Back to the Gym

I've neglected to give proper recognition to those who make the joy of mountain bike racing possible. Hammer Gel is the major sponsor of the WEMS races. After the second lap of the Metro Challenge I stopped at the water table and got a cup of their electrolyte drink. Not the best tasting but it sure did the job. A picture of some of the goodies they gave us at the race.

I finally got my road bike back on the road. After three tubes blowing shortly after being inflated (or during inflation) Emery's ordered some heftier tubes for me. I suspect manufacture defect with the tubes pictured here. The bicycle professional thought two were pinch flats (couldn't have been much of a pinch) and one looked like a bad tube. just opened at a seam as I inflated it. I mentioned to a fellow racer that Emery's said they would match any price (cost + shipping) found on the Internet for any current model product that they carry. The gentleman I was speaking with said most shops don't do that any more.

No, I didn't go to the Stump Farm. My brother was in town and we just didn't have the money to spare. It is easy to tolerate a single card going up a bit during the race season, but not all of them. Misao has been getting a lot of dental work done at the University. It is still expensive and takes forever. Just can't afford to go to every race. Even skipping some of the Wednesday night races which run me about $10 including fuel. Looking to four more races. Also had her eyes checked. She needs reading glasses. She said she needs three pair. One for upstairs, one for downstairs and another for her purse.

It's back to the gym finally. My back feels normal again though I wont be doing any military presses for a while. Still doing 200+ lbs on the bench press fairly easily though the shoulder I landed on in the infamous accident is giving me a bit of pain. That has been my ideal strength training goal, though it is always an ego boost when you can put something on beyond double plates (225lbs). Plan to focus on much more strength training for my legs. Something I didn't do much of in the past. This year has been sluggish for me though I am performing at a higher level. Don't feel as healthy either. Last year I had explosion and more vigor. I spent two hours a day at the gym most of the winter before that season, often every day of the week. I'm coming to realize it will take extensive exercise, aerobic and strength, to live a long productive life. Also have to get on top of my diet, which is becoming a growing interest of mine.

You can see our Begonia along with the Black Eyed Susan's, Sedum and Cosmos in the picture. If you look close you can see a green metal mesh from the fence to the meter I put in to hold up the taller plants. Of course nothing grew that well this summer. After the heavy rains earlier in the year I didn't water as much as I should have. The daily weather forecasts always had rain two days out that seldom materialized. Yes, it is the weatherman's fault. No shortage of rain today as Gustav comes to town. Speaking of the weather here are some pictures I found browsing some garden blogs.

Only the tomatoes have really come through for us this year. The soil hasn't had tomatoes for a couple years and that may be why they are doing well. Some nice mixed lettuce in the garden I planted at the Church.