostly.

Within my company, the layoffs would happen every 2-3 months or so. And each time, my co-workers on the sales team knew two things:

Our lack of sales were the cause of these layoffs (which left us with feelings of guilt and pressure).
Any one of us could be next, which my boss frequently and gently reminded us.

So, my wife and I have dealt with reduced compensation (lowered sales commissions) and the feeling that EVERY WEEK could be my last with the company and that it would be very difficult to find a new job within my business. A job in a different industry (where I would have no experience) would likely pay much lower. Stressful for this this husband and father of five.

It all came to a head about two weeks ago, when it was announced that our local division/factory was going to be shutdown forever. Dozens of people were given their 60 days notice (but some were let go sooner). Of the 75 employees (including people in my department, my boss and HIS boss), only 14 of us "worker bees" will still be employed. Everyone else has either been given a severance package or offered a position with the company in another state.

My new bosses from California have been meeting with us and our customers, as they strategize how we do this transition. They have been great.

After a long day of meetings, I was dropping my boss at the airport and finally had to ask the question that I never dared to ask since 2008:

"Is my job safe now?", I asked.

He quickly responded "Yes...we really need you". He explained that there will be no further layoffs and that they have confidence in me to do my job.

I feel like I can finally exhale and leave this worry behind me. Clearly, I still have to do my job well and our business may struggle with this transition. But I am no longer bracing myself for impending unemployment.

Time to get back to the Clydesdale Project and get some miles in.

Thanks for hanging in there with me, my friends.

Big Clyde

Unbreakable

2011-10-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Before I get into the title, lemme explain a few quick things:

At work, we are still reeling from the closure of our division and the layoffs of so many people. Yet, I am soooo grateful to be one of the few who get to keep their jobs. We are no longer a factory with tons of people...now, about 15 of us will just be a remote outpost, needed now more than ever. LOTS of work stuff on my plate right now.
My eating is decent, but not great. I suppose I am an emotional eater, but it is a better explanation to say that Honey-Nut Cheerios is easier to grab than making an egg-white omelet with asparagus. Maybe it just feels easier. Nonetheless, my focus is elsewhere, not on counting calories. Got to get back.
I haven't run in awhile, but have been on the bike a few times recently...need more of both.

So, where did I get the title from today's post? From my bicycle accident last Saturday.

We did the "Launch The Loop" ride in Tucson last Saturday. I did it with Crazy Jim. We had ridden the same loop a few weeks earlier, but they continue to modify and link this connection of bike paths, surrounding the center area of Tucson. The connection of several bike paths form a 22 mile loop that is mostly car-free. In a year or two, it will be 55 miles. Good times.

In most cases, the bike path is wide...two cyclists can ride, side-by-side, going both directions. So, there could be 4 cyclists passing each other pretty comfortably.

But when going under a street, you go into this tunnel-type of path, which is a bit more narrow. I was riding on the flat part of that stretch and starting to come up out of the underpass and was approaching a blind corner. I couldn't see the cyclists coming toward me in the opposite lane. They were coming downhill.

I saw a young girl, perfectly holding her line. Then a slightly older kid. Then an adult. I remember thinking "look at these people just popping up from around this corner...", but we were all in our proper lanes. Beautiful!

And then, the next person popped up, but he was in MY LANE. We collided. I braked hard and felt my rear tire raise up as my front tire locked up. I struggled, then was able to remove my foot from my pedal. He must not have reacted as quickly, because we hit and he went down. Everyone stopped.

An older cyclist behind him started scolding him for riding in the opposing lane (my lane). I was stunned that we had just hit, but amazed that I was still upright on my bike. I kept looking for damage to my bike or to my body...nothing.

The cyclist was a teenage boy. He reminded me of Axl on the tv show The Middle. He was flat on his back and then got up and assured everyone that he was alright. He started smiling and told all of us "don't worry...I've been through other accidents like this one, but WORSE! I'm fine everyone, I'm fine."

He didn't apologize. He didn't get that he put me and other cyclists (including those kids) in danger. He didn't get that you shouldn't try to pass someone or ride in the opposite lane on a blind downhill curve. Perhaps he'll learn someday.

Crazy Jim and I stopped about a mile later and we couldn't believe that there was no damage to me or the bike. He thinks that I might have reached across with my elbow or arm to protect myself, but I don't remember that.

It was exciting, no one got hurt and it made me appreciate more than ever my strong and unbreakable bike. And my kids now think I'm awesome.

By the way, if you haven't yet seen that show "The Middle", I encourage you to check it out. It is very clever, eventhough it looks like an old re-tread of the typical family sitcom. Our family likes it so much because we each identify with our tv counterparts. We are like them, but slightly better. There may be laundry baskets to empty and counters that need cleaning, but you can tell that this is a family with few fights and a long life together.

Big Clyde

The Shoe Dropped

2011-10-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

It is a tough time in the housing industry and yesterday, we announced a big consolidation with our factories. Many people lost their jobs and our customers are concerned. Fortunately, I am still employed but have to focus on work pretty heavily to manage through the transition.

I did manage to get in a good ride last weekend with an old college friend. And I have a longer city-ride this weekend.

Stay well, everyone.

Big Clyde

Day 11 of the 31 Day Challenge

2011-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

I have been behind on blogging, but have been doing well on my exercise, compared to some recent weeks.

So, I certainly have earned my 5 Day badge and am now pursuing my 10 Day badge for 10 Days of exercise.

Not yet mine...but soon. How about you?

I missed a few days and have some intense work events out of town over the next week. Could be challenging. I will come up for air on 10/19.

I have seen that several of you have been more diligent and I commend you. Keep at it. We have 20 days left this month! If I do something daily, I can still complete 27 days this month. Good enough for me.

Big Clyde

Day 5 of the 31 Day Challenge

2011-10-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

(Click HERE for a new post on my other blog).

For those of you have have jumped in on the 31 Day Challenge, how is it going?

We all have our own goals. Crazy mileage, daily workouts, eating "clean" for the month, etc. So, today is Day 5 and I am wondering how you are all doing?

As for me, I am very enthusiastic and doing well. I have pledged to do some mileage (walking, cycling or running) every day and counting my daily calories. I would love to have achieved a perfect record this month, but I did not workout yesterday. I was up very early and drove to a meeting a few hours away. I got home just in time to see a friend who is going through a very tough time and then to see my daughter get inducted into the National Honor Society at her school. We are so very proud of her.

So, in my first four days, I exercised three times and ate well each day. Once I achieve one more good day, I will have earned one of these:

If YOU have achieved 5 awesome days, then grab this image and post it on your blog. Thanks again to Jess for creating these buttons for us all to use. There are more to come, so let's all stay on track.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Big Clyde

The 31 Day Challenge Begins Saturday

2011-09-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

Jessica from See How She Runs and I are going to be doing a challenge for the month of October. If you accept our challenge, (starting October 1st), you work hard toward your specific goal for the next 31 days.

It is simply called the "Fall 31-Day Challenge".

What can you do in the next 31 days?

Can you do some form of exercise EVERY DAY?
Can you ride your bike 150 miles?
Can you run or walk 30 miles? 50 miles?
Can you lose 15 pounds?

Let me answer that for you...of course you can.

Our challenge to you is this:

What WILL you do in the next 31 days ?!?!

Respond back here with a comment or at Jessica's site with your commitment. Then, we'll request updates once a week.

For those of you who are pledging to exercise daily (like me), Jessica has created "buttons" that can be placed on your blogs that show 5 days of exercise, 10 days, 15 days, 25 days, and 31 days. (They look awesome, Jess!).

Join us.

Big Clyde

P.S. If you want to join in and toss it up on your own sites, that is fine with me. Jessica did the artwork, so please make sure that she gets the credit! Thanks.

Looking for an Oktober Challenge? (Me Too.)

2011-09-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last year, I partnered up with Patrick (formerly of The Road, but now at www.enduranceathleteproject.com/) for the OktoberFast Challenge. It was fun and several people joined in. The goal was simply to set some individual goal for the month of October to give us all a bit of momentum to work towards. For some it was pounds lost. Others chose mileage or workout sessions. Oh, and we encouraged people to share any "Oktoberfest" beers, foods or autumn-like experiences.

Can I get an oom-pa-pa up in here?

Anyway, I'd like to join in with some others for a similar challenge for the month of October. Do any of you know of any existing challenges out there that are starting up, or do you have any ideas/graphics for a new challenge?

Big Clyde

Connect 2 Tucson Ride

2011-09-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Crazy Jim (my good friend) and I did this ride and it was great for us. The ride was meant to show people the new links that now connect some bike paths into one larger 22-mile path.

Crazy Jim downs one last bite before the ride.

Crazy Jim earned his nickname this weekend, because prior to the ride this Saturday, he had not been on his bike in about 3 months. Amusing for me, painful for him. But he is a trooper and never complains.

A gorgeous bike path with the sun shining through the trees! Loved it!

As for the bike path itself, we were mostly on actual bike paths along the Rillito River in Central Tucson. The fact that the City of Tucson has connected various river bike paths is commendable and should continue to boost cycling in Tucson. On the city streets, we were nearly always on designated bike paths that were wide enough for us to be two-wide. There is an even greater set of connections coming soon that will make this a 55-mile loop. (Although I've come to realize that the "loop" that they speak of still involves crossing some city streets in crosswalks, etc....a small price to pay).

We got there and were reminded that the event was sponsored by a "move beyond fossil fuels" organization. Depending on family size, geography, job location, etc., going car-free just does not work for everyone. However, I commend those that DO choose that lifestyle when they can. Personally, I try to take my bike or walk for most local errands. That never would have occurred to me two years ago.

The ride was awesome. We went at a very steady pace of about 17 mph for the first 11 miles. Given that we were getting through town and then following a river, the first 11 miles were somewhat downhill (downstream). It looked flat, but it is pretty great to be going 17-18 mph with little effort on my heavy commuter bike. For the second half, we were riding slightly uphill (upstream). It never looked uphill, but it did slow our pace and we were both getting tired.

Waiting for the train to pass...

I feel a bit pathetic about getting tired on a 23 mile ride. It is not that far, given my history, but I haven't ridden this far in one ride since March. Instead, I've become more accustomed to 30-45 minute rides. I need to expand that into 1-2 hour rides more often. It was fun and it felt like a great accomplishment.

Every Tucson race ends with a mariachi band at the finish line.

At the event, I was able to see a friend of mine who is the editor of http://www.tucsonvelo.com/. I'll write more about him in another post. He has a great website that features not only Tucson-based cycling news, but links to interesting stories nationally and internationally.

I also was able to test drive an electric bike. That was a first for me and it was a blast. More on that later also.

Keep moving everyone!

Big Clyde

Spinning Wheel - Song #1

2011-09-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

A longer post today with many pictures and a great song.

Let's start with some music. I've chosen "Spinning Wheel" from Blood, Sweat and Tears.

According to an old article in Rolling Stone magazine, the "Spinning Wheel" in this song is the band's way of saying that things always come full circle. In the first two verses, he says that it's a shame to become preoccupied with your problems. Whatever is troubling you, whether it is lack of money or homelessness, it will work itself out one way or another and it's just not worth getting upset over. "Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel spin'' suggests a merry-go-round. They are telling you to just get on the ride and let it go. It will eventually stop.

Good advice.

Though this little countdown series started as a silly thing about my misgivings about selling my gorgeous vintage Schwinn Collegiate, I've enjoyed playing through some videos. As always, I choose to find some deeper meanings in certain song lyrics. The description above reminds us that we are very adaptable and resilient. If you have struggled or are struggling with certain goals or life issues, do your best to keep your head up and pedal through, day after day. No one has a constant winning streak. There will be setbacks, but that should not stop us from continuing onward toward improvements in the future.

This resonates with me, since I find myself still very overweight as I hit my two-year blogging anniversary. I was heavy, lost a lot of weight (with great fanfare from many of you), then quietly and steadily gained back quite a bit. My big cycling race, El Tour de Tucson, looms again in November and I feel that I am again in bad shape. But I know that I can drop weight, build up my stamina and enjoy the process. I'm not going to let the setbacks get me down.

I went out for a late afternoon ride yesterday. It was just over 9 miles, but it was a bit tiring. Still 100 degrees outside, with a decent wind blowing...not ideal riding weather. My bigger ride on Saturday will be at 7am, so it should be much cooler.

And now for some pics:

The HUCC-B...my one and only bike, built for distance, errands and comfort.

My velodrome...I ride in a suburban area, set in a valley. Great views!

I Want You Back - Song #2

2011-09-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

It was 1969 and I was four years old. I'm sure I didn't know who the Jackson 5 was by listening to the radio, but I definitely watched their tv cartoon. That led me to love their music. This song is one of my favorites.

So, here is song #2, pulled from the same era as my recent bike. I am glad that I sold it because it was the right thing to do. But I still want it back. "Oh darling, I was blind to let you go..." (music starts at 1:21)

Before I sold my Schwinn last Sunday, I went for a great ride through the neighborhood. Autumn has come to the Tucson desert. Just the week before, we had temps over 100 degrees and our afternoon monsoons. Both of those elements are likely gone now and that makes cycling so much easier here. As I rode around, I could smell a fireplace or small backyard burn going and it reminded me of my childhood. I used to ride my bike everywhere. I want to instill that same feeling for my kids with their bikes.

On Saturday, my friend Crazy Jim and I are doing a 22-mile ride on Saturday that is called Connect 2 Tucson. The good people of Tucson have connected two different bike paths to create a safer, longer path. In time, it will be a 55-mile path. Awesome. Driving in traffic is not tremendously dangerous for experienced cyclists, but very tough on beginners and families. A big loop (with virtually no hills) will certainly build cycling in Tucson. I'll let you know how it goes! Here is the map for the route, or click the link above for more info.

Big Clyde

Crash - Song #3

2011-09-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...I know that this list may be a bit silly (it's already wearing on me), but I like music and had fun thinking of a list of songs to commemorate the sale of my nice vintage Schwinn bike.

#3 on my countdown list is actually a video from the movie Mr. Bean's Holiday. This was a great film for our family. We first came to like Mr. Bean when our kids were of the perfect ages where they were still quite innocent and liked Mr. Bean's playfulness.

In this scene, Mr. Bean is trying to catch a chicken that has been loaded onto a truck in France. His only chase vehicle? A bicycle (that looks a bit like my beloved bike). I love that he's not decked out in spandex, helmet and has no bike computer that tells him his pace and mileage covered. That was what I enjoyed when riding my fun bike around the neighborhood. And the song is pretty fun too!

Cherry, Cherry - Song #4

2011-09-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Do you have a name for your bike?

I think it is is funny when I read people's names for their bikes and I like the idea that people have such affection for their bikes, but I have never been one to do it myself. I do have my sturdy commuter bike, which I call HUCC-B. In reality, it was Neighbor Ted who sarcastically named my bike the HUCC-B. But it came from an authentic place, so I kept it.

But my beloved vintage Schwinn Collegiate? I never named her. And now she is gone, traded in for some folding money. What have I done? I didn't even have a name to call out as she rode off in the back of that crappy Toyota pick-up.

She got the way to move me...

So I started thinking of music. My ipod is always with me and I started rolling through some songs. And her name came to me.

From Neil Diamond's "Hot August Night" album in 1973, just one year before my beloved was manufactured at the Schwinn Bicycle factory in Chicago.

So, here is song #4 in my countdown of tribute songs to my departed "Cherry". Enjoy.

Come back tomorrow for #3.

Big Clyde

P.S. Took the HUCC-B out for a hill-climb ride tonight. I just about blew a lung, but it felt good to be back on a bicycle, which I couldn't ride for awhile due to a case of lethargy and injury. Back in the saddle again. Thanks for never giving up on me.

There She Goes - Song #5

2011-09-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am filled with regret this morning, my friends.

I sold my 1975 Schwinn Collegiate last weekend. What a shame. I'll miss that bike. Perhaps you have seen her, if you were following my blog last year at this time. Read about her here.

In July of last year, I stumbled upon an old cruiser-style bike and became pretty interested in getting an older Schwinn, just to cruise around the neighborhood. After cruising Craigslist for a few months, I found this gorgeous Schwinn...all red, chrome and beautifully-maintained.

Though fun to ride, she was not nearly as comfortable, efficient and versatile as my HUCC-B (my tough-as-nails commuter bike).

So, I didn't ride it as much as I thought I would and wanted to clear some space in the garage. I got a good price and the new owner seemed to appreciate her vintage style as much as I did.

As she rolled out of my life, I had some seller's remorse. My wife thought I was being ridiculous (not the first time). A song came to mind, "racing through my brain"...

Since I'm in a silly mood about ~~losing~~ selling this ~~beautiful work of art~~ bike, I will be posting five songs over five days, that portray my feelings of loss. Come back each day this week and feel my pain.

Big Clyde

A New Schedule? Advice needed.

2011-09-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends. I have healed up quite a bit from the back pain that I experienced a few weeks ago. Physical therapy and time have really helped.

During this time period, however, I have not eaten well and not exercised much at all (running and cycling). I'm fully out of all good habits, but otherwise doing fine. If I were a 26-year-old, that might not be a bad thing. But I am 45 years old. This is the age when obese men and women get diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and the concrete begins to set in to that sedentary lifestyle.

I've read many blogs and people talk of "returning" to their exercise routines from their college days or their younger years. That is cool. I admire that. So many people were pretty active during their teen and early adulthood years. They remember the early morning runs, or football practices, or track meets. They had the discipline of early morning workouts or steady routines. I would guess that those memories give them confidence because they can recall their efforts and rewards from the past.

It's almost amusing to me that I never had those experiences. I never really saw the benefit in all of that sweating and exertion.

Where am I going with this?

I need to get a consistent workout schedule.

When I started this blog (nearly two years ago), my wife worked A LOT of evenings, the kids were younger and homework was minimal. Family dinners were rare. I had lots of time to blog and could leave the kids for frequent nightly workouts. But now, we are all home every night and we are enjoying family dinners together and there is a constant need to assist with homework.

Do I workout right before dinner?
After the kids have gone to bed (sacrificing some time with my wife)?
The dreaded early, early morning workout? (I've never been a fan)

One thing is clear...my "life/health clock" is ticking and I've got to get back to consistent exercise.

What works best for you and your family? I welcome your advice.

Big Clyde

Lowered Expectations

2011-08-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

As I recover from a bulging disk in my back, I am reminded of the dialogue between Vizzini and Fezzik in The Princess Bride movie:

You were supposed to be this colossus.   You were this great, legendary thing...

I had a personal challenge to achieve this summer.
I was going to get down to my fighting weight by September 5th.
I was going to do the 10k in mid-September (my second 10K).
And let's not forget my Feets Of August...my goal to run, walk or shuffle every day in August.

Well, I got a bit distracted, got sick, then got injured. So much for my plan.

I have been going out each day for no more than 30 minutes at a time, walking at a decent pace. That's it. I am feeling much better, but still in a lot of pain after I have been sitting down.   On my walk last night, I was actually feeling good enough that I decided to start running. I was going at a pace of about 12 min/mile for only three minutes. Not too speedy and not too long. But by the end of my 30 minutes, I was limping home.

I will keep doing the core exercises, the walking and doing them both DAILY, without fail. But I am very disappointed in myself.

This isn't uplifting, I know, but it is just what I am feeling now. I hope you are all doing much better than me.

On a more positive note, please check out my other blog, Clyde Explains, to read a funny story that happened today.

Big Clyde

The Slow and The Furious

2011-08-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

I hate this. My back must be healing, albeit very slowly. I have a bulging disk and it makes everything a bit more difficult. The meds definitely help ease some pain, but make my brain get foggy and I have slept more this past weekend than I care to admit.

My "workouts" (hardly a fair term) are 15-30 minute walks around my neighborhood. On the good walks, I try to walk without any limp whatsoever. I know that this all will heal, but for now, it just sucks.

And now, my new pledge...

I, Big Clyde, do solemnly swear

that I will be diligent in healing up from this back injury

and when healed,

I will not take exercise for granted.

I will ride my bike,

or jog or run

and even do the core exercises,
which I have avoided over the past 18 months

(so that this doesn't happen again).

How ironic that I am more diligent now with my Feets of August challenge than I was earlier in the month.

Big Clyde

It's Official...I Am a Shark

2011-08-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

You may have heard the phrase "If a shark stops moving, it will die". This is true for most sharks because their forward swimming motion forces oxygen through their gills. Without forward motion, they don't receive oxygen and they die.

How am I like a shark? Well, I learned this morning that I have to keep moving or suffer the consequences.

I am standing as I type this right now. Want to know why?

I am standing because I have once again neglected my "core", irritated my disc in my lower back and am having trouble sitting or lying down for any prolonged amount of time. Today, I am walking with a limp. It takes me about 90 seconds to get out of bed or get out of my car. If I drop something on the floor, forget about it.

This happened before. As an overweight guy with weak abdominal and core muscles, I have often had "back problems". In time, it would go away. But I didn't realize that the trauma inflicted (even briefly) to my discs in my vertabrae doesn't always heal fully. So, each time I "recovered" from a back pain incident, I never returned to 100%. Unless we really work on strengthening our core muscles, it seems that each future session of back pain causes a bit more damage or becomes more difficult to heal.

What caused this recent flare-up?

Too many days at my desk, working on a big project for work. I also was a bit sick and therefore did not workout much at all for the past 2-3 weeks. I could feel my back beginning to tighten up over the past few weeks and kept telling myself that I REALLY NEEDED TO GO FOR A LONG WALK, but I didn't most of the time.

By Monday, my back was becoming pretty sore. I walked a bit like Frankenstein, but didn't let the pain stop me. Then, I lifted some very heavy stuff at work. That made it worse.

I walked two miles on Tuesday night. Walking always used to help. Then, I walked a fast 4 miles on Wednesday morning. By Wednesday night, I was in tremendous pain. I couldn't bend forward. I dove into an old bottle of vicodin and tried to power through with my normal work week. The pain only increased.

I gave up last night and called my doctor and a physical therapist, who both were able to see me this morning. I have definitely damaged my disc over the years. I don't know if it is herniated or bulged, but they gave me two shots into my rear-end today, have prescribed vicodin and flexeril, and said that my work schedule and 2-4 mile walks only inflammed an already bad situation.

I am encouraged now to walk at a normal pace for 15 minutes at a time, four times per day (max). The therapist said that bike riding is out for a week or two, same with running. The 10K that is one month away should now be a 5k.

Bottom line: I did this to myself. If I had simply walked everyday for exercise, which was the plan for this month, this wouldn't have happened. Going forward, I need to add in some specific "core" exercises 2-3 x per week.

I am embarrassed about this, but grateful that I am getting off pretty easy. Pain-killers and daily walks are not bad medicine at all for a short while and I really hope that I am never foolish enough to do this again.

I am a shark. If I don't move...well, I'll pay for it one way or the other.

The Feets of August is still in play, now more important than ever.

Big Clyde

Okay, Here's the situation...

2011-08-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

my parents left town for a week's vacation. (some of you will get that...if not, watch this after you are done reading).

When I have been away from the blogs for awhile (a week), I feel like I should explain. To all of you diligent folks out there, that explanation would be much better written in mileage or food choices, but I have not been strong on either. But I am feeling back to my regular self again.

Pretty nurse! (sorry that they got my big foot in the picture).

First the quick explanation:

I somehow came down with a weird gum infection that became a problem. Got pencillin, which made me a bit naseous. It didn't work after a week's regimen. So, the dentist doubled-down and gave me a strong antibiotic (I am larger than most and maybe needed medicine intended for clydesdale horses). He advised that it might make me more naseous. It did. I simultaneously lost my appetite and felt bloated. I am finally feeling better now. My love/hate relationship with the field of dentistry continues. Look for an upcoming post on my other blog Clyde Explains in the near future.
The kids are all back at ~~Hogwart's~~ their smarty-pants weirdo charter school. All three kids are under one roof. They are cheerful and happy to be studying physics, latin and other subjects that were not on the curriculum at Weatherwax High School in 1984.
Mrs. Clyde is back at work.
I am ready to get back to work on The Clydesdale Project and Feets of August.

Feets of August has had a bumpy start to say the least, but it is not forgotten. And yes, Mrs. Johnson, you had a brilliant idea that I can always make a strong showing in Feets of September. Let's see how the next two weeks go.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

Big Clyde

P.S. By the way, if you are a recently added follower, please drop a comment below with your blog address. Sometimes my "follower" widget doesn't always show the newest people and we would love to get to know who is new. Thanks.

P.P.S. For those of you who have asked about my faith, church, etc., all is good now. The family is happy in worship at a new place and we still have some home-based weekly stuff with great friends. I am feeling restored. Thanks for asking.

Out of Sorts

2011-08-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

My brief momentum is under attack.

I became sick about 8 days ago and it has worsened each day. I have been on antibiotics that make me want to hurl a bit. I'm hurlish.
We did get a new air conditioner, finally. My family is speaking to me once again. It is huge, extremely efficient and a bit pricey. Now...how to pay for it quickly?!
I am no savvy investor, but I have money in the stock market. I could use some funds to pay for the air conditioner. Been watching the news lately??
I have been thinking a bit about the show "Lost". Do you remember how they were all stranded, stuck on the same island, yet also at odds with each other, in divided camps? Sometimes allies, sometimes not? My family and I recently reunited with some of "the others". It went well. At some point, you realize that "freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose" and it requires less energy to get along than to hang on to frustrations from the past. Perhaps we will all live happily ever after. It only took the Oceanic castaways six years. Maybe we can do it in just one.

Sorry if this is a bit cryptic. I feel terrible and wanted to post something.

BC

Feets of August - The Beginning

2011-08-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

In late March, I found out about "30 Days of Biking" for April. I did it and it was a blast. Very fun to "force myself" to get on the bike every day for a month.

My ankles look big, but my shins are AMAZING!

On July 30th, I started wondering what would happen if I did something similar in August, only with running or walking. Some days would be runs, according to my 10k training plan. On "rest days", I could certainly do a casual 20-30 minute walk...that's still exercise, but likely not stressful on the joints, etc.

And so it begins...

FEETS OF AUGUST!

I know, I know...it's kind of cheezy, but I like it. Join me if you like (run it through Labor Day, Sept. 5th to make a full month). Through the month of August, I will be on my feet with a fast walk, a slow run or my usual huffy-puffy-shuffle. Regardless, I'll be out there every day*.

Day 1 - Monday. I decided to start very late at night after watching Breaking Bad on tv. So late that night, I ~~wimped out~~ walked and enjoyed the silence.

Day 2* - Tuesday. Bought bottle of vodka on way home from work for a celebratory drink after a great month at work. One medium drink made me again postpone my run until very late at night. Then came the lightning storm. I chose life! But I failed at "Feets of August" on Day 2.

Photo by David Sanders of AZ Daily Star. (please don't sue me)

Day 3 - Mrs. Clyde invited me out for a date night. The kids stayed at home. I couldn't resist. Ate too much, including dessert, at Chili's. Nothing redeeming about it, except for the fun flirting with my wife! Drank a powerful margarita. Went for a rambling walk, then run of 2.66 miles. Wanted to puke the entire way. (Note to self: alcohol before running is a bad idea. Add in some french fries, chipotle mayo, jalapenos and "molten chocolate lava cake" before running and you can go ahead and consider yourself a complete idiot. Learn from this, Clyde.)

So there you have it. A slow, inconsistent and borderline-drunken start to "Feets of August". As you can see, it can only get better from Day 4 onward. Join me.

Big Clyde

P.S. My only idea for a logo for this month is to show a picture of my feet in the Brooks Beast shoes. If you want to join in and/or want to come up with a better logo, be my guest!

Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

2011-08-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Our 19-year-old air conditioner finally died on Tuesday. We have applied duct tape, band-aids, and short-term remedies for the past few years, but it finally died.

Given that we live in the Arizona desert, our house rose up to approx 87 degrees. Yes, it cools down a bit between 11pm and 5am, but that only brings it down to about 82 degrees.

It is time to buy a new unit, which will be costly. It has taken me awhile to figure out how to get it done and we will have a new unit installed tomorrow. Hopefully.

I've let this distract me from my exercise goals, until today. Tonight I'll go out and begin a new program I am doing in August. I am very excited about it and will write about it in a few days.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Big Clyde

Obviously

2011-07-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

I gained two pounds last week. Over a two-week period, I am still down 8 pounds, but need to get moving back in the right direction.

What changed? I ran fewer miles, ate heavier foods and drank less water. My family returned from a week-long trip and I know that I just chose to be more casual about it all. I certainly know that there are ways to fit low-cal and exercise in with family time. But I was not making those weight loss choices last week.

Back at it today, though I need to get back on my running schedule, after missing my long run on Sunday. I will get it in tonight.

Have a great week everyone!

Big Clyde

Clyde, the Jury

2011-07-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

If I had more time, I would write this in the style of a film-noir, private detective. But I am busy so, here's a quick update...

Several weeks ago, I received a summons to report for jury duty today. Faced with my civic duty and my desire to earn an income, I requested an exemption. They were processing my request.

By this weekend, I was supposed to know if I was required to report for jury selection or working at my job all week. Since I received no notice either way, I had to work most of the weekend to get my assignments done just in case.

As of mid-morning, I am a free man and back at work.

Between my work schedule and my 10K training plan, I barely had time to fit in watching the first 7 Harry Potter movies in the last week. This was the commitment that my wife and I made to our kids, so that we would be prepared to see the final movie sometime this week.

As for food, well...yeah. I've been better. See you at the weigh-in tomorrow.

Big Clyde

Why Run?

2011-07-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

"Obesity finds it hardest to catch up with those who are running."

I was out on my run early this morning. Do you know who I saw? Women, of various ages, that likely weighed between 120 and 160 pounds. Occasionally, I will see some guys out there, but they are also well below 200 pounds.

There are not a lot of big guys out there running. That either means that 1) the big runners become small runners very soon or 2) big guys simply do not run.

So why am I doing it? I ask myself this quite a bit, especially given that most of my friends who workout, are just into cycling.

I like running because I get to stay close to home (within a few miles anyway). I love my neighborhood and I love knowing that home is pretty close, even if I am running.
I like running because, unlike a weight machine, I can't quit if I am 2 miles away from home. Yes, I can slow to a quick walk (like I recently did), but my runs are an "out-and-back" venture. No quitting once the journey has begun. I always have to finish the workout in order to get home.
I like to run because it keeps me away from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, meds, etc.
I like running because it is primal. Animals run. Kids run. People living in caves at the beginning of time had to run. If there is an emergency, you run. For decades, I couldn't do this very basic thing. Now, I can. I just want to do it faster and longer.
It burns a lot of calories...
...at a cheap price. No gym membership, no gear is required and no equipment failure. You can get started by opening your front door.

Yes, running is tough. But I feel tough because I am running.

If you run, why did you start and why do you like it?

Big Clyde

Weigh-In Day and My Fantasy

2011-07-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

I lost 10 pounds last week.

Here's what I did:

Ate approx 1,700 calories per day of very healthy stuff. Veggies, egg whites, turkey pep, yogurt, fruit and tons of water (and my usual tremendous intake of coffee).
I rode my bike twice, low mileage.
I ran a total of 12.5 miles last week, in four separate outings.
That makes 6 days of cardio in a week.

Some quick disclaimers:

I had eaten poorly the ~~6 months~~ weekend before my initial weigh-in last Tuesday, so my starting point might have been a bit high.
My running mileage was high for me...maybe too high. This is tied for the highest mileage I have ever done in a 7 day period. As I progressed through the week, I realized that I should have slowly built up to it to avoid injury, etc.
I also ran at night and at mid-day. Same with cycling. It just doesn't work well in the desert. Yes, I got it done, but my speed and energy suffered big-time, making me dread my next workout. This is a dangerous thing for a heavy guy who is coming back into some good habits.

And while I am on the subject of weight...if you are just starting out and are 70-100+ pounds overweight (like I am), please know that changing your food and light exercise (even walking) is so much better than joining a gym, C25K, riding lots of miles on the bike, etc. Moderate or heavy exercise is DIFFICULT at that weight level and can get discouraging. Controlling your food can be challenging enough...focus on that and a consistent walking program and you will lose weight and not get discouraged. As you progress, then add some intensity to the workouts.

I say this because some of us bloggers start to compare ourselves with others regarding mileage, workout intensity, etc. and it can be discouraging. I know it may sound silly, but I fantasize about arriving at a 5k race starting line where everyone had the same bmi or height/weight ratios as me...now, that would be a race! How about showing up at your local bike shop for the Saturday ride and asking everyone to load up their backpacks with extra pounds to equal yours? Let's hit those hills and grind out 40 miles!

The good news is that 99% of the people out there are really just trying to encourage us heavier people to keep going and never give up. At race events or my bike shop, I don't feel judged because of my weight...I know that we are all part of the same club: "people who are working to improve ourselves". (But I will still bring an extra backpack and some bricks with me if anyone wants to start smack-talking!)

My Goals for this Week:

Drop another 5 pounds.
Diligently follow the Hal Higdon 10K training plan, Week 1.
Exercise in the early morning, before it gets too hot outside.
Maintain 1700 daily calories of good healthy food.

Make it a good week everyone!

Big Clyde

El Tour de Tucson 10K Race Planning

2011-07-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

This has been a great week for me, except my wife and kids were away on a trip visiting distant relatives. Maybe their absence gave me some time to focus on the Clydesdale Project. So, last Monday, I started eating better, weighing myself and doing cardio pretty much each night.

Tomorrow, I'll do a long run of 5 miles. I haven't run that distance in four months, so I'll be curious to see how it goes. I know that my low-calories (and low-carbs) have likely made me weaker on my runs/rides. I will have to play with a good target of daily calories for my current activity and weight loss goals. My guess is that it will be around 1,800 - 1,900. This week, it has been less per day.

UPDATE: My run this morning did not go well at all. I intended to do 5 miles, but only got 4.4 miles done and I walked most of the second half. What happened? I am guessing, but I think I was too hot (about 90 degrees), I had too few calories in me the last few days, and maybe I went a bit too hard on my first week back at running after a few months away. I'll rest today and tomorrow and do a 2.5 mile run on Tuesday.

I also was reviewing some upcoming races and saw the El Tour de Tucson 5K that I did last year. I actually got 3rd in my age group, which was remarkable. Mrs. Clyde suggested that I do the 10K route instead this year, so that's what I'll do. I ran a 10K in January with 8 weeks of training. There are 9 weeks prior to the 10K and I will go back to my Hal Higdon training plan to get me ready. Here is my report from last year's 5K race.

What is your next big race or event?

Sportsmanlike

2011-07-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

Fat Daddy is back in the blogging world and once again, I am inspired. When I started blogging, I came upon his very funny site and was amazed at his steady weight loss through exercise and better eating. If he could do it, so could I.

And I did, until I slacked off.

But I feel like I am back in the groove again! Though it has only be four days, I have eaten very well and exercised consistently. I am even starting to feel like an athlete again.

I am seeing it on the scale. I will likely do my weigh-ins on Tuesday, which should show a good number.

Thanks for the feedback on my blogs. I will be combining the two blogs into one. It is fun for me to write some non-exercise-related posts, so I'll put them here and hope that you enjoy them when you get time.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Clyde

2011-07-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

Short post today, but I could use your advice please.

Some of you know that I started up a second blog awhile back. It is called "Clyde Explains" and is located at http://www.notangryjustsaying.blogspot.com/. The intent was to have a (hopefully) humorous blog that wouldn't be tied to running, cycling or weight loss. I like writing, so I thought it would be fun but maybe not of interest to people who are strictly focused on exercise and nutrition.

But now I find myself wondering if it is more complicated for readers to follow two blogs. If you are a follower of this blog (Clydesdale Project), which would you prefer?

Keep the two blogs separate, so that they can each have their own focus.
Combine the two blogs into this one, to make it easier for people who might want to follow both.

What do you think?

We're Getting the Band Back Together!

2011-07-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

When The Beatles broke up, people had to have wondered "but why??" "Why would they mess up such a good thing?" But others might have speculated that "change is good", "they are all maturing and will go on to do great things", "they've earned some time off", etc.

I contend that The Beatles needed a break and they had earned it. But once they began separating from each other, they never again re-captured the magic. I do not want to be The Beatles.

In September of last year, I quit doing all of the things that had helped me to lose 50 pounds. Here is what I STOPPED doing in a consistent manner:

drinking tons of water each day (to help curb my appetite)
logging my 1,750 daily calories into Sparkpeople.com
having a mileage goal or race in front of me to keep me motivated
getting on the scale
blogging (reading and writing)

I thought I deserved a vacation from all of those steps.
I thought I might have "fixed myself", so that I would never again fall into bad habits.
I thought that I could "maintain", just by "wanting to maintain".

Well, it is time to get the band back together. I dusted off some items today and felt like I was gathering up my bandmates for a great reunion tour.

Huge jug for ice water
bananas and apples
diet green tea
low-cal yogurt (no ice cream)
oatmeal (low-cal breakfast)
mushrooms, egg whites and hot sauce for breakfast scramble eggs
turkey pepperoni (for breakfast, or anytime)
asparagus (not pictured)
baby carrots (not pictured)
Subway - ham and tons of veggies, no cheese, no dressings other than vinagrette

These foods were filling, quick to fix, cheap and tasty. I am sure improvements can be made, but this is pretty balanced and kept me pretty happy at about 1,750 calories per day.

I will re-capture the magic. Some bands are even better when they reunite.

Hello Cleveland!

Workout Goals for this Week

2011-07-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have a new story that is posted over on my other blog, involving Baskin Robbins, cheerleaders and my first part-time job. Jump over and take a look if you have time. Here's the link.

It's time to get back in gear. My belly has increased, just as my exercise has decreased. And I miss being out there. Cycling's fun, right?

In Arizona, there are virtually no races during the summer, but I will be looking ahead to see if there are some goals and races that I need to set for the fall season. To get ready for that, I need to get moving now.

Here's the very short term plan:
Monday: 3-mile run (which will likely involve some walk breaks).
Tuesday: At least 30 minutes on the bike.
Wednesday: Run/walk - mileage will depend on time.
Thursday: Bike
Friday: rest
Saturday: Bike
Sunday: 5 mile run

It should be 12 miles on foot and 30 on the bike.

I'll report in daily as I get it done.

Big Clyde

Big Clyde Abides

2011-07-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

This was a great long weekend for me and my family. We were away for several days at a resort, just floating in the pool, visiting with friends and playing together. Here is the picture I took of our car dashboard panel at 1pm on Saturday. See it? "Exterior Temp: 119 degrees"

The official temperature in Phoenix got up to 118 degrees, but our dash reported 119 degrees in Scottsdale. Nonetheless, the heat was brutal and a definite record for the area! Floating in the pool and an afternoon nap felt great.

Looks like I missed a spot with the sunscreen lotion.

We realized that it was a coincidence that we were at the exact same resort a year ago. The resort was great...very luxurious at a great low price because it is so hot here in the desert in the summertime. Few vacation here in the summer, so the resorts drop their rates and it gives us locals a great quick getaway.

Feeling a bit nostalgic, I looked back at my blog from a year ago. We had just returned from staying at the same resort and I wrote about the gratitude I was feeling for my family, my health and the recent health changes in my life. Here is the link if you want to see it.

I also wrote about my close friends who had just lost their father. We had recently attended his funeral. It made me so sad to think of their loss and how we would all miss this very sweet and happy guy. They have to be missing him terribly right now. Their loss made me value my time with my family and how I want to focus on gratitude.

It's ironic that my focus then was pretty much the same as it is now. My attitude recently has been to simply...ABIDE. For various reasons, I did not set any specific goals this year (as I had done in previous years), nor had I signed up for epic races, etc. And I have no regrets.

I am not on contract to anyone to ride a certain amount of miles,

lose a specific amount of weight,

or prove anything to anyone.

My highest priority is be faithful to God and then to be a great husband and father. If things are cool with them, then I am happy to go for a bike ride or a run, etc. If we are struggling with one thing or another, then I'm less motivated. It's as simple as that.

Sometimes I read posts where people feel badly about their lack of activity or progress. Some wallow in it, some use tough talk to get out of it and some sign up foolishly and boldly for a huge event! I guess I do all of those at different times, but I try to keep it upbeat.

I hope that you will pardon me for several introspective posts lately. If I got into such horrible shape by ~~years~~ decades of lethargy and some emotional eating, it will likely take some tinkering to gain new SUSTAINABLE habits. I am in that zone now. Abiding.

The Clyde Abides.

P.S. Check out my other blog Clyde Explains where I detail "The Baskin-Robbins Cheerleader Incident". I may ruin peanut-butter-and-chocolate ice cream for you forever.

Waving from the Bleachers

2011-06-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe that is a strange title for this post. But I feel like I have (temporarily) moved from the playing field to the bench...and maybe to the bleachers. While you are all out there focusing on your exercise, nutrition and general fun on the field, I realize that I am a bit stuck right now up in the bleachers. I am okay, doing fine and anxious to get back on the field.

Thanks for your great comments on my last post. Your continued support means a tremendous amount to me.

Given that I won't be posting any news on a recent run or bike ride, let me at least give you a quick update to dispel any concerns.

I am not depressed, giving up or anything like that. Instead, I am just focusing my time in the areas that I mentioned earlier (work, church stuff, friends' challenges, etc.). You have no doubt also heard about the fires in Arizona and my close friend nearly lost his home and his business about 8 days ago. All are safe now and a shift in the winds saved their property from the fire. I did a bit of help on distributing goods to the people who lost their homes and possessions. So tragic, yet wonderful how the community rallies around the victims.

For those of you who have asked, our church thing is slowly working itself out. The short version is found in Matthew 18:20. The church was never intended to be a building. It is a community of those who want to be like Jesus. Maybe this is where the healing begins.

Oh, and we found out last week that someone stole our credit card info and charged $300 at a Claim Jumper restaurant in CA. Mrs. Clyde even was in the news report. Thankfully, our bank caught the fraud issue and we are not out any money. Thank you, Big Brother!

Big Clyde doesn't like credit card thieves.

So, I am busy and hope to get back into a routine soon before it all becomes a distant memory.

One motivator for me is my new Garmin Forerunner 305 that I received from Father's Day. It is a luxury and a toy, I suppose. But I think it will be motivating for me to strive to maintain an even pace on runs, etc.

I just received a headline news alert that it is now 112 degrees here in Tucson...the hottest since 1995. Guh.

We are off for a quick vacation for some much needed R&R. I hope to get some activity in then and back on track next week.

Big Clyde

JUNE BUST

2011-06-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Despite great intentions toward achieving the JUNE BOOM challenge (thanks again, Alan!), I have failed in that area. To put it very simply, I have not been running, cycling or exercising lately.

Why? I always wonder if it is worthwhile to rationalize or justify why something didn't get done, but I believe that we all have to make those choices of balancing work, family, etc., and exercise for me is one of those areas that I am willing to sacrifice at times. Add in the fact that exercise has never been a lifelong love of mine and it tends to be the first to go.

Work has been tough. I am in sales in the construction industry. Every month, I hear about 2-3 people that are getting laid off, due to the slow housing trends. These are either co-workers or customers, but they are people that I am close to and it adds to feelings of sadness and worry. When it is a co-worker, it adds to more work for those of us who remain. I believe that things are slowly improving, but the concern is strong with everyone in our business.

My family is great, all are healthy. We are enjoying having so much time together while my wife and kids are on summer break. When I finish work at 6pm or so, we tend to play together. It seemed easier for me to go for a run or a ride when they were buried under piles of homework.

I have been vague about a huge church problem that occurred last year, but the ripples continue to spread out amongst our large circle of friends. We were basically a large group of friends that met up every week at a church that we loved. That all ended in November. Since that time, we all feel a bit scattered and are working through individual feelings of insecurity, frustration and a basic lack of meaningful worship. We are still social, but this thing still needs to heal up and it continues to eat up time each week...even lately.

So, I have been away from the blogs a bit lately and away from exercise, but I hope to get back in gear soon.

I hope that you are all doing well and I will continue to check in as I can.

Big Clyde

Gimme a Ticket for an Airplane...

2011-06-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

The house has been relatively drab without our lovely girl, who has been with the grandparents for over a week. Time to get her back home.

Lonely days are gone...

Big Clyde

I Laughed at a Runner...

2011-06-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am admitting to you here...that I laughed at a guy in my neighborhood last night. I know him, so maybe it's okay.    You decide.

He is a big guy, definitely. And I get that we all have to start somewhere. But this poor guy was out there, barely moving beyond a walking pace. Shuffling, really.

He had all of the gear that a regular runner has: the iPod, the Road ID bracelet, the safety cap-light, the TOO-SHORT running shorts showing the huge white thighs, etc.

Yet for all of the gear and the attempts to look like some high-speed triathlete, there he was just shuffling along.

And I found myself smiling at him at first.

And then, I laughed at him.

Like I said, it should be okay for me to laugh...I know him.

He is me.

I laughed at myself, on my first RUN in 10 weeks.  You can look at recent posts that discuss how I basically did nothing in May, or how I only rode my bike in April, or mixed running with cycling in March.

But on this first ~~shuffle~~ run since late-March, I remembered that I am a runner!   Yes, I was slow on this run, but I could remember going faster and I could remember going 3 miles without stopping and 4 miles without stopping and and 5 miles without stopping. And I remembered completing my first (and only) 10K in January in 1:08 mins and being pretty proud of it all.

I realized that even the short runs, at a slow pace, can have huge impact on our mental game. And in the end, the mental game is 90% of it for some of us.

So instead of being filled with regret and shame for falling backward on my running, etc., I found myself laughing at my situation and looking forward to seeing the progress come again.

I love a comeback story, especially when I get to see it happen up close.

See you out there.

Big Clyde

June Boom...and blogger questions

2011-06-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

I finished May with great food choices, but allowed myself to be a bit lax over the holiday weekend (which also had birthdays for my wife and son). Back on track now.

As for June, I will be doing Alan's June Boom Challenge! Many of you have already read about it, but go to his blog to get the details. Thanks, Alan, for the great idea. People are excited. (cool graphic too).

My activity will most likely be biking, but I am also going to get back to running. I enjoy it, but not as much as biking. Should be interesting.

I actually didn't get in any activity yesterday, so I am already breaking one of the rules of the challenge which is to exercise 30 minutes a day for the month of June. But isn't this where many of us start to give up? We set an aggressive goal, stumble at one point (with a Starbucks donut or a missed workout) and begin to allow ourselves to give up on the rest of the goal since we have "already failed". Please don't let that happen to you (and I won't either). This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. The June Boom is a CHALLENGE because it is likely more difficult than our normal routines. That means it is okay to reach high and fall a bit short, as opposed to not reaching high at all.

So, I will make up that 30 minutes tonight. I won't win the award for literally 30 days of exercise, but I am honoring the spirit of it and bottom line, getting exercise minutes in.

Now, on to blogger...I have been very frustrated lately as I know many of you have been. Even this morning, I have been reading many blogs and trying to leave comments. On some blogs, I can post a comment using my blogger address or even "anonymous", but with about 5-6 of your blogs, I can't even post a comment! I am so sorry because I am following along and want to encourage.

Caratunk Girl got fed up and switched to Wordpress, which didn't affect how I follow her blog. But she always had her own address that didn't have "blogspot" in it. Does anyone else have any experience doing this? I now have google g-mail accounts (for me and my family) and I don't want to disrupt the whole thing and lose it all if I switch, but I also want to be able to leave comments.

Thoughts?

Back...to the Future!

2011-05-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

I started blogging in October of 2009 to see if a big guy could lose weight by riding a bike. (the answer is "yes", but the weight comes off very slowly if he doesn't change his eating habits).

Then, on March 1, 2010, I finally changed my eating habits and counted about 1,800 calories per day and began to lose weight fast and steadily (with virtually no exercise). In the first 12 weeks, I dropped 32 pounds! That 12-week mark was one year ago yesterday. Click here for the link to that post.

By September 6, 2010, I had dropped 50 pounds and ridden in several bike races and had run two 5k's. Awesome!

However, I hit that 50 pound mark like Oprah and likely gained back a pound the very next day, etc.

At the same time, my family was going through a very difficult experience that reached it's lowest point in September. We stayed at that low point until March of this year. (Things are much better now!). During that time, my emotions and mental game were focused on family, work (always stressful, right?) and well, family.

So, since September, I have not tracked calories and rarely stepped on the scale. I instead focused a bit more on mileage (running and cycling), but allowed myself to eat junk food and typical fatty entrees. Not surprisingly, I have gained back weight. About 25 pounds. Most of you will be shocked by that, but some of you get it.

It is time for me to go BACK to my old habits that helped me lose those remaining 25 pounds from approximately this time last year through September. With the same focus, I will re-lose those same pounds as I head in TO THE FUTURE. This time, however, I will add consistent exercise.

Notice that I didn't say that I will be adding aggressive exercise or stating huge epic goal-events, etc. Those certainly might happen, but my goal this year is to exercise on a very consistent basis and make it a part of my life forever.

And improving my eating habits.

And losing those 25 pounds by September.

Again.

Never give up, my friends.

Big Clyde

P.S. By the way, if you haven't yet checked it out, I recently started up another blog that just has some random posts on it. Check it out when you have some time. http://notangryjustsaying.blogspot.com/

A Strong End to May

2011-05-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

I had a great April and at the end of it, asked your advice...click here for my post and your great comments. Unfortunately, I let go of my focus and did nothing for three weeks. Now, I am re-focusing and coming back to my healthy habits.

Some of you suggested that I add more cycling miles and others suggested that I start running again. Some said both. We all know the key to losing weight and staying healthy boils down to three deceptively simple actions:

Eat less
Move more
Drink more (water)

Time for some honesty...I have re-gained some of the weight that I lost last year because I quit eating healthy and haven't used water consumption to help digestion and appettite control.

So, through the end of the month, I will be count my calories and drink lots of water. Also, I will move every day, whether it is cycling or running.

This is my best combination of your ideas. And TRI714, your idea of an 8-10 mile run seemed impossible to me three weeks ago...but now it is starting to sound like something to work for and a good target to get me running again after 6 weeks of cycling.

It's simple and exactly what I need to do right now. I'm even looking forward to getting disciplined again. As for June, I'll determine some challenge for myself to make it fun. I tend to be more motivated when I am making a game out of it!

Thanks for the solid advice everyone!

Big Clyde

My (new) 2nd Blog - Clyde Explains

2011-05-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by saying that I appreciate the great comments and encouragement on my last post. I'll start my new plan this Sunday that will definitely include eating better, more cycling and possibly running (still unsure about the running).

But I also wanted to let you all know that I have started a 2nd blog. It will hopefully be a funny blog on some of my thoughts that aren't related to cycling, running and health issues.

The blog is called Clyde Explains... and the address is http://notangryjustsaying.blogspot.com/. Surprisingly, I already have one follower! Thanks, Pedaldork!

Anyway, when you get some time, please stop by http://notangryjustsaying.blogspot.com/ and let me know what you think.

Big Clyde

Still Here, Still Smiling

2011-05-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

I'm embarrassed to say that I have failed in my exercise goals for May so far. I was on quite a roll with 30 Days of Biking in April and record mileage for the month. Then, I solicited your advice for May and you came through with great encouragement and direction.

And I did nothing.

I don't recall what happened exactly, but maybe you have had this occur in your life as well. I took a day off, then was genuinely busy for a day or two. Then, we did some family stuff. A week passed, then...well, you get the idea.

My motto for this blog has always been "keep moving" (or "never quit"). When cycling, my goal is to always be peddling, even if it is slow. But the beauty of cycling is that you CAN COAST and enjoy the ride. For awhile. Then, you have to pedal again and likely, you have to pedal harder to get some momentum going.

It is time for me to start "pedalling" again. I will again consult your challenges for me in this post and establish some goals to finish May and into June.

On a personal note, all is well at work and home. The kids are finishing their school year at their "Hogwarts"-style smarty-pants school, so my wife and I have been stumbling our way through as tutors in biology, Latin, literature, etc. Our family time has been great, but I know that I can have that AND continue on my Clydesdale Project of eating well and regular exercise.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. I have been surfing your sites as well and see that many of you are actively racing, working your plans and making great progress. I'll be joining you soon.

Big Clyde

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T05:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for your great ideas about my goal for May. More on that soon.

For today, my focus is on three special women in my life:

My mother, who is living life much better these days after receiving a new liver about 7 years ago. Her health gets better each year and I love her so much. Thanks for everything Mom.
Mother Theresa, my mother-in-law who welcomed me into the family over 20 years ago and even bought that extra-long futon for our visits. It's hard to be the tallest one in a family of ~~short~~ medium-sized people.
Mrs. Clyde, my beautiful wife of 20 years and mother of my 3 children. We have raised three wonderful kids together and they are confident, happy, kind and they love you so very much.

So to you three, and all of you other Mom's out there, I wish you Happy Mother's Day! Hug the babies and do something to treat yourself.

Mrs. Clyde, mother of 3, looking beautiful on her new bike!

30 Days of Biking - DONE! 204 Miles in April

2011-04-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

I am exceptional at going downhill. Have I ever mentioned that?

I am very proud to have just completed the 30 Days of Biking Challenge, as well as my goal of riding 201 miles this month. I actually ended up with 204 miles in April, with 344 cycling miles year-to-date.

Why is this great news for me?

Because I have been wandering a bit this year, without a significant goal to work toward. I RAN my first 5k last September (2010) and got 3rd in my age group. Then, I RAN a 10k in January, 2011...another good goal for a guy like me. But after each one of these races, I rested...for a month or so because there was no big epic event ahead of me. I had actually committed to a half-marathon in late March, but began to realize that these "event-based" goals did not make as much sense to me anymore if I didn't have an ongoing, consistent exercise habit. Sure, I could have trained to complete the half-marathon, but without a near-term carrot dangling in front of me, was I really developing consistent exercise habits?

So, in March, I cancelled the half-marathon and went low-key. I committed to run OR bike, 6 days per week. I called it The March Experiment. I ran 27 miles and rode 104.

When I read about the 30 Days of Biking Challenge for April, I thought it would be a fun way to really get back into cycling and keep me focused.

When you add it up, I increased my cycling mileage by exactly 100 miles from March to April and exercised every day (eventhough a few of those days were only 10 minutes on the bike).

That is two months of exercising nearly every day. I have not done this level of exercise in the last 25 years...and it is something for me to celebrate.

What's next for May?

Another 204 bike miles?
250 miles?
Start running again like the March Experiment? (I don't want to lose my ability to actually "run", but I really enjoyed the cycling much more.)
Finally get serious again about my nutrition?
Another 30 Days of Biking?

You tell me. That's right, I am asking you to set a goal for me in May.

I am always inspired by all of you and you are a varied breed out there. Some of you are hardcore tri's, just hoping that I will really get into racing form (I love that). Others of you know that I have lost weight, gained it back and you have encouraged me to focus on nutrition. And many of you are still wrestling with old habits and overcoming that sedentary lifestyle, just like me.

So, please give me your ideas. I rarely turn down a challenge. I will carefully consider anything you send my way and commit to one of them. In the meantime, I will be on the bike!

Thanks for mentoring me on this journey, my friends.

Big Clyde

New Tires = Greater Speed?

2011-04-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

I purchased new tires for my bike yesterday. I am very excited about them, but let me offer a few quick admissions:

I know...that my bike is a commuter/hybrid bike, very heavy and not a racing bike.
I know...that I would go a lot faster if I weighed a lot less.
I know...that my new tires are pretty basic LBS (local bike shop) tires and nothing to brag about.

Yeah, but still...

I am so excited because after the past few months of more intensive training (first running, then cycling), I am already getting faster on my bike. After about two years of staying at the same approximate pace, I am now regularly riding about 2.3 mph faster. On a proper road (racing) bike, my pace would be much faster. But on my tank-like bike, I am really starting to see increased speed. Could be the intensity, could be the increased mileage. Either way, it is a great feeling.

So, I am expecting that the new tires will also help with speed. They are somewhat lighter, thinner, and have less tread and rolling resistance than my old tires. And then there is the "placebo effect"...I will GO faster, because I think the tires will make me go faster. It's like I'm a 7-year-old and just got a new pair of sneakers...Hey Dad, watch how fast I can run!

Old: Continental's Double Fighter II

New: Continental's CityRide

Someday, I may go for a road bike and enjoy the speed that comes with it. But for now, I love that I can use the same bike for monthly mileage, trips to the store and "packed-dirt" bike paths with the kids...all on one bullet-proof bike.

Good times. Keep moving everyone!

Big Clyde

30 Days of Biking - 39 Miles To Go!

2011-04-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I wanted to thank you for the encouragement to ride 200 miles this month, which will be a personal distance record for me. Previously, the most I have ridden in one month was 161 miles, so this morning, I actually hit my PR by rolling over the 162 mile marker for the month! Feeling good.

Except I had to walk my bike during the last 1/2 mile to my house.

Last night I went for a ride and nearly collided with a golden retriever that was running solo with it's leash trailing behind it. Susie Ponytail was out for a run with her two dogs, but let the golden run free. I was going at about 19 mph down the bike path and saw the dog playing in the river bed beside the path. Then, it started running toward Ponytail and she didn't seem to focused on warning me, stopping the dog, etc. I skidded to a stop, leaving about a 15 foot trail of rubber on the path.

I am not opposed to ponytails, dogs or sharing the path. But if you are out with your animals, please keep them on the leash, unless you are at a dog park or something. Otherwise, it is unsafe. Enough said.

So, this morning I went out at 5:30am (which I hate) to chase down my goal of ~~200 miles~~ 201 Miles this month (thanks for the extra challenge, TRI714!) and at 8.2 miles into my ride, my rear tube went flat. A quick inspection revealed this:

So, I am both frustrated, but also a bit proud that I have ridden about 1500 miles on these tires and have actually worn them out (thanks, in part to the golden retriever)!

Now, I have to buy new tires, asap. Some have suggested the Continental Gatorskin series (great for durability, but not as comfortable?) or the Cityride (better for comfort, good rolling resistance and wide enough for the weight of me and my bike).

Any recommendations?

Big Clyde

30 Days of Biking - 200 Mile Challenge!

2011-04-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

My 30 Days of Biking Challenge is going great! I have now ridden my bike 24 days in a row and am at 141 miles month-to-date. Given that I am riding daily, am not a part of a cycling club, can't commute and am never gone longer than an hour or so, I think the mileage is pretty respectable so far.

My heaviest cycling month of all time was about 161 miles, last November. I am at 141 miles so far, and I know that I can get to 200 miles this month if I put in just about 10 miles each day. That would be pretty cool!

I have been wandering somewhat aimlessly this year without concrete goals, aside from doing my first 10K in January. So much of last year was spent pursuing some epic achievement or event. That was fun for me to do, but there was always a bit of a "what's next?" letdown when I was done. The real goal of The Clydesdale Project is to develop lifelong habits of better nutrition and exercise. Isn't that better achieved by developing daily or weekly habits like this 30-Days of Biking challenge?

This month then, is a great event for me....look at the benefits:

30 (consistent) Days of Biking!

My biggest mileage month ever (scheduled)!

Increased speed!

Happy Easter everyone!

Big Clyde

Mission: Holland

2011-04-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

While Crazy Jim and I were coming out of the brewery (before we headed to Man Camp), I received the best offer I'd seen in a long time:

For the first time ever, the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Schiphol) have created a 10-City Bike Tour of Holland using KLM’s iconic ceramic blue houses as inspiration for the trail! And now we’re on the search for two incredible duos to bike their way through Holland, serving as travel hosts and sharing their experiences online with our thousands of fans across the globe!

Could two of YOUR readers at The Clydesdale Project have what it takes to bike through Holland’s authentic towns and countryside? We’re looking for entries that showcase engaging on-air personalities, prove the team’s adept biking ability, and of course, demonstrates a passion for Holland! Audition videos can be uploaded and entered via Holland or KLM’s Facebook pages starting today through May 1, so please encourage your readers to enter this unique trip of a lifetime and upload their audition video today!

We will announce the two winning biking teams and how your readers can follow their adventures (and win special prizes just for watching!) in mid-May, so be on the lookout for a second announcement in a few weeks!

CJ and I pretty instantly thought that we should go for this. Yes, we were at the brewery and strangely kept pronouncing it "Hooland", not "Holland", but we were getting pretty serious about this. Our chances of getting picked were pretty good.

We are both better-looking than most men and would therefore attract the female viewers worldwide. He is a tech expert who could handle the skyping, syncing, filming, tweeting, facebooking, etc. He also can fix anything...a good guy to have on a long trip. Though he doesn't ride very often, he is foolishly willing to sign up for any race or challenge and just plows forward into the challenge.

My talents? Well, I can talk...into a mic, on video, interviewing the local natives, etc. And I've been on the bike quite a bit lately and am also up for a fun challenge. (Note: "riding a century" still does not seem like a "fun challenge" to me).

So, we decided to go for it.

We texted our friend who is a director of short films and recruited her.

We contacted our friend Yvonne who is from The Netherlands and told her we would need her help.

We didn't tell my wife...better get a few more plates spinning before I break it to her.

We started outlining our audition video.

We started discussing what we knew about Holland...and realized we were the products of the U.S. public educational system and knew nothing about this region.

These were the questions we asked each other as we drove home from Man Camp:

Crazy Jim: Where is Holland?

Big Clyde: What are The Netherlands?

Crazy Jim: What language do they speak there?

Big Clyde: Could it be Dutch?
Crazy Jim: Like "Danish"? What's Danish? Like the pastry?

Big Clyde: No, Danish is kind of like Denmark.
Crazy Jim: But "Dutch" is like "Deutch"...like "Deutchland"...that's Germany. So...where are we?

Big Clyde: I hope we don't meet up with any Belgians. I don't care for them. They all smoke and they talk really loudly...at least that's my impression based on the two Belgians I've met.
Crazy Jim: Wait, where is St. Pauli girl from? Is she in Holland?
Big Clyde: Don't people from Holland wear the wooden shoes? Will it give us plantar fascitis? Not good for the bikes either.

When I got home, we had our family dinner and I broke the news. Mrs. Clyde was very encouraging, though a bit disappointed that I didn't want to do the trip with her as much as I did Crazy Jim. Later that night, we looked into the details.

And discovered that the winners are going to be chosen soon and the bike tour begins in about a month and neither one of us can pull it all together that quickly. Reluctantly, we will have to bow out of this one.

(cue sad Hollandian music).

Man Camp - Re-cap

2011-04-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my friend and I went to Man Camp. I didn't really want to go, but my wife encouraged me to do it and since it was going to involve a road trip and cycling, I signed up and recruited Crazy Jim to come with me.

We left Tucson at 8am on Friday morning and arrived in Flagstaff around 1pm. We hit Subway, then found the local bike shop to get a cycling map of the area. I was looking for some big miles, but the town was pretty cool and there were several small brewery's nearby, so we just cruised on bike to the Northern Arizona University campus.

We realized pretty quickly that we were out of place on campus. If we had blue windbreakers with "SECURITY" in yellow lettering we would have looked okay. Instead, people either had to assume that we were professors (not likely) or that we were creepy grown men that like to ride around college campuses in the middle of a work-day.
So, we left the campus, rode around a bit more and ended up (not surprisingly) at the Lumberyard Brewery Company. We quenched our thirst and quenched it again (more me than Crazy Jim, our designated driver).

The Man Camp itself was great. 10 of us in a cabin, virtually all of us were strangers to each other. Fred, our "cabin leader" brought a blueberry pie for our cabin. Weird, but really an awesome idea, if you think about it. I told him he was the best camp counselor I ever had.

In the middle of the night, I heard one person snoring. Then, as if the other men were somehow joining in the chorus, there were about four guys snoring. It was like four rottweillers fighting over a bone.

I can't describe the smell of the cabin in the mornings. 10 mouth-breathers in a closed room for 7 hours. Add to that the smell of some b.o., random shoes and dirty socks...all in a 20' x 40' room. It made us want to get out of bed in the morning and get out of the cabin.

When we went to go riding in the afternoon, I found that I had a flat. Crazy Jim wasn't that interested in riding, so I rode his bike (a nice Trek commuter) down some mountain roads, but it was a bit bumpy without shocks and my bigger tires.

Me and Crazy Jim...out on the trails.

Back at camp, I inflated my tire and rode a bit, but it deflated quickly. At least I got a few miles in and it made me want to take my bike out on some trails back home.

I'll leave the spiritual lessons off this post, but there were several great takeaways for me. In particular, I felt inspired to be a better husband and to get more involved in a local charity on a regular basis (involving my wife and kids as well).
Crazy Jim and I had a blast and headed home Sunday afternoon. I rode the Schwinn Sunday night, a classic beauty that always makes me happy (but I still am hoping to sell it).

By the way...the 30 Days of Biking Challenge is going perfectly. I have ridden my bike every day (except for two days on a stationary bike) since April 1st. It is fun whether I am just doing a light cruise in the neighborhood, running errands or going for some distance. Interesting challenge and one that I just may continue into May.

Big Clyde

Man Camp

2011-04-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

These are my bunkmates at Man Camp. Only friends are allowed to see you in your underwear.

Crazy Jim (my buddy) and I are off to Man Camp this weekend. It is a Christian Men's Retreat in Williams, AZ. Feel free to joke, but no haters please.

Mrs. Clyde strongly suggested I go to this, perhaps hoping I will become a better man, or at least grow stronger in my faith and get some much needed time away from work, etc.

Crazy Jim and I thought that we would get to skip a Friday at work, possibly drink a beer or two before the conference gets started and get some cycling in each day. The retreat brochure promises "hours and hours" of free time. Nice.

So, we are off with bikes loaded. I will come back with some nice pictures of our mini-road trip and hopefully, some decent mileage on the bikes.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Big Clyde

How Much Does Your Bike Weigh?

2011-04-14T00:08:00.000-07:00

Okay first things first...I have now ridden my bike 13 days in a row. It is interesting to me because I am intentionally not going for a workout each time. Some of my rides each week are just cruising around the neighborhood. I look forward to it each day. The combined mileage of easy neighborhood cruises and some more aggressive workouts will lead me to more mileage in this month than any other I have ever ridden in my life. Pretty cool.

Now, on to today's topic:

A friend of mine, Fizzhog of the UnFat Project, just purchased a new bike.
It is pricey.
It is used by famous cyclists.
It weighs 16.1 pounds.
It is a racehorse.
He will love it and I fantasize about what it would feel like to ride it.

My bike is the opposite.
It was fairly cheap (about $750 with all the modifications and stuff on it).
It is not a roadbike and there are no famous commuters.
It is heavy...it is really heavy.
My bike weighs about 35 pounds.

It is a clydesdale bike!

It can ride on any terrain and can carry groceries on a milk-crate on it's rear rack.
It feels bulletproof.
I love it because it is built well for a guy of my size.

So, how much does your bike weigh?

And how important is "bike weight" to you?

I am curious to know because as I am riding more often now, I find myself wondering how much bike weight matters when it comes to speed. On my 35-pound commuter with wide tires, I can't seem to get much above the 13mph speed on my average rides. I know that my weight plays a big part in that, but am I doing an equal amount of work as someone on a very light road bike?

Big Clyde

P.S. Fizzhog, enjoy the new ride!

Dark Shiny Diamonds On The Street

2011-04-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

I was busy during the day Saturday, unable to ride until it was dark...and raining.

Spending most of my life in Seattle, I am very used to the rain. But I never rode my bike in the rain. I think Billy Joel sang something about it being risky.

But I am committed to riding my bike for 30 days in a row, every day in April. Even the rainy days (or nights).

What I like about riding in the rain at night is seeing the droplets of water flying up off my front wheel in front of my headlight. They look like diamonds flying up toward me. It happens when I am going slow, so I usually only notice it in the very beginning, but it is strangely beautiful and a nice distraction during the slow warm-up period of my ride.

On Sunday, the weather improved, but was still cold. It was sunny and probably 63 degrees, but I thought it was warmer and wore a t-shirt and shorts...froze the entire way. 14 miles, starting with the La Canada hill.

10 days of Biking, so far so good. 20 days left.

Keep moving everyone!

Big Clyde

Biking on a Business Trip (Sucks)

2011-04-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Not much to write here, but I just wanted to post some minor mileage over the past few days, while I was on a corporate trip out of town.

On Day 6 of my 30 Days of Biking Challenge, I used the fitness room at the hotel. Nice resort hotel, with great equipment, but I HATED the stationary bike. I only was on it for 6 miles, which would have been a light and enjoyable ride on my bike path at home. But on the machine, it felt tiring, pointless and a bit grueling. Don't get me wrong, I am proud of myself that I got some exercise in, but surprised how much I disliked this kind of workout.

Day 7 was a bit of the same, only this time with some vodka in me a few hours prior to the workout. Gee, I wonder if this is why I felt sluggish on the stationary bike. 4 miles this time.

Day 8 (tonight) - Returned home from the trip at 6pm, went to dinner with the fam, then a quiet ride around the village for just 3 miles.

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Big Clyde

30 Days of Biking - Days 4 & 5

2011-04-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Me and Mrs. Clyde out for a ride.

This simple challenge is going pretty well so far. Sure, how hard can it be for a guy to ride a bike 5 days in a row?

Good point. And yet, I am all about celebrating the victories and trends (big or small).

I rushed home from work on Monday night and checked in with the fam, then announced that I was going out for a ride. Surprisingly, the lovely Mrs. Clyde jumped up and wanted to go with me.

She has a new Trek road bike, built for speed. I have the world's heaviest commuter bike, loaded down with racks, lights, cable & lock, not to mention a "clydesdale-class" cyclist. My bike is built for toughness and comfort.

Yet, when we were not even a mile from our house, she was pushing the pace. I kept thinking,

"what's the hurry?"
"shouldn't we be pacing ourselves?"
and finally "I've ridden 10x your mileage over the past 18 months and there is no way I am going to be dragging my tail far behind you!" (Not too proud of that one).

So, my wife pushed the pace on the outbound leg of our 8 mile ride. Good times and I have really enjoyed the recent rides with the fam. It is so much more fun to be out there with someone else.

Tonight, I worked a bit late then we went out for a nice dinner as a family before I take off on a business trip. No time for a proper ride tonight, so I will just ride 2-3 miles around the neighborhood. In keeping with the challenge of riding my bike for all 30 days in April, I am still 100%.

Keep moving everyone!

Big Clyde

30 Days of Biking - Day 3

2011-04-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on Day 3...

I took out my vintage Schwinn Collegiate to borrow some tools from Crazy Jim. He lives nearby so it was only about a mile, but very fun to ride this classic bike with it's gorgeous red paint and shiny chrome. Given that I was just in our neighborhood, I went casual with flip-flops on my feet and no helmet. It reminded me of my childhood days before helmets, spandex and bike shorts. In the right environment, going casual is a great way to ride.

Later in the day, after doing a lot of yardwork, my daughter and I went for a 7-mile loop near our house. Rest assured, we were in full safety gear this time and had a blast together.

Day 3: 8 miles.

Good night.

Big Clyde

30 Days of Biking - Days 1 & 2

2011-04-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is my big news! Inspired by Clive's post on his great blog http://www.massivemtber.co.uk/, I learned about the 30 Days of Biking Challenge.

What is this thing? "30 Days of Biking is a challenge to ride your bike every day for thirty days during the month of April. It is what you make of it. Your goals drive what the event means for you. The one common theme is that we all ride every day!"

So, whether it is a ride around the neighborhood, a commute to work, getting errands done or a good workout, the idea is to be on the bike every day for the next 30 days.

I have been a bit absent from blogging lately and will be using this weekend to catch up. I found, not surprisingly, that the more I worked out (in March), the less time I had to post on my site and catch up on others. So, when I did some poking around yesterday and found Clive's post about this, I jumped over the the 30 Days site and registered. If you haven't done it yet, I am sorry to say that I think they closed registration at the end of the day, April 1st.

However, none of us are really into following the rules, right? If you'd like to join in, I suggest you start immediately and give yourself a quick "catch-up challenge" to make up for missing April 1st. Or just ride for the next 30 days. Your call, but the overall challenge is simple and should not be too intimidating to anyone.

For example, last night I finished work at about 5:50, got changed and went out for a 15 minute ride. It is Tucson, so it was blazing hot already and I did work up a quick sweat. Then, I returned home and went to my son's talent show. Not an impressive workout, but I was happy to get out there. Day 1.

I may still do some running this month...we'll see. But I have been splitting my workouts between running and cycling and will use April as a cycling-heavy month. I love my bike, so I am really looking forward to this.

Day 2. I was shoved out of bed at 6:15 this morning (due to previous instructions given to Mrs. Clyde...thanks for the discipline, honey!). I am not used to morning workouts and can't tell you how much I hated getting out there. But, once I was rolling, I was happy to be out there. Exhausted, but happy. I rode the La Canada hill, which I hate, and then finished with a nice 15 mile ride.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Big Clyde

March Rides...Out Like A Lamb

2011-04-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Early in March, I wrote this post about how I was starting to ride my bike more often (after a long, cold, lonely winter hibernation). I paraphrased the old weather slogan "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb". Perhaps that phrase was the foreshadowing for my cycling efforts this month.

I started very strong, like a lion. I ended March more like a lamb. So be it.

I rode 104 miles in March. I ran 27 miles and worked out a total of 15 days. I was really consistent until about 10 days ago, when I tapered off and only worked out three times since then. Maybe this was my "fourth week" or recovery week. Nonetheless, on various different levels, I rocked this month with running, exercise frequency and developing some good habits.

Work became pretty intensive recently and it has definitely had an impact on my exercise lately. Things seem to be settling down now, so I am back at it.

I will have some big news tomorrow. Thanks for following along!

Big Clyde

31 Miles in Three Days: A Successful Failure

2011-03-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

I didn't run 12 miles this week and did not cycle 25 miles. I worked out only four days this week, not six. Officially, I failed this week's goal. But I feel like a winner tonight.

On Saturday, I convinced Mrs. Clyde and our three kids to go on a roaming bike ride with me. We split up a few times, when some of us went to the bank, Subway, Blockbuster while the others pedalled straight to the park. We re-grouped and picnicked at the park, then went a few miles further and finally headed home. 12.4 miles in all. Not an aggressive pace for me, but a fantastic use of time on the bikes with the family.

My son, Cuppa Joe, is not really new to cycling, but does not ride much. He moved up to his older brother's bigger bike last summer, which felt a little intimidating to him at the time. Saturday's ride started a bit bumpy for Joe, when he fell about one mile from the house. Lots of grease on the leg and a decent bloody cut on the ankle was the result. After some venting on his part and coaching on my part, he got back on the bike...and fell again 15 feet later.

This 9-year old had two bike falls within the first 10 minutes of our ride and he still kept going. Love that kid.

I won't lie to you...he wasn't all guts and glory as he picked himself up after each fall. There was blood, sweat and tears and he knew that home was very close. But he was willing to ride away from the comfort of home, in order to push himself to what new experience might be ahead.

After many miles later, he actually fell one more time, skinning his knee. No tears this time. By now, he knew that he would achieve a personal distance record of 12 miles and that he had already achieved a lot more than playing it safe at home.

As for my goal, it was only 12 bike miles, but a major win in terms of spending time with the family and I will give myself bonus points for getting the family out on the bikes.

Sunday was already a busy day for my other son, wife and daughter. So, Cuppa Joe and I played basketball for about an hour, played on the playground equipment and got some frozen yogurt. Good times, but no mileage. Prior commitments and church occupied much of the rest of the day.

So, I chose to not to complete my own goal. That's not something I would have done 6 months ago, but it seemed the right decision for me this weekend.

Today is Monday...back to my new weekly goal of steady exercise.

Big Clyde

31 Miles in Three Days: Day 1 Update

2011-03-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

Not much to say other than I am so glad that this tough (work) week is over and I can be with family, friends and get caught up on some mileage.

I did a quick run tonight after work, but before a card game at TIG's* house. I did 2.04 miles in 22:31. That is a pace of 11:02. Not fast, but faster than I have been doing lately.

I really need to learn about intervals or working on speed. I know nothing about it and should probably learn.

I am also hoping to get a Garmin 305 or something similar in the future to track my pace on my runs. Any ideas?

Back with a mileage update tomorrow!

Big Clyde

(We call him TIG because his wife admiringly reminds us "...because he's a TIG welder". A wife who is proud of her husband is a beautiful thing to see!)

31 Miles in Three Days Challenge!

2011-03-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to check in. Last week was a great week for me: 13 miles of running and 25 miles on the bike. 6 workout days in a row. My speed is increasing (especially on the bike) and I feel healthier. Goals achieved.

This week however has been a bit more challenging. I took Monday off and Tuesday off...and had a massive work emergency project on Wednesday. I have fallen far behind on my mileage goals this week so far.

The bike miles can be made up easily. I did just 6 quick miles tonight after work. Crazy Jim is on his way over to watch the UofA vs. Duke game. Go Arizona!

I know that I can do a longer bike ride this weekend to get to 25 cycling miles, maybe more. But I have no running miles in yet this week. Doing 12 by Sunday night (and the cycling miles) seems like more of a challenge, but I am committing here to do it.

12 Running Miles,

19 Bike Miles,

By Sunday night.

I'll post my results nightly.

See you out there!

Big Clyde

The March Experiment

2011-03-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

I guess I will call this The March Experiment (yeah, it took me 1 second to develop that catchy name).

For the month of March, I have focused simply on working out (cycling or running) at least six days a week. After this month, I'll evaluate what's next for me.

Some initial observations:

This marks my most consistent exercise pattern that I have had since 1987, when I was on a tennis team in college in Japan. We worked out constantly. We played tennis at times. Weird.
My goals are 12 running miles per week and 25 cycling miles per week. Pretty light on the cycling, but remember, I am focused this month on six days of activity per week. That means fitting in a daily workout schedule that varies between 30 and 60 minutes. That is 50 running miles per month and 100 cycling miles, give or take a few. Seems pretty good for a guy like me.
Though the primary goal is consistency, I am working on intensity for the bike rides. I am noticing that I am going faster on the bike. I feel stronger on the hills.and faster on the flats.
I dropped two pounds last week, but have not changed my diet much at all.
It seems that this activity alone won't drop the weight. I have to combine it with good choices.
But, the activity is great for my legs, my heart and my overall fitness level.
One interesting run was last Tuesday. I had plenty of time for the run, but I just felt horrible when I started. I wondered if I would quit early. There was no particular pain, just an overall achey, plodding feeling to the run. That feeling lasted for the first 10 minutes. Then, I felt better...and then, awesome! I felt like I had hit a rhythm and could just keep going. I ran for 65 minutes, with no walking or stopping. 5.4 miles. If I didn't have family duties back home, I could have kept going.

A year ago, I did almost no exercise but was diligent on eating no more than 1,700 calories per day. The weight dropped off, which was imperative, given that I was at 325 pounds.

For now, I am enjoying the routine that I am developing.

Big Clyde

Boring or Awesome ?!?

2011-03-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

If the question is "how is March going" for me, then the answer is: Both! March is boring AND awesome for me.

For the past two weeks, I have been on either my bike or a run on twelve of those days.

So, is that boring? Sure, a little. Sometimes I am doing a 2-mile run, sometimes a 4 or 5-mile run. Sometimes an 8-mile quick bike ride. Boring.

Is it AWESOME? Yeah, it totally is awesome, because that means that I am developing a habit of cardio work on a regular basis.

It's not as exciting as a huge milestone race (which has been a motivator in the past).

It's not necessarily resulting in weight loss (I'm intentionally not tracking my weight right now).

But I can feel that I am getting stronger and getting used to the routine of exercising.

It's turning out to be a great month.

Big Clyde

Tragedy in Japan

2011-03-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

We are all seeing the coverage. I feel like I am in shock. It is difficult to get my head around the devastation affecting the people and the nation as a whole. Entire towns have disappeared, washed away by the tsunami. 4.4 million houses are without electricity. 1.4 million houses without water. Humans cannot survive longer than 3-4 days without water.

I encourage you to consider a donation to the American Red Cross or Samaritan's Purse to give some much needed aid. Both of these organizations have been helping on the ground in Japan since last weekend.

Forgive me for some personal reflections here. I know that some people hate it when people add their personal experiences to external tragedies, but I am going to do it anyway.

I lived in Japan for about 6 months in 1987. I was an exchange student in college and majored in Japanese. Then, between 1990 and 1998, I travelled extensively throughout Japan for business by train and even private plane. I really had a good time in Japan, making many close friendships there during my college days. Over time, I have lost contact with those friends and now I wish I knew if they were okay.

I remember being in Sendai, the largest city hit by the earthquake and tsunami. It is a beautiful area with an easy-going vibe. It felt to me like a cross between Seattle and the dairylands of Wisconsin. I wonder if it will ever be the same.

One of the characteristics of the Japanese people is customer service, service to others. They are an island-nation, accustomed to taking care of each other. I keep thinking of how all Japanese people, even those living in the far southern regions are going to be devasted by this tragedy in the northern half.

Finally, I just wanted to share a haunting image that is likely the most famous piece of Japanese art. It is called Hokusai's Great Wave Off Kanagawa, published sometime between 1830 and 1833. I had a poster of this in my house when I lived in Japan. It depicts a huge wave, overcoming boats of Japanese people with Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Hokusai's Great Wave off Kanagawa

An art critic described it this way:

The drawing of the wave is a deification of the sea made by a painter who lived with the religious terror of the overwhelming ocean completely surrounding his country; He is impressed by the sudden fury of the ocean's leap toward the sky, by the deep blue of the inner side of the curve, by the splash of its claw-like crest as it sprays forth droplets.

Week(end) Recap

2011-03-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

My last post hit Friday morning. Busy time since then...

Friday (day) - Drive two hours to Phoenix (and back home) to grab some product from my awesome factory, who made three samples overnight for me...in prep for a huge presentation on Monday. Wife and I rallied our friends for a last-minute dinner gathering.

Friday, 5pm - After work, headed out for a quick run. Did 2.2 miles, with a steep hill. Short run, but was glad to get it in.

Friday night - Got together with 9 other friends at a local brewery. Good times.

Big Clyde likes a can of beer.

Saturday - Spent the day around the University of Arizona with the fam, while my daughter did volunteer work at the Ben's Bells Project.

Saturday night - Did a 8 mile ride on the bike at an average speed of 14 mph. Pretty fast for me. My friend Jay suggests that my commuter bike, knobby tires and heavy tubes are slowing me down a bit. My tires are nearly worn out. When that happens, I'll upgrade to some quicker "road" tires. Watched "School of Rock" with the fam.

Sunday morning - Church. Sermon was on loving my enemies. I am working on it, God.

Sunday mid-day - Did some work reports, got ready for big Monday meeting, then made a fruit salad for dinner party at Crazy Jim's house.

Sunday evening - Ran 3.8 miles before the dinner party. Again, glad to get in some mileage on an otherwise busy day.

Sunday night - College Group meets at our house. We kicked them out at 10pm.

Great weekend.

Mileage for the week:
Running: 12 miles
Cycling: 17 miles
Worked-out 9 out of the last 11 days. A definite improvement for me.

There was no epic workout period, but I am trying to make something happen about 6 days a week. Mission accomplished.

Big Clyde

Defying Expectations

2011-03-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your feedback on my previous post. You helped me answer a few questions that were bouncing around in my head.

My basic question was...are short rides of 9-12 miles (or runs of 3 miles) long enough to bring improved fitness and weight loss? Those distances seem so minimal, compared to typical mileage amounts for endurance athletes. As I type it again, I realize it was a pretty stupid question. The answer is "of course...any exercise is good".

A co-worker and I met up yesterday afternoon. He is a field tech for our company, doing physical labor everyday, and he told me he is concerned about his high blood pressure. The doctor is giving him pills. I said "do you exercise?" He said "no, but I won't have to now, because I'll have the pills."

He went to say how fit and healthy I look (I've never had high blood pressure and we are the same age). I was surprised because I still feel so heavy. But he could tell that I am different now. He had heard about my cycling and asked what else I am doing. I mentioned that I am running as well. He said he "could never do that".

As I drove away, I realized that he was right about the changes I have made in the past year or two. My progress has been slow, but it has been steady. I am becoming an athlete for the first time in my life.

I have never been an athlete...not in high school, college, etc. I don't have a burning competitiveness toward sports and that is fine with me. I started this cycling (and running) thing just to develop some new habits...to improve my quality of life and prevent the illnesses that accompany that middle-age, sedentary, high-calorie lifestyle.

But I do like to defy expectations. Throughout my life, I have taken on challenges (work, hobbies, skill sets, etc.) that others around me wouldn't dare try to do.

This Clydesdale Project of mine defies some expectations, at least my expectations for myself.

Because among the people that I work with, and my customers, and many of my friends (most in their mid-40's),

very few of them have run over 100 miles in the past few months.
very few of them have ridden their bikes over 1,500 miles in the past 18 months.
very few do cardio workouts 5-6 days per week.

If you are an endurance athlete out there, these might seem like small numbers to you. But, considering that I am a "lifelong non-athlete" who is still close to 300 pounds, I am in a pretty elite group these days. I can name only a handful of people in my life (outside of you, my blogging pals) that do what I do.

My pace is improving.
My monthly miles are increasing.
The fact that I am still exercising multiple times a week, month after month, is life-changing.

I will take breaks. I will have setbacks. I will likely be a middle-of-the-pack racer.

But I am defying expectations and I won't quit.

March Rides in Like a Lion

2011-03-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Just a short post here to say that I have had fun on my bike over the past few days. Nothing too dramatic, but I did some errands on the bike on Saturday, getting in about 12 miles, then Crazy Jim and I went for a short ride on Sunday afternoon for another 9 miles. With Thursday's longer ride, that totals 43 miles so far this month and I am pretty happy with that.

I have written a longer post that I'll publish soon, where I am trying to sort out my goals for 2011 (I know, I am a bit behind). I am trying to decide what my goals should be and what type of training I will need to achieve them.

My quick questions are as follows:

1. Will these short rides of 9-12 miles, done 5-6 times per week result in some weight loss and increased fitness?

2. Or, do the rides have to be much longer in mileage or time?

3. If the shorter, more frequent rides are sufficient, then why do so many cyclists focus on distances of 20-40 mile rides?

Biking Season Begins!

2011-03-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

At least, it began for me this week. I felt like a bear, climbing out of his winter cave into the daylight.

Things this week went just as I figured they would. My cold is pretty much gone now and Thursday morning, Crazy Jim and I went for our first decent bike ride of the year. Crazy Jim is an awesome friend who started cycling with me last year and did the El Tour ride with me and my son.

So, we rode 22 miles (which included some strong hills) and it felt great to be back out there.

My eating was decent, but not great. During my sickness and business trip, I was not very focused on eating well. Consequently, I lost no weight this week.

This week marked a new chapter in our family life. My wife started a new job this week, which brings a new and great schedule to our family. Other good things happened as well, and I feel like we can finally exhale and settle into a new phase of our lives. (For the past year, we have been going through some turmoil in a few areas and it all finally seemed to move forward in a positive direction this week). It feels really good.

I'll be riding or running today and tomorrow. Mileage will be posted on dailymile.com and on the sidebar on the right.

Big Clyde

We Are All Lab Rats

2011-03-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Consider the common labratory rat, also known as Rattus Norvegicus*.

That's me, on the left.

Lab rats are not volunteers. God or fate caused them to be born or placed into a particular lab, where they would undergo certain experiments on their bodies or behavior. Not all rats in the Rattus Norvegicus species are alike.

Some are bred for obesity.
Others for hypertension.
Others for calm demeanor,
or hyperactivity,
or strength,
or size,
or intelligence.

Still with me?

All of these rats, though they are of the same species, are bred for different purposes. Before they are a day old, they already have preferences and limitations that separate them from the other rats.

You know what I'm talking about if you've ever been to a pet store. Take a look at the rats. Some of them are running on that spinning wheel, literally going nowhere (and probably loving it), while other rats are just laying there, watching the spazz-rat on the wheel.

I am the spectator rat, watching that spinning spazz-rat...wondering WHY he is running on that stupid wheel.

My point is this: I did not choose my breeding or my dna. My ancestry is a mish-mash of Northern European countries but the most dominant heritage seems to be Norwegian. Ever see a skinny Norwegian? This is a country that is known for their pastries (because their entrees are no delicacy, trust me).

I didn't choose my dna and neither did any of you.

I have friends who struggle with alcohol. They can't have just one drink. One drink turns into 6 or 12. I don't happen to have that affliction with drink, but I have it with food.

Yet, I have other friends who eat garbage, never exercise and weigh about 165 (yes, Crazy Jim, I am talking about you). As a lab rat, maybe they were bred for different experiments that are unknown to me.

Other rats seem to be super-rats. Be honest now...some of you lab-rats out there have a natural appetite for speed, healthy foods or activity. Some of you have always LOVED running on that wheel, right?

As a rat, what is in my dna? Decent intelligence, a sense of humor, above-average height and an appetite like Winnie-the-Pooh. I like to be with my friends, eat sweets and exercise as little as possible (which is why I tend to look like Pooh bear).

And yet, I know that my brain is much larger than a rat's brain and we, unlike the lab rats, are able to make choices of what we eat and how we move. We have freedom...we can unlock the rat cage and make our own choices.

So, what's the problem?

Here it is: Some of us rats forget that we have that power of choice. We have short memories and we forget that we can get out of the cage. So, we wake up each morning, see that we are still in our cage and get ready for a full day of overeating and a comfortable chair. We just follow along with dna and overeat or overdrink, or live that no-exercise lifestyle.

I am a rat, who is slowly and ploddingly trying to overcome my dna.

Anyone out there feel me?

Big Clyde

* By the way, it is a weird coincidence that the common lab rat is called Rattus Norvegicus. Me and lab rats, both seem to come from Norway.

Quick Update

2011-03-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Still sick...but my energy is returning. I just still have the hacking cough. If it is still here on Thursday, I may break down and see the doc and get a Z-Pack. (Thanks for the idea, J!)

No mileage or workouts since...2/16. My gosh. Feb totals were 7 miles on the bike and 6 miles on foot. That might be my lowest in a year. I think that I was so elated from my 10K race at the end of January and wanted to nurse a slightly sore knee and then, I just fell out of the habit. Then, being sick for the past 10 days or so, I just haven't felt like getting out there.  I am ready to at least start riding the bike and if the lungs clear up, start running again.

Weight is up but still below where I started a few weeks ago...I have not been horrible, but not at all counting calories or trying to "eat healthy".    So, it's been easier to have a big bowl of cereal vs. making a healthy egg white omelette with veggies. Combine those food choices with um, no mileage last month...and yet get some weight gain (at least, I end up with weight gain).

So, the iPod Touch...has now been turned over to my wife. I have a new goal for this Saturday's weigh-in. If I hit it, then I get it back. See this post for some background. By the way, Alan, I think that your comment about loss aversion is correct. We value what we HAVE, more than what we don't have.   Ever see the look on a baby's face when you take away that favorite blanket?? That will be me for the rest of the week. Got to drop some poundage quickly!

Work...has been busy. I worked last weekend, finished my huge project yesterday and now I'm off for a quick business trip through tomorrow night.  Hopefully, I'll grab a long weekend starting Thursday (or Friday) and can get back to a decent schedule and some mileage.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

Big Clyde

Taking a Mulligan...

2011-02-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Do you know this term, "taking a mulligan"? Golfer's do.

Urban Dictionary defines it as: A Mulligan, in a game, happens when a player gets a second chance to perform a certain move or action; usually due to lack of skill or bitter luck. A "Do-Over".

I am taking a mulligan on this week's weigh-in. Not burying my head in the sand, I did actually step on the scale and saw how my week of sickness affected my weight. A 4-pound gain, which maybe could have been expected after strong losses over the past two weeks.

I continue to have a hacking cough with no time to really rest up on this weekend. My huge work project involves an unusual work day in the field today and major office time on Sunday-Monday. Then, I have a quick business trip until Thursday, when I will steal a couple of days off.

The good news is that I am slowly starting to feel better, except for the cough and mild congestion. It seems I am coming around. My goal is still within reach, but will require even greater effort now.

I hope all is well with all of you.

Big Clyde

Big Clyde being nursed back to good health!

iTouchallenge - The Sequel

2011-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

I should be pretty embarrassed about today's topic, but so many of you already know that I struggle with my weight, etc. (and let's face, this blog is pretty much anonymous), so here goes.

When I started this blog, I weighed 325 pounds (or 23 stone, which sounds a lot better to me). I am 6'4" (193 cm). I really started to focus on weight loss on March 1st of last year. By eating much better, I lost 30 pounds pretty rapidly. Another 20 came off more slowly. Finally, on September 6, 2010, I had lost a clean 50 pounds! My reward (along with increased confidence, improved health, etc.) was an iPod Touch. The pricetag was not too extreme, but let's face it, an iPod Touch is a luxury item. Therefore, I was happy to "earn it" with the achievement of a 50 pound loss.

And then, I knowingly took my eye of the scale and gained some weight back, slowly and steadily through the holidays. Though I was aware of the gains, I also knew that I was increasing my running mileage and wasn't too concerned about it. On November 26, we struck a new deal...I would hand it over until I re-lost the extra pounds. Read about it here.

How'd I do? I defaulted on the plan within a week or two. We re-negotiated a few times, but she never signed on to be my cop and I can be ~~pitiful~~ persuasive.

So, now we are back at it. Call it a sequel to the original iTouch Challenge.

The new plan is as follows: I will lose a predetermined amount by each Saturday between now and the end of March. If I happen to miss my Saturday goal, I forfeit the iTouch for a week. Each week, the goal is readjusted. This way, if I happen to crush it one week, I set a goal for a smaller loss for the next week. On the other hand, if I fall behind in my loss, we re-calibrate and choose a new reasonable goal for the next week. My goal is to get back down to 275 by the end of March. I am confident that I will do it.

So far, I have not had to turn it over to her and our little game has caused me to be more disciplined. Good stuff. My goal is to lose two pounds this week. We'll know how I did on Saturday morning.

I know that many of you don't need such hijinks to stay focused, eat healthy, etc. I commend you and am envious. But from childhood, I grew up making poor food choices. I am now working on changing my head.

Secondly, I just wanted to show that our efforts toward increased health can be fun and involve others. It is fun for me to be in this little challenge and I am grateful for all of you who are playing along with me.

I am still sick with a bad cold that has not let up. I am concerned it will affect my weigh-in, but there's only so much I can control. Keep a watch for Saturday's post to see how I do.

Big Clyde

I Sound Like Darth Vader

2011-02-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

Guhhh...I am sick. My chest is pretty congested, so I smear on VapoRub, take hot showers and am trying to pump the vitamin C and liquids. No mileage this weekend.

I have a big project at work, which means I will be at my desk most of the week, so it should be low-key enough for me to heal up and get back to some running or cycling.

But for now, I have a congested chest, hacking cough and a voice like Darth Vader.

Speaking of the Vader family, do you know about Darth's lesser-known brother, Chad? Enjoy.

Weigh In - February 19, 2011

2011-02-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

Weight Change: Lost 3 pounds since last Saturday! That means I'm down 9 pounds in the past two weeks.

Today, I'm feeling: Like The Dude after a good doctor appointment ! (minus the j)

Here's what happened last week:
I ate very well (see below) and ran only twice. I had a busy work week with an overnight trip and am looking forward to an easy week ahead.

Food: This week, I ate really well at approx 1,750 calories per day. Most of the food was proteins (egg whites, some cheese, cream for the coffee and non-fat milk), fruits and carrots. I did eat some fatty snacks a few times, but just backed off my calories during the rest of the day. That's not a good healthy way to eat, but I think I am still getting past some sweet-tooth habits.

Liquids: I drink mostly water and coffee, with a few green teas.

Exercise: 5.7 miles on two separate runs. I fell far short of my goals here. Need to step this up.

My Goals for this Week:
• Drop 2 pounds.
• Continue to pursue goal of 275 weight by March 31st!
• 35 miles this week: 25 on the bike, 10 on my feet.
• Eat 1,750 daily calories of good healthy food, more green veggies.

Make it a good week everyone!

Big Clyde

WORKout?

2011-02-18T09:51:00.000-08:00

Me: "Are you kids doing your homework?"

Daughter: "Don't you mean home-fun, Dad?"

Me: "What??"

Daughter: (with a sarcastic smile on her face) "It's not home-WORK, if it's fun, Dad!"

Clever.

She used the same line against me recently when I was heading out for a "workout".

Daughter: "Remember, Dad...it's not a WORK-OUT, if it's fun!!!!

It got me thinking about my workouts. Are they fun? Well, usually yes. But I do know that I often get pretty consumed with my pace or time, especially when I run. So much so, that when I haven't run for awhile, I dread the workout because I know that I will be faced with a likely slower pace.

See? Even weight-lifting can be fun!

Instead, I need to remember that in its purest sense, cycling is fun! Running is fun! Seriously. If I just work on getting my miles in, I am guessing that the speed will improve in good time.

Do you enjoy your workouts?

Or do you just endure them so that you can enjoy the results?

Cycling Mileage 2010

2011-02-17T06:02:00.000-08:00

Weekly mileage update

Bike: 7 miles done, 33 miles to go.

Run: 5.7 miles done, 4.3 to go.

Goal: 50 total miles by Saturday night

I am going to be making a few changes soon on the blog's layout, so I wanted to get rid of my cycling mileage sidebar. I'll just post the totals on a monthly basis this year. Therefore, I'll use this posting to consolidate the mileage for that year.

A quick summary: For 2010, I intended to ride 40 miles per week or 175 miles per month or 2,100 miles. I did basically a third of this, but achieved most other goals and became interested in running as well, so I have no regrets.

January: 136 miles
February: 44 miles
March: 25 miles
April: 41 miles
May 42 miles
June: 20 miles
July: 21 miles
August: 32 miles
September: 57 miles
October: 161 miles
November: 127 miles
December: 38 miles

2010 Actual: 753 miles

2009 Actual: 656 miles

What should I do in 2011? I am wondering if I should set a big cycling goal, or a running goal or both? I know that I have become more interested in goals that will promote better lifestyle choices, rather than epic distances. For example, I think I will be healthier for years to come, if I get into a habit of daily or weekly mileage, rather than training for a marathon or century (then drifting away after that goal is achieved).

Any suggestions?

Big Clyde

Vintage Bike for Sale

2011-02-15T00:04:00.000-08:00

Weekly mileage update

Bike: 7 miles done, 33 miles to go.

Run: 2 miles done, 8 to go.

Goal: 50 total miles by Saturday night

It is with regret that I am selling my vintage Schwinn Collegiate. I only purchased it a few months ago, with thoughts of riding it regularly to my local grocery store, the pub and around the neighborhood with my family. I wrote about my intentions here.

Though the Shwinn is in excellent condition, I have taken steps to convert my other bike (the HUCC-B) into more of a commuter style (with some lights for riding at night and a rack in the back). I really do love my HUCC-B bike now. It is nearly bullet-proof, can go long distances comfortably, carry my heavy frame, can handle some rough roads and has no trouble riding off some curbs on occasion. It is basically, the star football player on campus. Good-looking, super-strong and yes, as tough as one can be on the mean city streets (and bike paths).

My Schwinn on the other hand, is the star cheerleader on campus. Sure, she is athletic (with 5-speeds), a great frame, and is in excellent shape, etc., but she is also drop-dead GORGEOUS and wants to be admired. She shines when we are out and definitely turns heads.

Okay, I get that this has gotten a bit weird, especially since this is the part where I am saying that I would rather be with the football player than the cheerleader. Let me get back on track...

Bottom line: I have many miles to ride in 2011 and many hills to climb. Those miles will be better achieved on my newer bike and so it is time to get the Schwinn into the hands of someone who will appreciate her style and beauty.

So, I have it listed on craigslist in Tucson, but thought that I would throw out the announcement here as well. Here is the link and some pics:

Big Clyde

P.S. My apologies if I have offended anyone with the sterotypical examples of the football player and the cheerleader. I was neither, nor was anyone else in my immediate family. Somehow, the thought of my 1975 Schwinn just kept playing old Brady Bunch episodes in my head, involving cheerleaders and BMOC's!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day has taken on a broader meaning to me as I have grown older. In the past 2-3 years, I've attended a few weddings and five funerals. The funerals crush me. They cause me to consider how grateful I am for the loved ones in my life. I am so sorry to experience the loss of these friends/family and I grieve for their families as well.

So, on Valentine's Day, I am now grateful for my loved ones. On the top of my list, I am grateful for my wife of 20 years and my three wonderful kids. And I am also grateful the rest of my family as well, both local and those that live far away.

But I am also grateful for my friends, including so many of you. It is a vulnerable thing, writing a blog about my weight and weaknesses. There have been times when I have temporarily felt like giving up...you have propped me up. I have lamented on how far I have to go...you have celebrated how far I have come. Although we haven't met, those supportive and encouraging actions are true signs of friendship. Thank you very much for that friendship.

So, on this Valentine's Day, who are you most grateful for in your life?

Weigh In - February 12, 2011

2011-02-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

A clydesdale at rest.

Weight Change: Lost 6 pounds since last Saturday!

Today, I'm feeling: Great! Ready to get back to running and cycling, after a two week absence. I have been a clydesdale at rest.

Here's what happened over the past two weeks:

After running my first 10K, I found myself catching up on time with family, a busy work schedule and letting a dull pain in my knee heal up with some rest. I weighed in last week for the first time last Saturday to set a new baseline.

Food: This week, I ate really well at approx 1,750 calories per day. Most of the food was proteins (egg whites, some cheese, cream for the coffee and non-fat milk), fruits and carrots. I also had some cereal, which I have to get rid of from my diet. It is not healthy for me and I tend to overeat it.

Liquids: I drank tons of water, no soda, and a beer or two.

Exercise: Nothing this past week. A light run the week before. Terrible.

Confessional: After the last few months of steady running or cycling mileage, I also ate more fatty foods, which included more sugar. That sugar is addictive and I see that I still need to work on reducing those cravings. Another week or so of healthy food and those cravings should go away.

My Goals for this Week:
• Drop another 3 pounds.
• Continue to pursue goal of 275 weight by March 31st!
• 50 miles this week: 40 on the bike, 10 on my feet.
• Eat 1,700 daily calories of good healthy food, more green veggies.

Make it a good week everyone!

Big Clyde

This Is Going To Hurt

2011-02-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

It is time to re-focus on my weight and get down to 275 by March 31st. What's my starting point?

Even I don't know today, but I'll hit the scales tomorrow morning and it will be bad. Just the thought of seeing the number seems painful to me now.

My running definitely strengthened my legs and likely moved around some muscle, fat, etc., but my increased appetite and lax food choices have kept the pounds on and likely added some.

So, tomorrow, I'll lumber onto the scales, set some weekly goals and get after it. I have no concerns about hitting my goal on March 31st.

And yet, I fear that you will be disappointed in my gains and I fully understand. After 44 years of poor eating habits, I see that when I take my eye off the ball, I fall back into old eating habits quickly.

You may recall when I wrote about this stating that my autopilot switch is broken. Time to put my hands on the controls again and fly the plane on a steady course.

Thanks for your comments about my friend's family. Death is tragic, but this father-son story has just left me a bit numb and caused me to just want to focus on family (when not busy with work).

My two boys have been running together (on a challenge) every day this week, just a half-mile. Sunday, we will likely jump it up to a two-mile run with several walk-breaks for them. They seem to like the running, but are treating their small loop like a sprint. I want them to get used to longer distances, so that we can do some upcoming 5k's together, where they can not only keep up with me, but even challenge me!

Hug your loved ones, my friends.

Big Clyde

A Sad Week

2011-02-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

I have not focused on training for much of the past week and I figured that I should drop a note to explain what's up.

About 10 days ago, the son of one of my friends passed away in his sleep. He was 20 years old.   His father (my friend Jim) died in the summer of 2009 of a brain tumor and his son struggled with the loss of his dad ever since.   Zack was a great young man, who profoundly loved his father, mother and three brothers. At the funeral, we all questioned why this happened. Why a wonderful family had to endure the loss of first the father, and now the eldest son. I don't have the answers and it is painful for so many of us. Though it sounds trite, I firmly believe that Zack and Jim are together in Heaven and his family finds comfort in that belief as well. He is survived by his three brothers and his mother.

In addition, I am aware of some other college-age friends of our family that are going through some serious challenges right now. It is all very sad, but I am hopeful that God, their families and friends will carry them through some tough times.

These tragic events have just made me want to stay close to my family and enjoy our time together. Maybe I am also coming down off of the achievement of my 10K race (and some resulting knee soreness). I've run twice, but nothing further than a few miles. I even ran with my two boys who are now very determined to run regularly with me! In fact, they are doing daily 1/2 mile runs together this week, while I am away on a short business trip.   I have also been helping my daughter study as she endures finals at her smarty-pants high school. I now know just a little about cellular respiration!

I have also been looking ahead to some upcoming races that I will be doing in the next few months. A 5K, a mid-distance cycling race and yes, a short duathalon. (Are you happy now, Patrick?)

So, that is why I have been missing-in-action lately. It has been nice to relax and be very present with the family. I will return (to the blogs and to my training) in a few days.

I hope all is well with all of you. And I encourage you, to hold your loved ones close...life is very precious and our time together is nothing short of a gift. Don't waste it.

Big Clyde

P.S. (In answer to Kovas's comment from my previous post), this is definitely not turning into a "mommy-blog"! (Not that there's anything wrong with that.).   I just figured Mrs. Clyde should finally get something tangible out of this clydesdale project, so she gets the "product review" waffle-maker. Sue me.

Upcoming Product Review!

2011-01-31T16:43:00.000-08:00

I am fortunate that once again, the folks at CSN are allowing me to do a product review or giveaway. The last time I was offered this type of opportunity, I turned it into a giveaway to two lucky winners.

This time, I asked Mrs. Clyde if she would like to pick from the many different product offerings and write a product review. CSN basically sells everything that you would find at the malls, sporting goods stores and luggage stores. But there is a pretty wide variety with a wide range of costs. Good stuff.

In a week or so, please look for a post from Mrs. Clyde.

BC

What's Next?

2011-01-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all of the great comments about the race on Sunday. It was a huge day for me and I am still enjoying the realization that I did it!

Now, what's next? This is what I have been wondering since last Sunday.

When I committed to the 10K, I also commited to running my first half-marathon on March 27th. That may still happen, but I have been re-thinking it. Kovas asked me (a few months ago) why I was committing to do these events? Was it fulfilling a long-held goal or have I been around these races for awhile, always wanting to get in on the action? Does "completing a race/distance" seem as fulfilling as developing a lifelong habit or more moderate weekly mileage?

Good questions.

Here is what I know about myself: I am more comfortable in a state of rest. I always have been. I honestly think we all should prefer comfort over sweaty exertion on some road somewhere. Really, what's wrong with all of you athletic people?

So, given that I prefer to NOT exercise and that I love food, I must find some other psychological carrot out there to get me off the couch. Self-esteem, better health, all overcoming new challenges all work for me, as long as I get to share the journey with others. Glad to be on that journey with all of you.

So, I have been thinking that I will continue with my training plan for the half-marathon, which amps up my weekly mileage with 3 days of 3-4 mile runs, some cross-training on the bike and one long run on Sundays. The mileage will grow slightly each week, but I think I can handle it.

Having said that, my main goal will NOT be the half-marathon. Maybe I'll do it, maybe I won't. Like Winnie-the-Pooh, I seem to be a "bear of very little brain" and I feel like I can only focus on one major goal at a time. During the last two months, when I was training for the 10K, I ate whatever I wanted. Not terribly, but not good. Despite having run about 66 miles over 2 months, I still weigh the same, which is higher than I was last September. How will I do on my next 10K, if I'm not sitting at 290 ?!?!

Therefore, my major goal ahead will be to drop the weight. At least to get down to 275, (where I was last September). That's 15 pounds and I'll do that by March 31st. I'd be pretty happy to get down to 250 within this year, which would be a 40-pound drop. I'll put some more timelines to it, to keep me on track.

I'll lose the weight by posting it weekly, counting calories and sticking with the running miles for the half-marathon. If I am eating better AND putting in the miles, the weight should fall off. I just have to find some great go-to foods that can satisfy my increased appetite that comes with the running mileage.

Big Clyde

Sun Run 10K - Race Report Highlights

2011-01-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

On November 23, 2010, I wrote that I needed a new Scary Milestone Event. Something that would force me to keep moving and be a stretch goal. I declared that day that I would run in the Sun Run 10K race today. Prior to this, I had only run in a 5K last September.

The race was today and it was awesome! It may take a day or two for them to post the official results online, but I clocked my time at approx 1:07:40! That is a 10:54 pace, which is much better than I anticipated.

Here are a few highlights:

Personal Record for this distance! I ran this distance last week, but it took me 10 minutes longer.
My goal was to finish in 1:12...approx 12:00 min/mile pace.
My first mile was just about 10:00. Probably a bit fast for me.
2nd mile was about 11:00 and 3rd mile was 11:30. I started to slow it down, realizing that I was only halfway done and was already above my target pace.
I don't have a Garmin GPS watch, so I gave up trying to tally my pace per mile at that point. but this means that the first 3 miles were done in 32:30 (which is a pace of approx 10:45).
I believe that I kept that pace because my ending pace for the entire race was very close to that.

Oh, and did I mention that I ran off course at mile #5 station to go pee? They had port-o-pottys and I had been wanting to go for about 20 minutes. I realized I would be able to improve my pace if I could duck into the blue space shuttle for about 30 seconds to off-load some of that hydration.

So, yes, my race could have been even faster if I hadn't spent some of it in "quiet time", but it could have made for some awkward finish line pics as well, if you know what I mean.

I do want to give some quick thanks here, given how important this day has been to me. My wife and kids believe in me and have supported me the entire way. I was so uplifted seeing them along the race route today and I love them so much.

I also wanted to thank all of you who comment here (and at my new obsession: the Endurance Athlete Project). I have tried this before...to list out specific bloggers who mean so much to me, but the list grows so long and I am always fearful that I might offend by leaving someone off the list. It also is a bit of work to "link" to everyone's sites. But given how much I have relied on some of you specifically with regard to today's race and my running activities in general, I wish to thank the following people:
Patrick Mahoney (Godfather of the EAP), Kovas, Christina, Tricia, Lindsay, Lesley, RockStar Tri, Scott, Travis, TRI714, Alan, Caratunk Girl, Matty O, Bruce, Raegun, Ann, Patrick at 199, Al (glad to have you back!), Moving Mertle, Megan, Jessica, 5KRae, The Turtle, Luke, SpunkySuzi, and RickGetsFit. Your expertise and encouragement kept me going when I otherwise would have quit. That is the absolute truth.

In a few days, I'll add some pics that the family took at the race. Can't wait to see them myself.

I hope everyone else is having a great weekend.

Big Clyde

Fleet Feet Run, Beer and PR

2011-01-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Clyde told me about a running store across town that was having an event with Brooks Shoes and a fun run, so I went to it last night. Here are the highlights:

It was sponsored by Fleet Feet Tucson, voted one of the "The 50 Best Running Stores in America" for each of the past five years. They are one of two shops that I have visited since I started this clydesdale project.
The co-sponsor of the event was Brooks Shoes and they brought their double-decker bus that is on tour for their Run Happy campaign. Coming to a running store near you.
The giveaway event thing started at 3pm and the run was to start at 5pm. Two miles or four. I was doing two.
Anyway, good times and they had some giveaways. I bought a few things: a light that clips onto my reflective Road ID running hat, so now I can see better when I run at night...and I also got some little pouch/belt thing so I won't have to wear my dorky fanny-pack on my long runs.
Aside from a 5K that I ran in September, I have not run with other people...ever. Even at that 5K, I didn't know anyone. I was just near other people. Tonight would be my second time running around other runners, eventhough I didn't know a soul at the event.

I got there early and just looked around the store, the crazy bus, etc. I was, by far, the largest human there. Big surprise.

Every once in awhile, an employee would delicately approach me, like I was a lost kid, looking for my mom. "You doin' okay? Do you need anything?" Eventually one of them said "are you thinking about going on the run with us? Or...you could WALK it????"

I smiled and said "I'm running". They smiled (nervously) and walked away. Maybe they went to look for the cpr kit.

As more runners arrived and started stretching and preparing for the run, I felt very out of place. Like I should have been volunteering to stay back and keep an eye on their coats and purses, while they went on the run.

The ~~Race~~ Run!
It was a two-mile run and I wanted to get a PR. For me that would mean coming in under a 10:22 pace/mile.

My competition: many fit-looking mom-types, their vegetarian-looking husband/boyfriends and a few others...about 100 people. I zeroed in on three people that I thought might be at my pace:

the chubby, hairy guy wearing an "I run for beer" t-shirt (I'm not kidding)
the older guy wearing sunglasses and an old school leather football helmet (still, not kidding)
the mom pushing TWO kids in a stroller!

As we started, I settlled in to a good pace and was very close to stroller-mom. She was great, working very hard to navigate the bumpy terrain, but talking so sweetly to her two kids. Every once in awhile, one of the kids would say "Mommy, why aren't we going faster?!" I hear ya', kid.

I finished in 18 min, 50 seconds, which gave me a pace of 9:25/mile. This is a PR for me.

After the run, the prize was a pint glass that could be filled at the restaurant next door. Free beer is always appreciated. Free beer after my fastest 2-miler ever? Delicious!

It definitely helped me to be around other runners. When I'm on my own, I get too much up in my head and allow myself to slow down at times. Yesterday, I treated this run like it was a race, where I at least wanted to keep pace with others. That helped me set a new PR for this short distance.

Thanks to all of you for the encouragement about my race this Sunday. It will be my 2nd biggest race (after El Tour de Tucson 2009 race). Feeling good.

Big Clyde

What's Your 10K Time?

2011-01-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

The Sun Run 10K is this Sunday morning (I know, the countdown clock on the right must be on Greenwich Mean Time or something).

When I ran this same distance (6.2 miles) last Sunday, it took me 1 hour and 17 minutes. According to last year's results, that would put me just ahead of a 9-year-old and a 73-year-old. Imagine the achievement for both of them, to accomplish this distance at their respective ages. For a man that is basically in between their two ages, I should be able to smoke them, but I'll be happy to just complete my first 10K and consider where I was one year ago.

If you are new to this site, one year ago, I weighed 325 pounds (I'm 6'4" tall), had never run or jogged and rode my bike at a very slow pace. I now weigh 285 and am obsessed with improving my running pace and looking forward to a year of new milestone achievements.

But I love a challenge. So, I am asking you to give me a goal time for this 10K. You see that I just did the practice run in 1:17. But I have heard of the advantage of race-day adrenaline, this "pancake-flat" course, etc. So, I am hoping for a slightly better time.

Please give me a time that I should shoot for and I'll report back on Sunday night as to how I did.

And for you runners out there, please let me know:

Your time for your FIRST 10K?
Your BEST time for a 10K?

Thanks.

Big Clyde

I Tried Chi Running

2011-01-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

I haven't disclosed this much, but I have had a slight pain after my last two long runs (of 5 and 6 miles). The pain has been just below my left knee and above my right ankle. The ankle pain starts almost immediately during the run, but fades after the first two miles. The knee pain starts early, then leaves and returns a day after the run.

I go to an "orthotist" about twice a year to see if I need my arch-support inserts changed. I got these inserts two years ago after I developed plantar fascitis. They cost approx $320, but every adjustment and visit since then has been free...I love this guy.

He added a bit more support in my right insert (taking care of the ankle pain) and instructed me on some basic tips of Chi Running. I know, I know...it might take months of training to truly develop great form and I won't do it justice here today.

But the basic idea is to take the power out of running and allow the body to be more fluid while running, similar to Tai Chi. I know nothing about Tai Chi (but I do sometimes drink chai tea).

For me, this meant avoiding striking down first on my heel and instead, trying to have my first landing be on the front part of my foot, just below my 4th or 5th toe. I could probably google an image to put here, but hopefully, you are following along.

Given that my first 10K is just a few days away, I wanted to go very light this week. I ran only two miles last night, but it felt awesome! A little awkward at first, as I tried this new technique, but it settled in quickly.

I felt like I was starting to stumble forward (like someone is about to go from running to falling forward), but I kept my shoulders back and my head up high and it all felt great.

I noticed that my pace was quicker than usual and my legs weren't as tired as they usually are. It felt invigorating and if I had more time (and it wasn't a taper week), I could have kept going for a longer, more comfortable run.

Tomorrow, I'll do another run of this length, then two days off before the big race on Sunday morning.

Big Clyde

6 Days Until the Sun Run 10K

2011-01-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Good news: This afternoon, I'll go on my longest run covering 6 miles. I know that marathoners don't necessarily train by running the entire 26.2 miles in training, but it is a bit of a routine for me. Before any race, I like to complete the entire distance in a training session, regardless of my pace...it helps with my mental game on race day.

Update: I just got back and it went great! I took it easy and will try for a faster pace next weekend at the actual race.

Bad news: I have lost NO pounds since I have been running. I think it is due to three factors:

Increased running has also increased my appetite, so I have not been disciplined in counting calories. I also am not having as much fruit and veggies.
My running mileage is decent and feels like quite a workout (about 11 miles per week) and I am doing two days of cycling for about 40 minutes per session. But maybe daily runs would be more intensive?
I am also in week two of the One Hundred Push-Up Challenge. With this work and my increased running miles, I can feel that I am getting stronger. Can I attribute some of this to the "muscle-weighs-more-than-fat" theory that every newbie exerciser depends on?

The bottom line for me is this: I wish I were losing weight, but I KNOW that I am improving each week in my running and it is good aerobic exercise, my legs are becoming strong and it requires less time for an intense workout than it would on my bike. That was my intent when I committed to doing the 10K in December.

If weight loss, were the only goal, I know how to do that. 1,500 - 1,700 calories per day, every day. I have done that and been very successful, with very little exercise. But it is not as fun as the workouts and I am just more in the mood for pushing myself with races, etc. After this 10K, I will train for a half-marathon, which will require more mileage. As I ramp up, I'll decide if/how I should adjust my nutrition or weekly mileage to accomplish some weight loss.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Big Clyde