Wednesday, September 30, 2009

9/30

Forced to rest today, due to knee problem. Starting to feel better now, so tomorrow I should be a go.

Tri Class, 9/29 RIP STEVE

At the beginning of the session, there were four new people in the tri class. Me, Frank ( I knew from PShop cycling), Dan (who happens to work with my brother in law), and Steve. Steve was an older guy, who was very enthusiastic about progressing in his swim technique. He followed along, and really gave it his all.

When I got to tri class last night, Nick gave me some bad news. Steve had been out for a run on Sunday morning, and sometime after returning, he collapsed and died. I was in shock, since we often shared a swimming lane during class, including just last Thursday. He was a nice guy, and even though I just met him a few weeks ago, I am deeply impacted by his death.

We swam, did the broken 250's again (this time "only" 4 of them), and a 300 cool down. My knee was still bothering me from the 24 Hours Of Booty ride, so I skipped out early on the rest of the workout.

Monday, September 28, 2009

9/26-9/27 24 Hours of Booty

This past weekend I did an event called the 24 HOURS OF BOOTY. Great name for a cycling event. It was started several years ago by a Charlotte lawyer who decided to ride his bike for 24 straight hours around a loop that is known by the locals as the "booty loop". He had a few sponsors that first year, and raised around $5000 dollars. The next year, a few of his friends did it with him, and they raised more money. Eventually, it has turned into an event that has raised over 1.1 million dollars this year, with 2 events...Charlotte and Columbia, MD, which is the event I rode in.

I have been fund raising for over 4 months, and ended up with a total of over $5000, which was good enough to be in the top 10 of individual fund raising. I'm very proud to be able to say that I finished in the top 10, and the event organizers definitely made me feel special as well.

When I got to the event and checked in, I knew the weather forecast was calling for rain...so I pretty much brought everything I own as far as bike clothes. I never once thought I would need the 2 pairs of long tights that I brought with me. (I did), or the rain pants that I brought from work (life savers). About 15 minutes before the 4pm start on Saturday, it started to drizzle, and eventually, by 4:15, it was coming down pretty hard. After the first ceromonial lap wearing the yellow jersey I earned (by raising over $3000), I immediately switched to the rain gear.

I met many amazing people at the start line. First, I rode next to a man named Lance, who told me he was 24 weeks out from having prostate cancer surgery. His doctors advised against him riding the 24hob, but he was determined to prove them wrong. I admire Lance for his determination, and the many others that I met along the course that day.

As I rode along, I talked to a man named Ron, whose sister-in-law had passed away on September 1st. We talked about our fund raising, and when I told him how much I had raised, he thanked me, on behalf of his family. I saw him throughout the ride, and we talked a little bit more later. He just finished his first triathlon, and was very interested in my training for Ironman.

The rain was insane. It poured and poured and didn't stop until 10:30 am Sunday. I rode from 4 until 7:30pm..then it was time to eat dinner...at 9pm was the VIP celebration. That didn't end until around 9:30 or 10, so I got changed back into my tights and rain pants and headed back out. Rode until a little after midnight, when the pizza party started...and when that was over went back out until about 2:30am. I called it quits for the night with 86 miles in.

I slept for about 3 hours in the tent, then went to breakfast (still raining), and got back out on the course at around 7:30 am. I rode most of the morning, and stopped for lunch and a few times to fill my bottles. I ended up riding until around 2:30 pm, and finished with 161.2 miles. Overall, It was a great event...and definitely one that I will look forward to doing again.

9/24

Tri class.

drills in the pool, then 10x25 yard intervals...followed by 45 min spin on spin bikes.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

9/23

PM workout on bike. Watched new show, Modern Family. Funny shit.

bike, 35:00, zone 1 easy spin

tri class 9/22

So, last night was tri-class, and it was also the first time I was doing the same program as the seasoned vets in there. Previously, I was working on stroke technique and doing drills, but last night Nick decided that the new people would participate with the rest of them in interval training.

So, the interval training went like this:

100 freestyle
(about a 30 second break)
50 freestyle
(20 second break)
50 freestyle
(20 second break)
25 freestyle
(10 second break)
25 freestyle

we did (6) of those sets. I used my fins for a couple of the 100's, since I was completely gassed at times, but all in all, I felt like I handled it well.

Afterwards, a few of us ran outside, since its still nice weather...I ran with Richard, and we did about 4.75 miles in 52:00.

I felt all of this in the morning. My arms, my legs...tired. But the good kind of tired. I feel like I'm getting stronger.

Monday, September 21, 2009

9/21 *easy day

Easy day, after 4.5 hour weekend.

treadmill 35:00 (10 wu, 20 min run, 5cd), 2.55 miles, 116bpm, 350cals

Sunday, September 20, 2009

9/20

Wasn't really feeling an early morning ride today...figured I'd sleep in some, then ride indoors while watching the Eagles game. I'm kinda torn about it, since the weather is so great to be outside...but hey, at least I get to watch the Eagles some...and it certainly made the time go by faster. I was doing intervals during commercials...high resistance, standing up out of the saddle, etc. It worked.

bike, (indoor), 1:30:00, 32.04 miles, 21.35 mph, 117bpm, 134 avg watts (677 max watts)

Saturday, September 19, 2009

9/19

Tri class this morning. Was looking forward to it, since it would be my very first time trial in the pool. Believe it or not, I've NEVER been timed doing a 50 freestyle as hard as I could go. I guess unless you're on a swim team, you'd have no reason to, right? Anyway, I was looking forward to it since I missed last Saturdays class (and time trial) due to work.

We started off with the regular warmups and drills. After a little bit, it was time for the time trial. I ended up swimming as hard as I could, which is totally different for 50 than for any other training I've done. I usually breathe every 2 strokes, but for the 50 it was something like every 4. I don't even remember, I just remember going all out. We started out in the water (not diving in), and my time was 30.5 seconds. Since I have nothing to go on, I'm assuming that this is a good starting point, and I look forward to lowering that to under 30.

I'm feeling good about the swim training. I'm learning a lot, and these drills that I had my doubts about at first seem to be paying off. I've been listening to every tip Nick has given me, and I'm doing my best to follow his instructions to the "T". Since I've seen an improvement already, I'm really looking forward to seeing what I can do in the pool with the time that I have before my race.

We followed up our 1:15:00 swim training with a 45:00 session on spin bikes, followed by a 15:00 run. I'm completely spent...I took a nap...and I'm thinking that I'm going to be useless on Saturdays for a while. It will all be worth it in July....


Tri class. 1:15:00 swim; 50yd time trial (30.5 seconds), intervals, drills, etc.
45:00 spin
15:00 run

Friday, September 18, 2009

run, 3.5 miles, 45:00, 118bpm, 485cals

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

9/16

Early morning...woke up to get some spin on my legs. Nice and easy, 30:00, just to get things movin'. Late run last night left my nipples sore. But, it was my longest run outside so far, so I can deal.

bike (indoor), 30:00 *easy, 10.76 miles, 102bpm, 121 watts

9/15

Tri class canceled due to University wide power outages at Rowan. Instead, I went on a run with Richard, Karen, and Frank. It was a nice night, but I was looking forward to swimming.

RUN (outside @Rowan), 57:00, 5 miles, 140bpm, 860cals

Monday, September 14, 2009

9/14

My back started to tighten up on the bike yesterday. I felt it this morning, a little soreness when I started to run. I took it easy, and did a run/walk to loosen it up.

Run/walk, 30:00, 2.2 miles, 115bpm, 298 cals

Sunday, September 13, 2009

9/13

So, today I went out for a training ride with Ben and Sid. Took a little bit of a different route, but somehow ended up with EXACTLY 2:30 mins. These two are sick. I don't understand how we can ride, pretty much as HARD as we can, never crossing back or doing another loop..and yet STILL finish at the exact time they wanted. 2:30, zone 2-3... that was the ride. and poof, thats what happens. Maybe I'm too laid back about things...but Jesus Christ, I don't think I could plan stuff out like that.

Anyway, yesterday NPR aired the story about the donut derby. You can listen to it here: http://www.onlyagame.org/2009/09/saturday-september-12-2009/ Scroll down to DONUT DERBY to listen. The reporter did a good job.

BIKE (with Ben and Sid), 2:33:00, 48.67 miles, 19.3 avg, 130bpm, 2012 cals

Saturday, September 12, 2009

9/11 and 9/12

rest days. Wasn't planning to rest this morning (9/12), but had a 12 hour work day yesterday and I was beat up from that. Set the alarm, but never got out of bed. Slept til 7. Looking forward to a good ride outside tomorrow..supposed to be nice, following a few days of rain.

9/10

Tri Class. Swim (drills, drills, drills), 1:00, bike 10:00, run 10:00, bike 10:00, run 10:00. Had problem with HR/monitor. Unless, of course, my heart rate really was 44 midway thru the second run.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

9.9.9

bike (indoor, zone 1), 1:00:00, 21.77 miles, 113bpm, 124watts

tri class 9/8

1:00 swim (drills), run 4 miles, 44:00, 146bpm, 717 cal

Monday, September 7, 2009

The end of an era


Donut Derby 2009- the recap

While I felt good and confident about this years Donut Derby, there was something inside of me that had its doubt. Maybe it was all of the training I've been doing for the Ironman next year. I've also been watching what I eat for a while, so maybe those doubts were simply a gut feeling that I really shouldn't be eating 25+ donuts in the middle of training for the craziest day of my life. This is not an excuse for the story I'm about to tell.

This years team consisted of Me (donut eater, and 2x defending champ), Johnny (my top tactical guy), and Jack (hired gun, there to set the pace, no matter how crazy things got.) We arrived at the Velodrome with plenty of time to spare for warming up, etc. When we went over to the tent to check in, I was pleasantly surprised that the race organizers held aside the #1 for me (as last years winner). I figured at the least, this would be a very good souvenir for my basement wall, and I promptly pinned it on and wore it with pride during my warmups.

I knew this year was going to be different. I wasn't about to sneak up on anyone. These people knew who I was, and they were out to take me down. I can't blame them, I would have tried to do the same thing. The SPARE TIRE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT is nothing to sneeze at, and I found out how bad some of these guys wanted it.

At the starting line, I lined up next to a guy named Frank, who I remembered from last year. His time total was comparable to mine, except for the fact that he ate 10 fewer donuts. I knew that he would be stiff competition, and he pretty much told me he had the legs to beat me. When the gun sounded, the (unnecessarily arrogant) guys from Monmouth University Cycling set the pace, and set it fast. The first group was going 30+ easy on the flats, and eventually I was dropped. Jack stayed up with those guys until the first stop. I ended up left out on my own, since John was dropped by my group. I was riding with a few people around me, and this one guy, Jim, told me to grab his wheel. He ended up pulling me to the first rest stop, and I made sure to keep him close by so I could introduce him to the other guys from my team.

At the first stop, the plan was for 8-10 donuts, and I met that goal. Try not to fill up...I've learned that first rest stop lesson in the past. Fill up too early, and you're busted by the end of the race..sweating out the sugar, stomach issues, etc. SO, stick to the plan from last year. I smashed down two stacks of (5) donuts, for 10 total, and was back out on the course.

Johnny (who caught up while I was eating), Jack, Jim, and I started on the second leg. In a completely unfortunate act of God, Jim blew out the sidewall of his tire about a mile in, and his race was over for the day. Too bad, because he was a nice guy, and it would have been better to have numbers. Johnny quickly fell of the back, due to his lack of riding since the ACS ride in July. (I forgive him, he's been working a lot and has a baby). So that left Jack and I. Jack was a monster, pulling me into a crazy headwind for most of the second leg, and got me back in perfect position to go for win number 3.

When I checked in, I had my first stack of 4 in my hand when Frank came by. I must have beaten him to the second checkpoint, but he at 12 at the first stop, and quickly grabbed a 4 stacker. I pretty much remained 2 donuts behind him for a bit, but he was looking strong. No sign of slowing down. I had to make a run. He had 24, and I had 18. I grabbed 7 donuts and stacked em high, smushed em down, and started on them. I was really struggling at this point, and barely making progress. Frank finished his 4, and went for 2 more...which made 26 for him. Since I was struggling, and facing the thought of LOSING the Donut Derby title for the first time in 3 years, I decided to concede. I went to the race officials and told them I wasn't going to finish the 7 stack...and then I threw the donuts and the sticks in the trash. I ended up with 19 donuts, and figured I'd head out and try to make a run at a top 3 finish.

Jack pulled me the rest of the way home, and I finished up feeling ok. Frank ended up winning the overall title for Donuts AND time, even breaking my record from last year on the time total. His winning adjusted time was 52: something, which was better than the 54: something I put up last year. My 28 donut record is still intact though.

I wasn't sure what to expect when they were announcing the winners. He called me up for the 30-39 category, and I got a 3rd place medal. They even asked me to stick around so I could present Frank with his championship belt, which I thought was an honor. The bottom line is that Frank beat me today. We had this sort of one on one thing going at the second donut stop, and I came up on the wrong side. I just didn't have it, for some reason. Maybe its for the better, who knows.

Anyway, on a positive note, NPR was there doing a story that will air next weekend on a show called ONLY A GAME(?) I think. The reporter interviewed me for several minutes, asking about strategy, etc..and I gave him the type of answers you guys would expect of me.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

First Tri Class

Yesterday was my first "tri" class at Rowan. It runs on Tues/Thurs nights, and Saturday mornings. The idea is to swim/run or bike at nights, and Swim/bike/run on Saturday.

The first class was pretty good. I guess some people who were signed up didn't show up, since its a holiday weekend....which led to me getting some one on one time with the instructor of the class at the pool. He started out by videotaping my swim technique, and after seeing "only a few little things" that I need to improve, we worked on some swim drills for about 50 minutes. (My shoulders are totally paying the price today for that work). After the drills, I swam 2 more 50's, and the drills seemed to help correct the problem I was having. So, more work on that to come.

After that was a 45 minute spin class. Pretty basic, spinning with music...lotta resistance which is something I'm not used to doing. Usually I would just spin at high cadence, as if I was riding outside. I guess the high resistance is why my legs are sore today. haha.

At the end of all that, I did a 20 minute run around the inside track. Felt good, and it felt good to get it done. Hard work, but satisfying. Can't wait to see the improvements I will see from taking this class.

Tri class, 1:00:00 swim, 45:00 spin class, 20:00 run

Friday, September 4, 2009

24 Hours of Booty

As many of you remember, last year I rode 100 miles to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I was successful in both my fundraising, and on the ride. This year, I have decided to "step it up" on both fronts. I have committed to ride in the 24 hours of Booty, on September 26-27. This is a 24 hour charity road ride. I have entered into this SOLO, which means...NO relay, NO teammates, NO HELP. I will ride the 24 hours ALONE. My goal is to surpass last years total of over $1700 in fundraising! With your help, I feel this can be accomplished. PLease pass this email on to family and friends, and anyone that can help us reach our goal!

Thank You,

Joe Skelly

http://www.24hoursofbooty.org/site/TR/Bike/General?px=1131161&pg=personal&fr_id=1070

Tri Class Eve

First tri class is tomorrow morning...so I'm just taking it easy today and spinning, since I really don't know what to expect tomorrow.

bike, (indoor), 35:00, 12.86 miles, 121bpm, 139 watts

Thursday, September 3, 2009

donut derby and me...the history

2005- I read online that there is an event run by the Lehigh Valley Wheelmen called "THE DONUT DERBY". It consists of a 36 mile bike ride, with 2 stops at miles 12 and 24, during which riders eat donuts. For each donut you eat, 3:00 is subtracted off of your race time. Perfect race for me, I thought. I would later find out that there would be no donut derby in 2005, for unspecified reasons.


2006- My first Derby. I recruited my friends Ray (back when he used to ride) and Chris to race with me. Goal was 20 donuts. I went crazy at the first stop, eating 12...but could only muscle down 5 at the 2nd, at which time Ray proclaimed me to be a "pussy". I ended up coming in 2nd place for donuts, but a new strategy was born on the car ride home.

2007- Ray and Chris out...Johnny and Tom in. Johnny is key, he's a mastermind at timing and keeping things on pace, which perfectly offsets my lack of urgency at all times. The strategy would be to eat the donuts at the SECOND stop, and hopefully any feeling of sickness would be delayed until long after the finish line. I did 6 at the first stop, and 13 at the second...for a total of 19 donuts. I waited around at the finish, and heard of no higher number. However, when they were giving out the prizes, it was revealed that race officials made a mistake, and gave the "GOLDEN DONUT" to another rider, who also ate 19. *NOTE* I won on tiebreaker, since my ride time was over 45:00 faster than his.

2008- I was determined to get the GOLDEN DONUT. I was not only looking for the overall donut title, but also the overall winning time. This was unprecedented, since the overall time winner usually doesn't waste time eating donuts. (or can't for that matter). Again with Johnny, we developed our strategy on the way to the race. 20 donuts, 2:00 ride time. Ambitious? yes. but totally doable. We rode at a crazy pace to the first stop...averaging around 23mph. I strategically ate only 8 donuts at the first stop, and was right back on the bike as if I never stopped. We flew through the next 12 miles, and then I knew it was game on. I ended up breaking the previous record, and I ate 20 donuts at the SECOND STOP..for a total of 28! People were having their picture taken with me, as we all knew that I was heading for glory. I hustled back, and my ride time was 2:16:00 for the 36 miles, INCLUDING the time I stopped to eat. I ended up breaking records for donuts and for time, in what could be called the greatest Donut Derby ride of all time.

I don't know whats in store for this year. I have assembled an all star team to pace me through. I should have no problem with 20+ donuts...although I have been eating a little better in preparation for this Ironman next year. I will be sure to update on Monday afternoon to let you know.

-Joe


bellyache

cut things short this morning, for gastro intestinal reasons.

treadmill, 31:00, 121bpm, 310cals

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Vick Jersey and Morning Joe's Gray Hair

Today I learned that Mike Vicks #7 jersey is the 4th best selling NFL jersey right now...and also, that Morning Joe apparently dyed his hair just for the Kennedy coverage last week.

BIKE, (indoors), zone 1 55:00, 19.92 miles, 113bpm

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

whats the time?

Easy treadmill run this morning. Woke up with a stiff neck, probably from tightness in shoulders from swimming yesterday. My allergies have been kinda bad lately too. Anyway, had the ipod on shuff, heard a song from Licensed to Ill, and took the shuffle off and listened to the rest while watching sportscenter. Certainly made the run easier. Felt good, my easy jog pace is getting easier, and soon I'll be stepping up to a longer run. For now, I'm happy that I can "run" for 30:00 without stopping. Progress.

Run, (easy treadmill), 45:00 (30:00 run, 10:00 w/u, 5:00 c/d), 3.4 miles, 121 bpm, 505 cal