The Return to the Road Bike

Greetings Readers

Today I am back on the bike after two days of running - granted I was suppose to run today also, but due to what needed to be done at work early this morning I had to bike in.

I have to admit I was looking forward to this morning. I got the bike ready last night.

The run home last night was 30 degrees colder from the previous night. I will admit it was nice. I was not working up a sweat, in a manner of speaking, and I actually felt comfortable running last night. I did have to change Oakley sunglass lens due to the filtration of light into my eyes. I had to use a less dark of a lens. I wanted my eyes to be hidden so that no one can see my eyes. I do have a clear and orange heighten lens, but I did not want to use those two lens.

I was a bit cold when I started running last night, but after the warm up I was okay. Oh, the smell of food last night was... in the words of my ex-co-worker "awesome" I smelled some good Chinese food (as opposed to awful, cheap or just bad Chinese food smell) aroma from a restaurant I passed on the way home. Then, I smelled good hamburgers and I think that was about it. There are only a few restaurants on the way home after that it is trails and the communities that I run (bike) through to and from work.

Back to this morning - the bike into work was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. The Achilles tendon was a hurtin when pedalling. And of course, I am sure that is due to the 24 miles that I have ran in the past two days.

Well.... Since I road in this morning I had to get the mileage of my run in on the running route I have carved out to and from work. I estimated 6 miles, but actually thought it was a bit longer. However, after I got to work I looked at the mileage and the mileage was 5.94 miles. Un-fucking-believable. I know where I can get the .06 mileage, but that means I will have to add a bit more to my run, which mind you is not in a straight line nor the shortest route home. I actually have to run around a dam as opposed to just climbing (running) up and down. I also have to stick to the path as opposed to crossing a park, a baseball diamond, a swatch of grass, etc. I mean I could, but then that would mean I would not know what the mileage adjustment would be and also would be shorter than the 5.94 miles I know for a fact.

For the record

Day 1

Home to work - 1:20.10
Work to home - 1:11.34

Day 2

Home to Work - 1:21.10
Work to Home - 1:12.57

In actuality, I only ran 23.76 miles in the past two days. I lost 3 pounds, could even be more, but I have been eating rice (Uncle Ben's) to replenish my Carbs I have been burning, in the past two days. I did switch to Chicken so that helped out on less fat in consumption.

Tomorrow, Friday, I had already designated my bike day so I will be riding to work tomorrow. I also have to run some errands after work (perhaps at lunch) so I need to be mobile. As much as I planned not to run this weekend I may have to run since I could not run today.

Which brings me to the Runnin' of the Green. Yes, it is that time of the year - and again I will not be running once more. I just started running again, my thighs are tender (sore) and I would feel that paying 40.00 dollars plus is not worth it for me. I know my legs would be still recovering and getting a good time is out of the question and furthermore I do not want to have an awful time officially recorded for a first running event of 2012 for this coming Sunday.

Also, the weekend is Daylight Saving Time. Which by the way Readers - I got to know a Colombian last year and apparently she does not have Daylight Savings Time in Columbia so she hates this. I just found out since I asked her how does it feel to lose an hour this weekend and she replied "What?" And that was when she said she did not know... well forgot since she is not used to DST change.

Anyway, we Colorado residents are going to have good weather for a bit - I saw the weather this morning and by Monday we may hit 68 degrees - not bad for the month known as the snowest for Colorado in history.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Runnin of the Green 7k - 2009

Greetings Readers

I woke up this morning and I was still unsure that if I wanted to run the 2009 Runnin' of the Green (a.k.a. 2009 Running of the Green) today. For the past week, I have been working late and wanted some down time for myself. No Readers, playing my new video game was not the reason why, but yes it had a part of not wanting to run on Sunday.

Anyway for the past week, I have been able to ride Andrea and show off the HED rims all this week. This was great - since I got the HED rims last year and now it the beginning of the new year and now I can show the HED rims all I want. Well, depending on the weather though.

Four of the five past business days I have been leaving work well after 7 PM. I would get home drained and not wanting to cook. So, I would heat up a can of Chicken Noodle soup, eat ,watch a bit of TV, then call it a evening.

By Friday, I was saying no to running of the Runnin of the Green. Yet, then I saw the forecast weather and they all agreed 60's and a bit of wind.

Excellent really. No rain or snow is always good, since I do like be outside after the Runnin' of the Green and drink. Nothing says Runnin' of the Green like drinking afterwards and meeting new people and listening to live music.

Saturday I was still unsure, but I did stop by the bank to withdraw the registration fee and a bit of drinking money just in case I wanted to run.

I relaxed Saturday and thought perhaps I might do the run, but again not sure.

Now, back to the beginning of Sunday morning. I woke up early and was still unsure. I saw the weather Sunday Morning and they promised sun with a bit of a wind blowing from the West.

Alright. Alright. I decided get ready and I was going leave early this morning. Unlike last year when I had to ride like a madman to the Light Rail Station since the Local bus was not coming.

I decided to ride the bus, so I started walking and jogging to the Arapahoe Light Station. A nice morning and a slight breeze. I stayed out of the shadows since the morning air was a bit cool.

Eventually, I made it to the Light Rail Station and looked at my watch. How could have time went by that quickly. I waited for the next Light Rail and sure enough it was going to Union Station.

About 30 Minutes or so later I was looking at my watch and seeing that 10:15 was nearly here. It appears that it was going to be another foot race to the start line to register, sign up, pay and get the number pinned to my Southpark Jersey I wore today.

Sure enough by the time I got the bib pinned the back of the pack was starting to move. I had arrived just in time for the back of the pack to get moving to the starting line.

I took a few pictures of the start line. It was sunny, it was a beautiful morning in Downtown Denver, and I have to say that I was excited that I changed my mind to run the Runnin' of the Green.

I knew that I was not going to be running for time - at all. I only have done one official running race to date and I have not been running at all on my own time. Whether it be after work, during my lunch break, during the weekend or any official running event. I did get a bit sick the past month and that did change my mind on running on some other official running events. Just let the body rest and get better.

So, I had no problem worrying about time. This time around it was about the T-shirt and the beer afterwards. I knew that the time was not going to be last. Little did I know that morning I would be having a time I care not to see - ever.

I saw a lot of runners and they too saw me. Well, let me say that they saw my Southpark Bike Jersey. Many nice comments and smiles.

Not much else I can say about the Runnin' of the Green. I did okay, never felt winded and I did not sprint to the finish line this year. Kind of crowded this time around - meaning it was crowded with runners throughout the course. Apparently, I found out later that this Runnin' of the Green was the largest amount of runners to date in this event. That was nice to hear.

The finish line came and then I was on my own. I knew a few friends that were doing the Runnin of the Green, and I knew where they were going to be meeting. However, I did not know how long they were going to wait. Since I started in back of the pack and I knew that my friends started at the front of the pack there might a big time difference between the time they cross the finish line and the time that I cross the finish line.

I walked around the area and even stood up on a platform to take in the view of seeing any of my friends in the crowd of spectators and runners alike in the streets of Downtown Denver.

Needless to say, I spent about 15 minutes walking here and there, but no such luck. Oh well, time to head over to the area with music and beer. And just enjoy the morning drinking beer in the sun. After about 15 minutes or so I decided to make one last sweep of the area that my friends were going to meet and I saw Julio.

Julio was with another person I did not recognize. And this time Julio was able to run the 2009 Runnin' of the Green this year as opposed to last year when he was sidelined with a foot injury and decided against running in order for his foot to get better later that year.

"Julio?" I asked

"Hey!"

Well, Julio also looked for others and did not see any of our mutual friends. He did introduce me to his friend... let me give her an alias - Katherine.

Julio, Katherine and I hung out for about 15 minutes together. We talked about our running and a bit of this and that and then we all parted ways. I was no mood to leave myself so I said goodbye to Julio and Katherine and that was the official start of my day.

I did get a few post pictures in the same place I get my picture taken every year at the Runnin' of the Green (Running of the Green) in Downtown Denver.

Overall, I was happy that I did run and get out and enjoy another beautiful day in Denver, Colorado.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Bike Jerseys - Revisited

Greetings Readers

Time for me to unveil one of the birthday gifts that I hinted to in earlier posts.

So today's picture is the bike jersey that I wore during the race. It is my new Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back Bike jersey. Though, I do not think I will wear during this event anymore. I did not get the attention that I got last year for my Southpark Bike jersey I wore. Oh well, at least I did get a few comments on the bike jersey. Sorry readers, I know that the racing bib number does cover most of the front picture up, but the front is exactly printed on the back of the bike jersey. I will take a clear picture for you and post later so you can see without the racing bib number covering up the image/print.

The important thing is that I probably got something that you don't. So there. (sticking out my tongue). I know, I know, perhaps you do not give a shit. So be it. I still have this jersey and you don't.

I do have to confess that due to all the drinking (cheap beer and cheap Irish whiskey) that I did on Sunday after the Runnin' of the Green I was not really into having my routine ritual Sunday picture taken in the state/condition I was after drinking alcohol like there was no tomorrow. So, in order to make up the routine picture I had to take the picture during the week (after work). Though, keeping to my ritual I did keep my racing bib number on my bike jersey, new bike jersey, that I wore on Sunday

This new bike jersey is beautiful and the other two bike jerseys are just as beautiful.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

Runnin' of the Green 7k - the Story

Greeting Readers

I guess I better open up with this. At the Runnin' of the Green - Lucky 7k Run I have posted my best time at this specific event only. Not too shabby at all.

Flashback - I woke up pretty early Sunday morning and I was getting myself all relaxed for the morning race. I watched some tv, took a nice long hot shower and decided to take a RTD to downtown.

I was out the door at 8:45 AM and I headed for the bus stop. I got there and stood where the sun was shining since I did not bring a jacket. I wanted to show off my new bike jersey. So, I wore to layers to compensate for the missing jacket.

9:00 AM. 9:10 AM. 9:15 AM. 9:25 AM. Still no bus. I was getting worried. Really worried. Well 9:30 AM I left the bus stop and headed home to get the bike.

The Runnin' of the Green starts at 10:15 AM. I grabbed my bike and started to ride to the Arapahoe Light Rail Station. I was really riding fast and harder, but not too hard since I did not want to start any lactic acid production in my body. I still needed to run a 7k this morning. I think I got to Light rail about 9:40 AM.

Dang. I was going to cut this close or not make the starting line in time. Shit. I was wondering what light rail route was going to show up next. The one that either goes to Aurora, to 16th street mall or the one that I needed the one that goes to Union station. It was 9:45 when the Light rail car made its appearance.

In the distance I thought I saw "Nine Mile" which meant that this Light rail was going to Aurora. As the Light rail got closer I saw "Union Station" and was relieved about that. Yet, I was still cutting my time close. How long does it take to get to Union Station from Arapahoe Station with all the stops in between? I don't know.

9:50 AM. 10:00 AM. 10:14 AM. I had reached the Light rail station at Union Station. Wow. I got off the train and headed to the west since I know which way the starting direction was going to be. As I rounded the corner onto 16th street mall I saw the back of the pack still at the starting line. Whew. But I did not stop running.

I finally made it to the end of the runners at the back of the starting line. Two minutes later the starting of the Runnin' of the Green 7k was on its way. Two minutes to spare. How's that for cutting it close. Granted, it took 3 more minutes to actually cross the starting line, but at least I was not late.

I was weaving in and out of the runners while running. Cutting here and there. I was scanning all the runners in front of me trying to find openings. I was also looking for someone who was just a bit better than me running so I could pace myself with him/her. Nothing.

I was constantly passing runners. A few runners did pass me, but only a few. Only because I started at the back of the race as probably did the other runners who passed me, which meant all the fast runners left in the front group or close to the starting line. No big deal.

I would estimate at about the 3 mile mark the runners had lighten up and the road was less crowded. I could actually run without weaving. What was also going for me was that the route back into Lower Downtown Denver was almost all downhill.

Then, going under the bridges that are located near Coors Field my left shoelace came undone. Damn. I did not want to stop, but I needed to. I needed to get a good time and also did not want anyone to step on my undone shoe lace.

I ran to the side of the street and nearly fell over when I was going to tie my shoe lace. Thank goodness for the concrete wall, which I leaned/fell into. I tied that shoe in about 4 seconds and was able to run back to the person I was sort of catching up to.

The run into lower downtown I did pretty good and I was able to keep a good pace throughout the race, but I had to get ready for the last few blocks of the race.

Only two runners passed me for good, which I could tell by their pace. I did not think there was a chance that I was going to be able to chase (run down) those two runners down. I let them be and concentrated on my pre-finishing sprint and set-up. As I neared the last two corners I picked up my pace and then I saw that there was a woman runner that was going to pass me.

She did pass me on the last corner and she probably thought that was the last time that she was going to see me. Uh-no. No way. Not going to happen in this lifetime. I immediately picked up my pace and caught up to her pretty quickly - in about 10 feet or so.

That moment was the time, my moment, that I had to launch my attack. My final sprint. This was the moment that I was going to imitate the T-1000 from Terminator 2 - Judgement Day. I picked up my legs and moved my arms vigorously. I sprinted past that woman runner very quickly and fast, which I needed to in order to keep a counterattack on my sprint to the finish.

I was sprinting so fast those last two blocks, I think, I once more overwhelmed 40 to 50 more runners and also kept that woman in my dust.

And the rest is history.

I drank afterwards. I got my T-shirt. I met some friends. Some co-workers. Met Emily (from Ohio). I enjoyed the music. I enjoyed the shining sun we still had. I had a great time, but needless to say I did drink way too much.

Whew. That puts another Runnin' of the Green 7k in the books for me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Official Start of Running in CO

Greetings Readers

The 20th Annual "Runnin of the Green 7k" in Downtown Denver is happening this coming Sunday and downtown will transpire a few blocks into a block party for a few hours. The event usually is consider the first official running event to kick off the new year. With that there are many runners that use this running event to start off the new year for running.

As with my running I actually started back on the first week of February.

The Runnin of the Green 7k is the event I look forward to every year. No, I am not consistent in going each year, but I make an annual tradition to do this event every year. Thousands of runners are registered each year. Downtown closes off some streets. Music is playing every. You can have a drink outside (in the appropriate places of course). You can see all the costumes people dress up and even run in.

If the day is sunny then people, runners, dogs, etc are sitting against buildings and visiting. Whether with friends or people they have just met. People are sitting on any available curbs. People love when that one day of the year is sunny.

Then, if there is snow then people still come out. Whether the snow is falling like crazy and/or the weather is cold runners will try an make the Runnin' of the Green. Just to show up on a snowy day makes you part of an elite group to say that yes I ran the Runnin' of the Green. Pictures even further support your passion of running.

Last year I wore my Southpark bike jersey and I was remembered highly for that. This year I just got some new bike jerseys and I want to wear one of the new ones, but deep down inside I want to wear my Southpark bike jersey. I want people to see Cartman once more. I am thinking, debating still which jersey I should wear.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Runnin' of the Green - Picture

Greetings Readers

This is the picture that I have finally gotten around to developing. This was the Runnin of the Green that was held Downtown Denver. I guess the picture looks okay, but not great. I am not sure why I do not like the picture. You can see the fabled "Union Station" in the background.

I am not going to continue the "Smokehouse incident" until later.

Today, I want to blog about "Larry Sanders." Recently, I got the Best of Larry Sanders Show for my mother and we have been watching episodes when we get a moment the past week

So, last night the episode that I saw and has kind of "captured" my attention was the episode with Sharon Stone. The last episode on the first disc. Anyway, there was an "extra" included with the episode and it was 10 to 20 minutes long. Gary had brought a television crew over to Sharon Stone's house and he got a candid interview while they were eating breakfast.

Both were definitely showing their age. Both looked great. The start of the conversation was lighthearted, but as the interview progressed they got pass the initial awkwardness of seeing each other in a long time.

Anyway, as the "extra" concluded Gary had wrote that he was "shaking for the rest of the day" That was a really a touching statement. Considering what has happened ever since they first knew each other, did a Larry Sanders episode together, their lives after and then meeting once more, but much older. As a faithful follower of both of them I felt the intimacy of the conversation they shared in this "extra" that Gary included in the DVD. I think that most of you readers perhaps remember Sharon Stone with the brain tumor that showed up in her life. Personally, I thought the brain tumor was going to be bad (since it was in her head)and we, the world, would lose a great actress. Now, I am not saying that was could have been applied in the interview, but I think that Gary was very, very happy to see her still with the living. Yes, they had their moments of "not talking" to each other, but the simple act of apologizing does wipe away all that "not talking" period away for the both of them

Well, my time is up and I guess I need to get going.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

Spring Uneasiness, I think

Greetings Readers

I woke up early this morning and was ready to go. Where? I do not know, but I was ready to take on the world or anyone who dared to challenge me this morning. I am sure I am not the only one who gets this way every now and then.

I worked out, cleaned up, called the parents and all this was done before 6 AM. I left the house with the world still in the dark. There was a faint glow on the horizon, but dark. The air was warm, I think about 48 degress, no wind and I only wore my bike shorts for the first time this year. Usually, I have to wear long leg bike pants. But, not this morning.

I have been eating and staring at this blog for the past five minutes and I guess I have nothing to say or write about.

Here are my results for the running of the green this past Sunday. Not too bad for starting at the back of the pack and weaving among all the people to get ahead of them all. =)

with that I will let you readers go

until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

Runnin' of the Green 7k - (The Story)

Greetings People

Yesterday was the almost perfect day for the 19th Annual Runnin' of the Green in Downtown, Denver.

I arrived early, about 9:20 and got registered and my T-shirt all within 10 minutes. Yes, I paid $ 5.00 more for registering on Race day, but no big deal. At least I got a T-shirt, unlike the folks at Run the Register, where I did not get a T-shirt. Unless I donated $ 47.00 more dollars on top of the $ 35.00 registration fee. I hate to say this, but at least VOA (Volunteers of America) are not stuck up as the ALA (American Lung Association) association. Gosh Darn. Well, my $ 30.00 registration fee and post drinking money was well under $ 50.00 yesterday. Oh, having Guinness Drafts on the patio with the sun shining ever so brightly - one could not ask for more.

I did okay in the event. I started about 4 to 5 minutes after the start time officially started. Yep, it took me about 4 minutes or so to actually reach the starting line and start running. Then, it was a battle with dog walkers, baby strollers and about 5,000 plus people in the Runnin' of the Green. I was weaving and bobbing through the throngs of runners. Nothing new for me since I knew that this event is always crowded. I always have to allow for the mass exodus of people at the starting line and through out the race of the 7k. I did okay. I think that the time that was given to me was 40:?? from the official starting of the 7k and 36:?? for the actual time that was given for me from start to finish (timing mat time).

Well, I once again decided to wear my Southpark bike jersey. Let me tell you folks. People just love this jersey. So many of the runners had not even seen this jersey before and the comments were non-stop. Okay readers, I do have to confess. I knew that there was going to be a lot of runners and I had already decided to wear the SouthPark Jersey the night before so I would get attention I wanted. What is even worse readers, I decided to start at the back of the pack in the Runnin' of the Green so that way when I started running like a mad man making myself run through the packs of runners they would see the back of my bike jersey and read "Oh man, you guys suck!" We'll not even 25 yards into the race - I got the laughter and "that is so cool" remarks. Oh that so much made me run even harder through the crowds.

Not much else to say between the start and finish line. I was weaving in and out of people, getting the laughs, the comments, and enjoying myself in this 7k. Well, coming down off the corner Wazoo and 14th, I think, is when I decided to put the "burn" in my legs and go for broke. As I rounded the final corner and saw the finish line two and half blocks away, that was when I ran like the wind. Or in a better comparison, I was running like the T1000 was doing in the parking garage of the movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day. I saw no one in the distance what I was doing, so that was good. I did not look behind me. Wish I could of seen their faces and astonishment when they saw me take off down the street. I passed about 40 more runners in the final homestretch and that was that.

The comment that rings a bell in my mind was I standing in the middle of the street, outside the McCormick Bar & Restaurant and I heard "Yes, I do suck" Hah hah. I guess I made her look pretty bad and she admitted that to me. We just smiled. The post-party was good, I even got a few comments as I was sitting against one of the Downtown buildings. "I just love your jersey" and I offered to show them the back of the jersey, but oh no, they smiled and laughed and said "yes we already know that we suck" And we just laughed.

So, readers the event was good and I really enjoyed getting the attention that I wanted. And yes readers, the attention was about what I expected. I got a few pictures taken downtown, but again I used my disposable camera so they will not be ready until I turn in the camera to be developed.

Today, my thighs hurt. I mean really hurt. Well, let me say tender, I am okay sitting down, but once I start walking the soreness is there in the thighs. Tis the lactic acid residue that I exerted yesterday. The sprint yesterday was worth today's unpleasantness in my thighs. LOL. Oh, I also got a nice "burn" from yesterday's sun. I guess the sun and spring is here - just about.

The Photo is from the Rocky Mountain News website.

with that readers, until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

On the Eve of early DST

Greetings People

Not much I am going to say, but I got my bucket of KFC, but not without some drama. Tires, tires and tires. You know I am back on the bike and not even a week I am getting flats and flats every day.

So, before the KFC stop last night I decided to go to the bike store and purchase some new tires. Well, there was a deal in the store. Half price on tires that looked ok, but more importantly - these tires will match the color of my other bike - gray. Woo Hoo. Always a bonus. Yep readers, I have put the winter bike in storage for now and will use only when the weather is not going to be sunny and clear. I just have to be extra careful with my rims since Centennial has potholes and potholes everywhere. I can not damage my good rims. I think I might have to purchase some new rims just for the occasion. I would rather "trash" a $ 100.00 rim than my more expensive rims. I also picked up three more tubes and three more cycling caps.

It felt so weird taking out "Tracy" this morning. She was purring and ready to put some miles on this beautiful morning. She glides across the road and let me tell her new color of gray does not do her justice. She is fucking beautiful!

Okay, well that is all I am going to blog about for now, well perhaps for the weekend. I just wanted to tell the world readers that I am really happy to be back on my road bikes after being so long off them. Not torture, but just my version of "cabin fever".

I have the "Runnin of the Green 7k" in Denver tomorrow. I am looking forward to that - the day is suppose to be a pretty day and it is going to be an excellent day for drinking downtown after the race.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete