Rook's Rant

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 9.55 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 00.46.00
• Top Speed: 24.2 mph
• Average Speed: 12.4 mph
• iPod: Shuffle - See list below
  
• Wind: 11 mph SSW
  
• Humidity 78%
• Temperature: 89 F

Felt good, even with the high temperature, humidity, and strong breeze. So, I tried something different today for my iPod; I created a playlist of most of my rock and pop albums so that I could do a shuffle while riding. So, here is the list:

1. John Lennon - "I'm Losing You"
2. The Eagles - "Best of My Love"
3. Indigo Girls - "Ghost"
4. Led Zeppelin - "When The Levee Breaks"
5. The Beatles - "The Long and Winding Road"
6. Nazareth - "The Hair of the Dog"
7. The Beatles - "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"
8. Moby - "7"
9. Sheryl Crow - "Can't Cry Anymore"
10. Indigo Girls - "Airplane"
11. Sheryl Crow - "The First Cut is the Deepest"
12. John Lennon - "Give Peace a Chance"
13. The Eagles - "Lyin' Eyes"
14. Better Than Ezra - "Long Lost"
15. Better Than Ezra - "King of New Orleans"
    

It is not often I can claim a victory against a person who is rated much higher above me. So, I hope you will forgive me if I brag about his game a little.



For the most part, we remained equal until he gave up a piece for what appears to be the hope of tearing the pawn structure apart in front of my King. Granted, I was aware of allowing my King's defenses to be decimated. However, I found that I benefited. Suddenly my Rooks had two open files pointed straight at his King. Meanwhile, his Rooks were pinned down behind his own pawns, preventing them from attacking the weakness he created in front of my King. Then, he made what I consider a grave mistake, he went to the other side of the board with his Queen to start harvesting my pawns.

It made some sense. He was ahead in pawns, and all he had to do was move one down far enough that it threatened to become a Queen, leaving me in a sorry mess. Unfortunately, what it did was give me complete control of the board on the right side, with all three of my main forces pointed directly at his King. I adjusted my Queen and Rooks while he moved pawns down, and then I attacked. He was never able to achieve his goal of advancing a pawn.

Well, yesterday I went to my follow-up appointment for my sleep study. I have a moderate case. It is not sleep apnea but obstructed airway. It is my snoring and that I block my airway when sleeping. So, I am going to set up an appointment with an oral surgeon to be fitted for some type of dental hardware that will keep my lower jaw forward so I do not snore or choke myself during the night.

I did get some good news; my blood pressure was normal! And I have lost 4 pounds over the last 3 to 4 weeks! My bike riding is starting to pay off. That and the recent visits to my chiropractor. So, here is to hoping that I continue to improve in my health.

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 4.43 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 00.20.32
• Top Speed: 21.5 mph
• Average Speed: 31.1 mph
• iPod: Matchbox 20 - Exile on Mainstream
  
• Wind: 5 mph N
  
• Humidity 51%
• Temperature: 66 F

Just a quick morning run to limber me up for the day.

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 9.56 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 00.45.51
• Top Speed: 21.9 mph
• Average Speed: 12.4 mph
• Wind: 8 mph NNW
  
• Humidity 75%
• Temperature: 81 F

Felt good. Nothing spectacular for stats, but I did manage to make the run without getting a numb left foot or a sore ass. And again, chose to make the run without any music, just the sounds of farm country.

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 18.50 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 01.38.41
• Top Speed: 15.5 mph
• Average Speed: 11.2 mph

Not much to add. I waited too long and did not get the temperature, humidity or wind for this morning. Also, I chose not to listen to any music. Mostly I took it easy. I did not push myself too hard. Still, 18.5 miles is a long run so I am happy with 11.2 mph for an average speed. I did stop a few times to stretch out. Otherwise my left foot gets numb and my ass gets sore. My seat is too wide, but I do not have the money for a new one.

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 9.59 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 00.45.16
• Top Speed: 23.6 mph
• Average Speed: 12.6 mph
• iPod: The Rolling Stones - Tattoo You & The Tragically Hip - Up To Here
  
• Wind: 8 mph SSE
  
• Humidity 84%
• Temperature: 77 F

Found another circuit to ride. I figure in another week, if I can keep up this pace, I will be able to circuit through Farmington and back. My plan tomorrow is to keep it simple and light; a six mile leg.

Oh, and you might notice I switch back to the iPod. The ear buds that came with the Nokia Astound suck. The sound horrible and they are uncomfortable as hell. I have been looking at headphone/mic combinations for just such types of phones, but have yet to find what I want. Also, I am tired of listening to the radio. But I have not yet put any of my own music into standard mp3 format. I put all my discs into iTunes. Just another project for sometime in the future.

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 8.13 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 00.38.42
• Top Speed: 24.4 mph
• Average Speed: 12.6 mph
• Nokia Astound: The Cities 97
  
• Wind: 4 mph SSW
  
• Humidity 66%
• Temperature: 74 F

Okay, today's leg felt better. I did not make an effort to push myself. I just kept a simple, enjoyable pace. I did take the route with some hills. I also decided to make a circuit instead of turning around and heading back. I lucked out and found a route with only a quarter mile of gravel road; otherwise, it was all blacktop.

This year it really seems to be taking me longer to get into the swing of things. Honestly, after starting over a month ago I have only managed 6 legs. Part of the problem, I believe, is the lack of sleep I have been getting. Hence tonight's sleep study. Hopefully they will be able to determine exactly what I am suffering from and give me a treatment. I want to feel stronger than I have been these past few years.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Cinnamon, my Board of Director. It seems I come back from my bike rides with all sorts of new smells. I tried to give her a pet on the top of her head just a few moments ago, which she usually loves, but instead she had to take the time to smell all of my fingers. However, once she was satisfied, she insistently pushed her head under my hand to initiate petting.

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 6.19 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 00.28.45
• Top Speed: 16.9 mph
• Average Speed: 12.8 mph
• Nokia Astound: The Cities 97
  
• Wind: 13 mph NW
  
• Humidity 86%
• Temperature: 62 F

Bleh! It was windy, overcast, and cold. I decided to avoid the hills and go with a straight west then east route with only the slightest of inclines.

To the stats:

• Total Distance: 6.32 miles
• Elapsed riding time: 00.31.54
• Top Speed: 24.6 mph
• Average Speed: 11.8 mph
• Nokia Astound: The Cities 97
  
• Wind: 14 mph ENE
  
• Humidity 80%
• Temperature: 75 F

All things considered, this was a good leg. For one thing I found some decent hills to tackle without blowing my gut. Second, the wind was a bit stronger then with leg 3, and with the turns I took, and the wind breaks situated counter to my direction, I did get more head wind most of the run. But what I really like is that I worked up a good, old-fashioned sweat! I means I got a good workout.

The steroidal nasal spray is doing its job as well. My sinuses are cleared enough where I did not get any type of discomfort in them, nor any type of visual distortion that usually accompanies the sinus infection during a workout.

I am still overweight and out of shape, but feel good about today.

By way of They Gave Us A Republic:

Quiet down everybody. I have an announcement to make.

I have a new addition to The Big Blogroll. Say hi to the Ornery Bastard.

Okay, That is all. You may resume your usual rambunctious* behavior.

* Damn! I spelled it correctly the first time.