Been a long couple of months

July 3rd

August 29th - http://www.mcclarrinonphotography.com/MountainBikingEvents2012/Beaver-Creek-Blast-MTB/25105408_nSCBNz#!i=2057998905&k=9LJzrw6&lb=1&s=L

I think things are going pretty darn good considering...

Labor Day Weekend

 It's finally here. Only fitting to cap off a stressful week for Natalie and I both that the kids all only slept for about an hour today, as I was preparing to pack to go to Colorado Springs for the holiday weekend. (Natalie has had a stressful start with A.D. stuff to begin the school year) We are both ready for some down time just hanging with family and each other. Hopefully get out for some good adventure and exercise time as well. Cayle is going to have so much fun playing with his cousins Ethan and Lexi for the next couple of days!

Last race

of the season just so turned out to be only my 2nd race of the season. I did the first one and the last one because of the crash. It was so much fun to be back on the bike, and I have to thank my wife for being so supportive and trusting me to get back out there and be ok and not crash again. Cayle loved going to the race. He even got to ride the bus up to the top of Beaver Creek and back down. Probably his fave part! He also did a great job riding his Strider around the start/finish of the race. I started the season with high hopes of winning the overall, getting top 5 in a couple of races, and being in the best shape of my life. I finished the season with 2 races, getting 7th in the first, and last in the final race, but with all I've been through this summer, I am more than happy with that. I have lots of motivation for next year!!!

http://www.mcclarrinonphotography.com/MountainBikingEvents2012/Beaver-Creek-Blast-MTB/25105408_nSCBNz#!i=2057998905&k=9LJzrw6&lb=1&s=L

Click on the link to see a pic of me right before I fell over...

Wear a helmet

One more reason to remember to wear a helmet on your bike rides. You never know when something is going to happen. This testimonial/story is from a friend and ex teammate.

http://www.stevendriscoll.blogspot.com/

Foam Rolling

One of the biggest reasons endurance athletes use PEDS or performance enhancing drugs is for the ability to have great workouts continuously. For example, a normal athlete (not on PEDS) can have a great workout on Monday, then when they go to train on Tuesday, the workout is a little less effective because you have tired muscles. Continue this without rest, and eventually your workout quality diminishes to the point where your muscles just shut down because they aren't getting time to recover and regrow. An athlete using PEDS can have a great workout on Monday, the same great workout the next day, and the next, and the next.... You get the point. The drugs help an athlete's muscles recover to the point where they are fresh for each workout. And you can see how that would be beneficial, if each workout is like your first workout!

Which brings me to my point, and something it has taken me a while to truly understand. The name of the game is... Recovery!!! How can I recover fastest to be better prepared for my next workout. I used to think I could just train as hard as I could and when I got tired, I would take a day off. Not sure if I am just getting older now (31) or just looking for ways to be more competitive, or looking for an edge, but I can definitely tell that I don't recover as fast as I would like to.

There are many ways to speed recovery after a hard workout, some cheaper than others. Carbohydrate/protein drink in the first 30 minutes after a hard workout (chocolate milk, protein shake) massage, electrode stem, compression sleeves, ice baths, foam rolling, stretching.

http://www.usatriathlon.org/about-multisport/multisport-zone/multisport-lab/articles/foam-rolling-102511.aspx

Massage of some sort after workouts is highly recommended, but too expensive for most. A foam roller gives many of the same benefits for much cheaper. Natalie was instructed to use one by her PT, so I decided I should also start using it. After 2 days of rolling now I think it seems to be working? I do know that it's painful to do! Hopefully it helps with muscle recovery.

Garden

 Gardening has been going great! We planted a late harvest of lettuce and have tons of that right now! Getting tons of squash, a few tomatoes, and lots of jalapenos! This squash was huge! I usually try to pick them before they get too large (they are softer and taste a little better) but this one got lost in the jungle that is the 3 squash plants. As you can see from the below picture it was the size of a large water pitcher. Loving all the fresh veggies!

Steamboat with the Bills

2 weekends ago we had a great opportunity to go to Steamboat and spend some time with cousins. My cousin who lives in Denver asked us to go stay in her parents time share with her family. At the last minute Natalie decided she should stay home and get some work done to be ready for the start of school. So Cayle and I decided to go get some quality father/son time for the weekend. So thankful for the opportunity!

I love Steamboat. Definitely one of my favorite places in Colorado! Just so beautiful, laid back, and down to earth. The town works really hard to keep the old ranch atmosphere around the town, and huge beautiful working ranches border the town. It was the first resort we went skiing at as a family when we were kids and the source of many of my favorite memories. We went there for many years before we began going to Breckenridge. It was in Steamboat that I first said I would someday live in Colorado. I remember it vividly! I was riding a chairlift with a local ski bum, and he asked where I lived, and I of course said IL, but someday I will be moving out here. He said, "ya right, everyone says that while they are here, but most never leave their homes." I don't want to say I had it in my head to prove him wrong or anything, but it was then that the seed was planted.

Cayle checkin out the cows at the rodeo

They have a boy about a year older than Cayle. We spent lots of time in the pool. The boys play so well together!

"Diving"

Our digs for the weekend. The place was super nice!

Cayle's cousin and buddy Nathan in his Super Man Jammies on his birthday!

This is one of my favorite places in Colorado. I think it is such a beautiful ranch, and it is between us and Steamboat. On a clear day you have a great view of the rocky jagged peaks in the distance!

Day at the Park

Staying home at with the kids has been great! Most of the time we play in the back yard, but once in a while we branch out and venture out of the house. Still trying to get the hang of doing this with 3 kids. Takes a bit to get everyone ready to go... 

Cayle loves to climb things at the park!

Having a good time playing

Loving sliding, but doesn't want to go too fast.

Not sure about this... (with good reason, he fell off the bottom)

Static???

Not too excited about a picture... maybe nap time?

US Pro Challenge

GU snowcone!!!

Dominating the Strider Adventure Zone!

Tommy Danielson with the epic stage win into Aspen!!

Had a great time with the kids at the finish of Stage 3 of the US Pro Challenge in Aspen. Lindy did great in the Chariot and Cayle mostly walked around with me! Seemed like both kids loved the bike race almost as much as I did if not more! So lucky to be able to things like this with them!

Not the same anymore...

Today was our first day at school with kids.  I've been working a ton to get things ready for all my new classes, as well as my mentor stuff, and athletics.  I stayed up late last night putting the finishing touches on things after Open House (after getting 3 hours of sleep the night before!).  I set my alarm for early this morning so I could go for a run before the big day.  The run went well - mostly I say that because I'm pretty shocked I was able to drag my butt out of bed to make it happen! 

Nick and the kids gave me a ride to work today since I had way too much stuff to carry on my bike.  Before we left Nick said "In Illinois you had lots more years teaching than I did, but here in Colorado I had the same as you.  I guess after today it's not the same anymore."  Oh, how true! 

It's really difficult for me to leave for work each day and leave Cayle and Lindy behind.  Nick is so blessed to have this opportunity to be with them each day, all day!  Side note:  blessed to be with them doesn't mean I think he has it easy!  He is working his tail off each day!  It was hard to kiss Cayle and Lindy goodbye this morning, but at the same time I am so happy for my kids to be with daddy and have such fun days planned with him.  Today the three of them are off to Aspen to watch the pro bike race :)  Cayle is also taking his bike so that he can do some adventure stuff they have set up.  Many pics to come, I'm sure! 

Juicing

Blogging has taken a direct hit with me having to give my computer back... Now my main Internet access is the iPad :(

I have been juicing for a couple of weeks now. Beet juice... There have been several studies published about the performance benefits it holds for endurance athletes. The nitrates in it help your body process oxygen more efficiently. Up to 15% increase in performance benefits! That's a lot! I have been mixing it with apples, celery, peaches, blackberries, carrots, and spinach. Not the tastiest juice ever, but not bad.

The performance benefits may be tough to measure, but at least I know I am getting loads of vitamins and minerals in each glass! Hopefully it also makes me at least a little faster.

Love you mommy :)

Got the below picture from Nick a little bit ago...

Cayle and Nick are up in Steamboat for a few nights with Nick's cousin Jodi, her husband Luke, and their two boys - Nathan and Charlie. Lindy and I stayed behind so I could get through the large pile of school work that needed tending! Nick had told Cayle he could call me and say "night night", which he did so sweetly. Then Cayle (unprompted) said "I love you mommy". What a great little boy! He is so sweet :)

1st Ride and sick little boy

 Got out for my first ride in a month and a half yesterday! Felt great to get out again! Only did 10 miles with the kids, but still felt great!

Cayle got sick yesterday evening with a fever of 102. He was def. not happy! We spent most of last night up with him, until Natalie got him to fall asleep with her on the couch. Made for a long night for sure! He spent most of the day today on the couch drifting in and out of sleep while watching Shark Week! Breaks my heart to see him in that state!

Impromptu dinner

Wednesday night we had a little impromptu dinner with the Brandts.  It seems our families have been going opposite directions for most of the summer, and poor Cayle and Mack haven't been able to play much together.  So it was great that we were able to finally catch up on all the summer's events with each other.  We happened to have burgers and buns here and some great garden squash, and Melinda brought some awesome Olathe sweet corn and a fantastic lemon pudding dessert.  The boys got to play outside in the pool, the girls just hung out, and the adults have a good time chatting.

Macy (4 months) and Lindy (1 week shy of 4 months)

Cayle and Mack giving each other "knuckles" after swim time

 

Funny Website

So Nick and I have had some small conversations about this girl and how she clearly wasn't happy with her second place medal.  I'm sure she's a nice enough girl and all, but she's getting a bad rap for the look on her face during the medal ceremony for the vault.  Here she is...
McKayla

Pump it up!

By far, the most frustrating and inconvenient aspect of having a baby and returning to work is the task of "pumping". I nursed Cayle until he was 18 months old, and pumped daily at work until he was a year old. With today being my first day back at work since Lindy was born, the pumping recommences. It's annoying to have to leave in the middle of meetings, and explain to people that you need a private place to pump - but it's worth it :) I just keep reminding myself it's a necessary evil so that Lindy can continue to have breast milk when Nick feeds her during the day. It also helps me appreciate the time I do have to nurse her when I'm home!

My once-again best friend:

First day with Carter

New Beginnings

Today was Nick's first day of work for the year. He woke up early (630ish), got "dressed up" in camo shorts and a t-shirt, got Cayle dressed and got breakfast started - all by 7 am. Once I nursed and dressed Lindy, he took charge of her while I went for a run.

Carter arrived about 8 am. The first hour has gone smoothly - Lindy slept while Cayle and Carter played outside with Nick. I'm so thankful to Nick for taking on this huge responsibility of staying home with the kids and taking care of an additional kid. He sure has his work cut out for him! I promise to pray daily that his patience and good humor will help him survive the trying times.

Love you Nick :)

4 Years!!!

We love watching the Olympics!!! Our TV falls asleep several times a day... this happens after 4 hours of inactivity (being on the same channel...) We just keep the Olympics on all the time. Everything else on TV has taken a back seat.

I was thinking today, I can't even imagine having to wait 4 years between Olympic competitions! If that is your biggest competition (swimming, track, gymnastics,) how do you even begin to maintain focus??? I know they have other comps and worlds and all that, but if it's all just prep for the big show, burnout has to be a huge issue. There was a great interview with Michael Phelps today where he was saying for the first 2 years after the Bejing Olympics he was just kind of lost in his training, couldn't maintain focus. This has to happen to other athletes as well. Just makes you respect the great ones even more, that they are able to find ways to maintain that focus and structure their training accordingly. Amazing!

Hope you got to see Usain Bolt run the 100 meter dash today. That guy is simply incredibly fast!!!

Coffeepot

We took Andy up Coffee Pot Road today. One of our favorite drives around. We went up to Deep Lake for a picnic and then headed home. Was beautiful out today! 62 at lunch, and then back up to 89 by the time we got back home. In a difference of about 4,000 ft of altitude. Will post some pics soon.

Goats

One of my favorite memories while growing up was the period of time when we had goats! We had them in the woods behind our house, and they lived in the old chicken coop that we had redone. They were such a blast! We had several sets of parents and were able to raise several sets of kids. Such a great experience. Several of them got into some poisonous weed in their pasture area, and died from that, and the rest were sold I believe. The following video demonstrates why they were so much fun to watch and raise.

14ers

Gray's at 14270 ft

Torrey's at 14267 ft

Rhubarb Crisp!!!!

No pics of the final product, but it got rave reviews from all who tasted it!!! I made the filling, Natalie made the topping. Rhubarb came from a very generous friend!