Das Mixture

Gusting

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Jamoosh - the unauthorized autobiography. Coming to a book store over yonder.

My options were simple; brave the wind to beat the rain; or stay indoors on the recumbent bike. I opted to ride in the face of mother nature, because that's just who I am. Let me tell you, my biceps femoris, burn baby burn. I hate the wind. But like they say, what doesn't hold us back, merely makes us tired. Or something like that. Operative word: nap.

47 minutes at a 15.5 MPH pace. The way the neighborhood (and the parkway for that matter) twists and turns, you really never get a good break from the wind. Hence, my lap/mile times are all over the charts. It definitely gives you a good workout though.

Nobody Cares

I have a number of friends and acqaintances who are about to hatch a youngin' and let me just say this: Please say "no" to the obnoxious sports stickers that go on your back windshield. You know exactly what I mean: 

Oh look, little Johnny plays little league baseball! Here's the clue - nobody cares that little Johnny can hit a stationary ball off of a tee, except maybe you and Johnny's grandparents. Further, nobody thinks it's cute that half the time the little dumbass runs to third base instead of first base. Especially not the other parents. Sure, they say nobody's keeping score, but I guarantee you that every father in the stands knows that Johnny's team is down 70-2. Finally, just because little Johnny can sit in right field with a baseball glove on (he's probably picking his nose) does not make him a baseball player. Congratulations, little Johnny is exactly like 50 million other kids across the country. I mean really, if parents are so proud, why don't I see stickers like this:

I'm just sayin'.

Listening to: What's A Girl To Do? - Bat For lashes

Last Night's Beer: Anchor Porter

Posted in the hizouse

Happy Anniversary Suckers

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I believe in eight of the ten commandments; and I believe in going to church every Sunday unless there's a game on. - Steve Martin

Vanilla over at Half-Fast is soliciting gifts to commemorate the 2nd anniversay of his blog. Not a bad idea until one realizes that the traditional second anniversary gift is cotton. Cotton, the bane of runners everywhere! I wonder if Vanilla will solicit gifts next year when the traditional gift is leather. If dressing up in a gorilla suit is not enough, wait until folks see Vanilla running a 10K in special order bondage-wear - uh, sweet?

Perhaps, there needs to be an Anniversary Gift/Runner conversion chart:

• Anniversary 1: Marathon/Half Marathon Pace Bands
• Anniversary 2: DeFeet Aireator Running Socks
• Anniversary 3: Zombie Runner Winter Runner Gift Pack
• Anniversary 4: Nike Dri-FIT Fundamental Running Shorts 
• Anniversary 5: Gift Certificate to Local Running Store
• Anniversary 6: Entrance Fee to Local Half Marathon
• Anniversary 7: Tifosi Sunglasses
• Anniversary 8: Pearl Izumi Infinity Thermal Jacket
• Anniversary 9: Entrance Fee to Disneyworld Marathon
• Anniversary 10: Garmin Forerunner 405

Of course, regardless of the year, anything that wicks is rock n' roll!

Listening to: Guess Who Ran Off With the Milkman - The Pipettes

Last Night's Beer: Brooklyn Brewing IPA

Posted under gray skies

Incremental

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When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. Sooooo, let's all get drunk and go to heaven! - Brian O'Rourke

Paid My Dues

Well, I certainly paid my dues for last night. 42 minutes on the bike at a 14.9 mile an hour pace. A tad slow perhaps, but I can attribute it to the cold temperatures and the beer that warmed the cockels of my soul all night long. My knee and my feet derived no pleasure whatsoever from the cold. And there were two different occasions where I had to slow down and just cruise because, well, I thought I was gonna launch stomach induced projectiles. But at least I got out there. Now to cure this hangover all I need is a Whataburger...

About Last Night

I tried five new beers last night, courtesy of Brian Allen and his genius wife, Melissa. I can name the brews in question, however, I don't believe I can remember enough to describe them accurately. I know, I have failed you, my dedicated reader. But I want to believe you will get over it, because, indeed, you are the forgiving type.

From the Left Hand Brewing Company, it was their Double IPA. I recall thinking it was good, but not great. We also tried Stone Brewing's Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale, which I believe I like better than the standard version. Brian had three offerings from Lagunitas for us to try: Hairy Eyeball, Ruben and the Jets, and Olde Gnarly Wine. I apologize, I could say something like "malt backbone," but the reality is that I have got nothing on these. By the time the Olde Gnarly Wine rolled around I was blabbering like an insane economist on crack.

Needless to say, while I did have five new brews, I am positive I did not solve the current economic crisis and I can pretty much guarantee I didn't make any headway on World Peace or World Hunger either. 

Listening to: She Loves Everybody - Chester French

Last Night's Beer: See above

Posted in search of sobriety 

Twitter Me This

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Sarcasm, one of the many services you receive here at Das Mixture. It's not even an option, it comes standard!

I will not now, nor will I ever, Twitter. I don't get it. Here I am world and here is what I am doing at this very moment. Hello, stalker paradise. Really, the number of friends, family and random freaks that care about what I am doing at any given moment isn't even a single digit. Seriously:

Getting on Plane to Chicago

Landed Chicago Midway

Looking for bathroom

Seriously considering food options

Decided on a Chicago Death Dog

Solicting hooker

Being chased by airport police

Who cares? Nobody. It's nothing more than a cheap alibi. No officer, if you checked my Twitter, you would see I was eating a Chicago Death Dog and not soliciting a hooker as you apparently believe you witnessed with your own two eyes, because since it is on the internet, it must be true.

Perhaps technology is passing me by, but with all the security cameras, not to mention Google Earth, is there a reason I want to make it easier for people to find me. Isn't this blog enough...

Change of Plans

This morning I had every intention of getting on the bike and gliding around the neighborhood for 45 - 60 minutes. Unfortunately, my dedication to cycling is nowhere near my love of running. With temperatures in the low forties and a big ass wind, I have no problem hanging out with the elements for a cool five or ten mile run. But on a bike, funk no! So I opted to do a leg workout instead. Perhaps tomorrow will bring better riding weather.

Listening to: Black Velvet - Alannah Myles

Last Nights Beer Widmer W'09 Belgian Ale

Posted in-between wind gusts 

Weekend Ho!

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Here I am with another post. What are your other two wishes? (Snare drum please - and thank you)

Inbound

The hotel I am at this week is directly below the flight path into Dulles. This is not joyful in the least, especially since I am a light sleeper. No worries though, if the early morning inbound flights (prior to 4 AM) don't wake me up, some funk head who does not know how to operate his car alarm will. Perhaps I should invest in a baseball bat. Hey, one less mouth to feed, and more natural resources for the rest of us!

Slug

I have been a slug all week during my stay in Virginia. I'll be working from home next week and will not have any excuse not to exercise. In fact, I feel some exercise coming on this weekend. Not because I want to, but I need to. It's amazing how you can go to feeling somewhat fit to feeling like a dreck after just a few days without exercise (and one too many appetizers). Moving hotels because of expense issues has not been kind. My routine is totally hosed because of a lack of a decent workout room and no free fruit. And I really don't ask for much beyond that. I will get it figured out when I come back though. Ack!

Beer Me

This weekend Jaclyn and I will head down to our good friends Brian and Melissa's abode. If the weather is good, some boating will be in order. Regardless of whether or not the weather is good, Brian has some brews for me to try. Needless to say, Jaclyn will be driving home. I am also positive there will be some charred animal flesh of some kind. Mmmmm, grilled something or other...

Listening to: Random hall conversations

Posted prior to leaving for the airport

Cat On A Hot Ceramic Grill

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If toast always lands butter-side down, and cats always land on their feet, what happens if you strap toast on the back of a cat and drop it? - Stephen Wright

One sure fire way to NOT score points with the spousal unit is to answer this question:

What do you want to do for lunch Saturday?

with this reply:

Grill the cat...

The one thing to understand is that while cat is a delicacy in some countries, our cat is too old to be tender(ized). Oh, and our cat is such a 'tard, I could place him on the grill and he would not realize it until it was too late. I mean this is the same cat who lit his tail on fire and was utterly clueless. In fact, if my wife hadn't smelled something funky, we're talking braised kitty. So maybe I'll just make a salad. Then again, I could do some Moo Goo Gai Cat. Here kitty, kitty...

Creeping Oldness

This weekend I have to make a trip to the optometrist. Surprisingly, as splendid an example of a human as I am, this could finally be the visit when the good doctor says the "B" word: Not "Bisexual" you freaks; Bi-focals. For the last three years, he's been telling me "one more year." I believe my "one more year" has finally run out. Dammit.

Livin' Large

Last night I cracked the top of a Stone Old Guardian. The Old Guardian is a Barley Wine so you know the alcohol content is high and the flavor is big. It pours a dark copper color and has almost a sweet caramel, honey smell. It starts on the bitter side, but gives way to a more mellow, malty flavor.

Good stuff. As for the alcohol content, it checks in at over 11%, but it's not too noticable until later on. And later on, Jamoosh slept really well.

Listening to: Riot Radio - The Dead 60s

Last Night's Beer: Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine

Posted like a virgin (for the very first time)

Virginia Is For (Beer) Lovers

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I have never once laid eyes on a "seeing eye cat."

Does this mean dogs are better than cats? Let me just say this, when I leave the house I know for a fact our cat plots against me. Sure, he fails (and miserably I might add), but the fact that one day he might be successful makes me thankful that my life insurance is paid up. Let's face it, a dog can't wait for you to come home so he can do all the things he loves to do. On the other hand, the cat cannot wait for you to be gone so he can do all the things he is not allowed to do. For example, jump up on the kitchen counter so he can lap up the stank water in the kitchen sink. 

Virginia

I am back in Virginia working on a project. Um, yay... I'm a little ambivalent being back here, but again, it pays the bills. On the positive side, a quick walk to the Whole Foods reveals several new (to me) brews that I will be able to try. Hooray beer!

Time Off

I am taking the week off from push-ups and other forms of exercise. Me and my knee just need a short break after several weeks of doing seomething every single day. Rest is good. Besides, I have lost a total of ten pounds to date and taking a week off and then rededicating myself isn't such a bad thing.

Listening to: Call Me - Blondie

Last Night's Beer: Sam Adams White Ale

Posted on a lunch break

Maintenance

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Moo goo gai pan

My brother-in-law, Scott, had a question about maintenance. Specifically, maintaining the status quo during the off-season. Oh by the way, we're talking about running here.

There are many approaches to the off-season. Some folks seriously just shut the whole thing down. Others make do with random runs now and again. There are many people who scale back their training, yet remain consistent and vigilant. And there are the runners who just never stop.

Hopefully some of the peeps out there will chime in, but in the interim, here is my 25 cents:

I believe you need two things to ensure a successful off-season. First, you need a goal - um, duh. Second, you need to know your body and your soul. Let me begin with body and soul first. After the rigors of training for and running a marathon, some people need a break. Not just to let their body recover, but to recharge their mental commitment to running another marathon, half-marathon or really, just to continue running. 

Understanding your body is important because you do not want to over-train. Especially during the off-season. Furthermore, you don't want to burn out on running. Granted, there are some running fascists out there, and there are those who simply run for the joy of running (myself included), but there are also those for whom running is a chore and it's a fine balance to keep them engaged.

Thus, admit to "what" you are and "who" are and set your off-season goal. Where do you want to be when marathon season rolls around for your neck of the woods? If I were planning on maintaining the status quo, I would likely set a goal based on a half marathon race time - specifically, I would like to be able to randomly sign up for a half-marathon at any time and be able to run close to my PR. One could also set a goal of being able to get close to a half-marathon PR by the time Training Season rolls around.

In either case, I would then work backwards and build a training schedule that enabled me to maintain my speed and endurance. For someone like me, this would mean a maximum of three runs per week and include an easy/recovery run, a tempo run or interval training, and a weekend long run that varied from 10-15 miles (although initially I might limit it to eight miles and work up from there). I would also include some cross training on the road bike in there as well. For example, a solid 30-40 minutes once during the week and an hour or so on the weekend.

All that being said, there is another way to tackle your off-season. What is your next (marathon) goal? Let's say someone decided they wanted to qualify for Boston. Personally, I would use the off-season to work on my speed and then use the training season to work on speed and endurance. That's just me though.

OK homies, there you go. Jamoosh's Off-Season Thoughts, brought to you by Slap Chop (thanks Vince, first the Sham Wow! - now this). If anybody out there has some thoughts or ideas, feel free to be opinionated.

Listening to: You're Gonna Go Far, Kid - The Offspring

Last Night's Beer: Sierra Nevada Torpedo

Posted despite the fog

Feeling Good in the Hood

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Nature beckons - heed the call.

Note to Al Gore: You steal my quote, I am going to light you on fire! Oh yeah, that's a threat.

Clear blue skies and 72 degrees; one cannot say no. Thusly, I took a late lunch and pedalled semi-furiously through the neighborhood. Even with Spring Break in full swing, the neighborhood is quiet and relatively traffic free - except the long stretch along Shadow Creek Parkway, but that's not really the neighborhood. That's traffic and business and dirt and grime. But no matter, the afternoon was too splendid for worries.

33 minutes this day on the road bike at a 15.3 MPH pace. A tad slower than Wednesday, but the wind was a bit stronger today. Further, since I am in no position to push it, I don't check the Garmin. No excuses here - I just pedal in the gear that is most comfortable to the knee and what happens, happens.

CEO Death Match

I have this idea for these CEO's that have run their companies into the ground and are whining that they need the Federal Government (read: you and me) to bail their dumb asses out. You want the cash? Get in the ring. Cage fight to the death. Winning CEO gets the cash. Losing CEO gets a coffin.

Listening to: Garden Grove - Sublime

Posted feeling natural 

Life Moves On

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Life is rather like a tin of sardines - we're all of us looking for the key. - Alan Bennett

I have been spared. If only for a moment. Our company just went through another round of down-sizing (right-sizing, re-balancing, whatever term you choose that seems the least offensive) and I lived to see at least one more day. I am moving to a new role, which is a good thing, not to mention something I will probably enjoy more - assuming there is work (consulting is not a good profession to be in these days). Of course, I got to stay in my old role long enough to lay off some absolutely excellent people. All of them very bright. I can still feel my stomach turning in knots and may likely have a pit in my gut for days to come.

Absolute suckage. The only thing that might make me happy right now is if I could legally maim an AIG Executive - funkin' assholes!

So yeah, tonight will feature a big beer. Big in size and alcohol...

White Fright

Sometimes you forget how white you are (assuming you are a cracker!) until you get out in the sun for some activity. To wit, needing a break from the stress of the day, I grabbed the road bike, strapped on the Garmin (for the first time in many sunrises) and hit the pavement.The glare off my thighs was incredible. Thankfully, I was wearing my ultra-cool Tifosi sunglasses. So not only was I unaffected by the sun beam emanating from my thighs, but the sunglasses made me look 10 pounds lighter and obviously much faster than I actually was/am.

Speeking of speed. 30 minutes at a 15.9 MPH pace. Not too bad for having to hang out in the easy gears. And, I only ate three bugs. Yummy protein...

Listening to: Fear of the World - ABC

Last Night's Beer: Sam Adams Honey Porter

Posted in a state of shock