Friday, February 25, 2011

New Blog!

Hey everyone. The new blog is up and running. I'd love to have all of you come and join me there.

Life...Actively

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Gary gets a new wheel

Almost sounds like a children's book title. Hello all! Hope everyone is well. Glad to report Gary's new wheel cam in yesterday and I'm going to pick it up this afternoon. If you remember, I broke 5-6 more spokes back in November (I think it was).

I took Marla's advise and asked my LBS to just re-lace the whole wheel. He did some checking on costs and on the condition of the wheel, and we determined it would be best to just replace it (must've been all those years of carrying my lard ass around).

At any rate the new wheel along with some degreaser and dry lube will be my purchases tonight. I've really had the itch lately to do as much of my own upkeep as possible. Thanks to Bike Snob NYC's article in a recent issue of Bicycling "The Great Mechanic Within"

New blog is in it's early stages and will be more about the healthy lifestyle which I think allows me to talk not just about cycling, but also running, healthy eating, and just being active in general. I'll keep you all updated.

Craigers

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Lost Blogger?

So I did a little reflecting over the weekend. I think the reason why I have fell off the face of the blogging earth over the last year, is because my life has changed. What this blog was originally set up to be about, is no longer what my life is.

I began this blog to reflect and share all the times that I had on the biking trails either by myself or with my friends. Meaning mountain biking. Trail riding. Single track. Double track. Hence the name of the blog - Trail Dog Tracks. TRAIL.

Over the last three years however, the trail part turned into more road riding, the riding turned into a lot of running, and the next thing you know - I'm a multi-sport junky. I may even go so far as to switch the word "junky" with the word "athlete".

Funny how these things occur, but I never meant it to happen that way. What started out as innocent way to get a little more fit and have some fun, has turned into a full on lose weight, and be competitive kind of thing.

There, I said it. I admitted it to the world and now maybe I can move on. I think new title for this blog is the first step. Not sure what it should be, but any suggestions are welcome. After that, you'll probably see the content of this blog change a bit as well. I hope that doesn't chase anyone away so to speak. I'm very grateful for my hand full of regulars, and I hope you'll all continue to read.

With that being said, I'll now throw caution to the wind and see where my instincts take in regards to this blog. Until the next entry my friends.

Craigers

Friday, December 31, 2010

A look back - and forward.

So with this being the last day of 2010, it seems only fitting to take a look back at the year past, and to look forward to 2011.

As far as goals went in 2010, I set a riding goal of 1000 miles and passed that with 1243 miles ridden. For running, I just wanted to crack 100 miles, but ended up shattering that goal, coming in at 303 miles on foot. And for total fitness, I set a goal of 2000 miles and came in 2137 miles.

I weighed in around 250 pounds a year ago, and am currently at 207 pounds (the holidays certainly didn't help out with this).

I wanted to complete the Earthride 70 mile route, and did in around 5 hours. I also wanted to compete in the Kettleman duathlon, but was forced to bow out due to some financial contraints (bottom line, they wanted too much for an entry fee). As an alternative to not competing in the Kettleman, I entered my first running race on Thanksgiving Day. I completed the 5 mile Turkey Trot in 42 minutes. That put me 4th in my age group, 25th in my division, and 116th overall (out of 283).

I also made the unconscious decision to train ore than I blog.

For 2011, my goals are as follows.
  • Ride 1500 miles
  • Run 500 miles
  • Complete 2500 total fitness miles
  • Ride my first century
  • Compete in more than 1 organized ride
  • Compete in more than 1 running event
  • Go for more 10k or longer runs
  • Slim down to 175 pounds
  • BLOG MORE
A young lady that I kept in my daily thoughts and prayers, passed away in December. My prayers still go out to her family. They are a family that is deep in their faith, and I know they will make it through this difficult time.

My brother in law, Steve, was also diagnosed just a few days ago with Colorectal cancer, so I'd ask that any of you reading this keep him, my sister, and their three kids in your thoughts and prayers.

I wish all of you a blessed and safe New Year, and I hope that our paths continue to cross in 2011, if not in person, than at least in the blog-o-sphere.

Peace to all of you,

Craigers

Monday, November 22, 2010

Call it a season?

Well it looks like the season is probably done for me. Broke 4-5 spokes - AGAIN! - on Gary on Saturday morning. I wonder why I keep doing that? Is it time for new wheels? New ride? Not sure the solution on this one, but I know I don't feel like going and getting it re-laced anymore this season. Got the Cougar (Trek) down for anymore ride-able days this year, but it looks like the weather going to hell in hand basket real quick this week. Maybe time to reflect on the season I've had, and set some new goals for next season. More to come. Happy Thanksgiving to all my US readers.

Kippis,

Craigers