Three days before Kyle and Doreen arrive to do some snowboarding as well as checkout Colorado with intentions of moving here in May. Super excited since we are going to most likely be roommates. Really excited and I cant wait to show them a good time.
Just put on my carbon Titec Pluto stem. Looks really nice. Now, all I have to do is chase down a carbon post and handlebar to match. Titec makes such beautiful stuff but it can be a pain in the ass to find. I already find myself extremely happy with my purchase and I haven't even ridden the Van Dessel. I am going to get a signature Van Dessel seat soon to match so I will bid farewell to the Titec Pluto seat. It was a great seat for my hardtail but a used VD seat is similar enough that I think I can pull it. Plus, they pop up on the internet cheap.
I pulled out my road bike today and spun it up and down the parking lot at the trailer park. Cant believe it has been 3 weeks since I actually got out and rode. Not just spin class but actually enjoying the wind in my hair. Spin class is enjoyable but it feels much more like absent minded practice for the real thing. January will be my first race and first time back in the saddle. Combined with a completely new bike, should make things interesting.
To make a long story short, my weekends have been spent resting and snowboarding. Weekdays in some form or another are spent at the gym. This will change but for the moment, it's the life I have to live. I am really looking forward to moving closer to my job, pending I get my review in January. I really want to be able to commute to work on a bicycle as well as cut down on time spent driving. My morning routine could lose an hour or more if I lived closer. That would be nice.
Finally, Free Wheel Coffee is moving along. The website is up as a word press blog but that will change soon. The big hurdle is over with registering the domain. Now it is time to let my artistic creativity flow some. I will have a blog on the website but initially it will only encompass a merchant interface. It's the first and most important step.
Well, that's all for now. Lots of work to get done before bed time. Spin class in the morning.
Friday from work!
Finally Friday!
First blog from my office as I try to get out of here on a Friday. Hell of a deal. Training went well this week and pending I can make spin class tomorrow morning, life will be good. Hard to believe that next month my first race will be on the schedule. My Van Dessel FS isn't even built yet but it will get put at the top of my priority list come the first of January. Looking out over the horizon, I am excited to see what it will feel like to ride a FS 29er. My very own FS 29er. :)
Otherwise, got some swimming in and my to do list seems a lot smaller as the weeks tick by. I need to up my workout routine and stay consistent with the diet. I felt like I didn't have any steam in the tanks yesterday at the gym. I need to focus on changing that before I begin questioning how much I can lift or how far I can ride my bike.
I am also mapping out a financial strategy for traveling this coming year. Of course, Hawaii is going to be the most expensive, however flying home once for the WV ACE Xterra and the Uwharrie NC Xterra will cost some cash. Factor in a drive to Spearfish SD and one to NM again and it won't be cheap. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew but it is a formidable goal. But hey, I have my bike and that was the big hurdle. First check on my list of priorities will be finishing the bike followed by reserving a ticket to NC in June.
I am also working on figuring out some way of building this blog to focus around the next 2 years of racing and training. My ultimate goal is to cross the finish line as a Leadman in 2011. That is such an intimidating thing to consider because of the 100 mile run. I just need to wrap my hands around that one. I figure that there is no way to actually recover from the Leadman series and each event will wear you down more than the last one. Burning 12,000 calories in 6 hours or 40,000 in 28 is never good. I had very little energy left over from this past season. 50 milers, Xterras, and back to back weekends burned me out. When I enter the Leadman, I need to be completely focused on that series with 100% health. Going to be strange with the gaps leading up to Leadman in comparison to a steady turn on of racing like this past season and the one to come. I am not one to train an entire season for a few select events but this will require that kind of commitment. But enough about 2011, let's focus on 2010.
The Leadville Winter Bike Race. I have no reservations that something could go wrong with the Van Dessel. It's going to be cold, the altitude is pretty high, and the bike will have less than a week or two of use prior to the race. Factor in the absence of studded tires, hydraulic cables, air chambers, and tire sealant which can turn to solid chunks and I have a lot working against me. Did I mention that it will be very very very cold? So yeah, a lot working against me. Here is my check list, pending the weather forecast is as bitter as expected.
1. Inner tubes if possible in my wheels.
2. Use insulated water bottles filled with boiling hot Accelerade.
3. Leg warmers.
4. Pearl Izumi Jacket and possibly my North Face or Columbia Jacket in some sort of combination.
5. Cycling cap.
6. 686 Boarding gloves.
That's what I got so far.
First blog from my office as I try to get out of here on a Friday. Hell of a deal. Training went well this week and pending I can make spin class tomorrow morning, life will be good. Hard to believe that next month my first race will be on the schedule. My Van Dessel FS isn't even built yet but it will get put at the top of my priority list come the first of January. Looking out over the horizon, I am excited to see what it will feel like to ride a FS 29er. My very own FS 29er. :)
Otherwise, got some swimming in and my to do list seems a lot smaller as the weeks tick by. I need to up my workout routine and stay consistent with the diet. I felt like I didn't have any steam in the tanks yesterday at the gym. I need to focus on changing that before I begin questioning how much I can lift or how far I can ride my bike.
I am also mapping out a financial strategy for traveling this coming year. Of course, Hawaii is going to be the most expensive, however flying home once for the WV ACE Xterra and the Uwharrie NC Xterra will cost some cash. Factor in a drive to Spearfish SD and one to NM again and it won't be cheap. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew but it is a formidable goal. But hey, I have my bike and that was the big hurdle. First check on my list of priorities will be finishing the bike followed by reserving a ticket to NC in June.
I am also working on figuring out some way of building this blog to focus around the next 2 years of racing and training. My ultimate goal is to cross the finish line as a Leadman in 2011. That is such an intimidating thing to consider because of the 100 mile run. I just need to wrap my hands around that one. I figure that there is no way to actually recover from the Leadman series and each event will wear you down more than the last one. Burning 12,000 calories in 6 hours or 40,000 in 28 is never good. I had very little energy left over from this past season. 50 milers, Xterras, and back to back weekends burned me out. When I enter the Leadman, I need to be completely focused on that series with 100% health. Going to be strange with the gaps leading up to Leadman in comparison to a steady turn on of racing like this past season and the one to come. I am not one to train an entire season for a few select events but this will require that kind of commitment. But enough about 2011, let's focus on 2010.
The Leadville Winter Bike Race. I have no reservations that something could go wrong with the Van Dessel. It's going to be cold, the altitude is pretty high, and the bike will have less than a week or two of use prior to the race. Factor in the absence of studded tires, hydraulic cables, air chambers, and tire sealant which can turn to solid chunks and I have a lot working against me. Did I mention that it will be very very very cold? So yeah, a lot working against me. Here is my check list, pending the weather forecast is as bitter as expected.
1. Inner tubes if possible in my wheels.
2. Use insulated water bottles filled with boiling hot Accelerade.
3. Leg warmers.
4. Pearl Izumi Jacket and possibly my North Face or Columbia Jacket in some sort of combination.
5. Cycling cap.
6. 686 Boarding gloves.
That's what I got so far.
A long road is about to begin
First night that I have had to myself to really get down to the metal about some things on my mind. Most specifically, this will entail the coming preparations for a 2 year project involving layered steps to major achievements in life. What I am inferring is not only the value of these words or the physical exertion neccessary to achieve the lifestyle that requires this kind of devotion to achieve a goal. I am 25 years old and soon will be 26 this coming April. As best as I can determine, I am at the pinnacle of youth, equipped with a good education (which has taught me a lot), and a vague but promising future. Where I go from here, the world only knows. However, amongst the spinning dice of uncertainty on this roulette table of chance, I have some immediate goals to address. I have typed my top 5 below.
1. Race and successfully finish the Leadman Series in 2011.
2. Race and successfully finish the Xterra World Championship in 2010.
3. Race and successfully finish the Xterra National Championship.
4. Complete every Winter Park race in the 2010 series.
5. Complete at least 4 Xterras in 2010.
These are formidable tasks which require extensive planning. They also represent the top of the class in terms of competition, challenge, and tenacity. I don't doubt that I may fail the Leadman Series in 2011. I don't doubt that a mechanical error could kill my shot in Hawaii. I don't doubt that my body could fail on me. I don't doubt that to some extent, certain people may consider these challenges lunacy. Perhaps they are.
Outside, it is 5 degrees in December. The heaters in my dilapidated trailer can barely keep up. Yet, as I lay in my sleeping bag and look out over the cold ground which lays outside my window, I know that it makes me hard. That's what these past 3 years have been. Hard years which age people all too quickly. There will be time for rest, just not now.
From here on, this blog will serve as a foundation for my commitment to achieving these goals effectively. It will take money, lonely nights at the gym, and countless laps in the pool. Still, with these challenges, time will reveal a life story worthy of reflection. So it begins now.
Week 1 and 2.
I made it to the gym consistently this week and the last. Ramping up my training and working to hammer down some approach to support the needed changes. Training through the winter is a first time thing for me. I have usually taken the past two years off to pursue snowboarding and drinking. Now, I am faced with the challenge of how many laps swam, how much protein consumed, and how many miles ran while the December air bites at my mind. I hate and love winter in Colorado. I used to love it a lot more. Now, it represents an added challenge that I must overcome. And so I do.
I also took order of the last and final bike frame which I intend to use over the course of the next four and a half years. It is a Van Dessel Jersey Devil HT and it will be leaving the east coast soon en route to Colorado. The HT is a rocket ship which will be geared for long climbs, lots of Xterras, and perhaps even the Leadville 100 someday. I loved my Cannondale 29er hardtail and would still be riding it had it not met an untimely fate at Leadville. I am sure it wasn't the only bike Leadville had claimed. It is also a 29er but what separates it from the Cannondale lineup is the weight and carbon seat stays which soften the ride ever so slightly. For me, that is just enough to make it worthwhile. It is what I believe a 29er made by Yeti would have embodied, if it had in fact been built. I believe a 29er is the ideal bike for my 190lb build. Originally I thought it was a Yeti ASR but time in the saddle proved otherwise. I believe that a FS 29er, a HT 29er, and a rigid 29er will be all that I need to play these cards. Combined with my Cannondale Six13 road bike, I am good.
Picture is attached below. I am off to rest. Tomorrow I am going to get into the gym early and hit upper body, finish legs, and spin for a bit. Should be fun. 
Made it in many ways.
I made it! Got into Maui. Yup. I have a lot of work ahead of me for 2010. That includes finishing the Vandy build asap! That way, I have at least one bike in my quiver to start training. I think I have even chased down a frame by the way. More to come on this later.
Other business. http://www.freewheelcoffee.com/ is registered and parked by my domain registration service. I should have the basic format of my website up within the week. When I say "basic," I truly mean it. Right now there is nothing on the page at all, except a blank sheet saying that the site is owned. Ideally I want to just get it launched. Second step will be to make it possible to process an order. I don't doubt that I will find myself playing with layout schemes throughout this time period. What can I say? I am more inclined as an artist at times.
Last matter of business. In preparation for the 2010 bike season, I also got a new set of Oakley Half Jacket glasses. Should have them by the end of this week or the next. They come with extra lenses which are crucial for Winter Park which can go from sunny to overcast quicker than you can blink. I have always used safety glasses from Koppers to ride my bike. Having a nice set from a sponsor is really something I appreciate. The only outstanding piece of cycling apparel that I need for 2010 is a good set of shoes.
Anyways, back to working on the website and my laundry.
The Elite
Tonight I think I made the cut for the Xterra World Championship in Maui. I will know when I wake up in the morning.
It will change some of the dynamics for 2010 slightly, but not much. I might nix the first race of the year and opt for something else. Perhaps more swimming considering the circumstances of racing in Hawaii. Send me good Karma. I am out.
It will change some of the dynamics for 2010 slightly, but not much. I might nix the first race of the year and opt for something else. Perhaps more swimming considering the circumstances of racing in Hawaii. Send me good Karma. I am out.
Horizons
Just waiting for my dad to get into Denver. He is airborne right now heading to Denver. I cant wait to see the old man.
Anyways, getting back to training for 2010. I worked out a lot this week and have been quite busy fashioning my habits to match a good routine. I need to focus on eating more proteins and calories. I am losing weight but I fear it is muscle mass. I even got two days of swimming in this week, which was super nice.
I received the Van Dessel Ramble Tamble today and promise to take pictures of it sometime soon. The paintjob is amazing. When I picked it up, I was listening to Fallout Boy's song 
"American Suitehearts." I think that's what I will call this bike. "Sweetheart." I don't plan to build it up for sometime since the FS takes priority. I am also on the hunt for that last elusive Jersey Devil HT 29er frame to compliment the FS. I pasted the picture below from the shop that shipped it for me. I am amazed at how lite the frame is. It weighs almost as much as my ASR carbon weighed when I bought it back in the day. If I could get to it sometime next summer, that would be nice. The Jersey Devil Hardtail is rumored to weigh even less. Wow! I talked to
"American Suitehearts." I think that's what I will call this bike. "Sweetheart." I don't plan to build it up for sometime since the FS takes priority. I am also on the hunt for that last elusive Jersey Devil HT 29er frame to compliment the FS. I pasted the picture below from the shop that shipped it for me. I am amazed at how lite the frame is. It weighs almost as much as my ASR carbon weighed when I bought it back in the day. If I could get to it sometime next summer, that would be nice. The Jersey Devil Hardtail is rumored to weigh even less. Wow! I talked to With my move to Highlands Ranch in March, I am planning to commute to work by bike. I think "Sweetheart" will find itself being put together under those circumstances. The planned route has been scoped out already and I think it is perfect terrain for a single speed rigid 29er.
Enough procrastination. Dad should be landing soon.
Staying in shape
Working hard this week at my job, although I am certainly burning it up with my workout routine. I got 4 days at the gym complimented by a 6 mile bike ride and afternoon of snowboarding. My shoulders are sore but for the first time in my life, I am starting to master the push up. I am already up to three sets of 10. I know that isn't much but it has always been a weak point of mine. I cant wait to see the scale Tuesday at the gym. I am down to 206, originally at 216 1 month ago. I would like to get to 195 since I believe that is my ideal weight.
I am going to make this post quick but I just wanted to update that I am the proud owner of a Van Dessel Ramble Tamble in size Large. So excited!
I am going to make this post quick but I just wanted to update that I am the proud owner of a Van Dessel Ramble Tamble in size Large. So excited!
3 Days of Rest (And Stress)
Just finished three straight days of hard work, although it was not the physical kind unfortunately. Tomorrow morning I am going to get in the gym, spin, swim, and lift weights. Gotta look good for tomorrow evening. Also spin class Saturday morning followed by snowboarding Sunday.
The Van Dessel Ramble Tamble HT ends in 14 hours on Ebay. I am bidding on it and really hope to get it. If I do, I am going to build a HT SS with rigid fork. Simple, cheap, and perfect for winter racing at Leadville. I have also been planning some ideas regarding how flexible it is. I originally planned to buy a cross bike next year but I have seen plenty of people rocking SS mountain bikes lately at cross events. I also have enough spare bike parts that I could cheaply build the Ramble Tamble. Time will tell but the Ramble Tamble has a lot of options worth exploring. Enough with that though. I am excited it is almost the weekend and I have some time to rest from this week as well as prepare for the coming workload. I swore I would not get into cross unless it was a cheap venture. I would like to devote more time to saving, building my business, and family time with my folks. In between mountain bike and snowboard season, that's sort of where I need to fit it in. Not cross. Although that is a segway into that race I always fantasize about. (Dirty Kanza)
My goal for the next two weeks is to complete the carbon componentry which will be mostly Titec stuff on Vandy and get the wheels here by the end of the month. Not sure if I want to go with the Titec Pluto seat again but more to come on that later. Might just need to adjust my type of riding shorts. Maybe I will look like this guy next year if I race cross. Talk about some pep in his step!
I will call it "Vandy."
So I read an article in Bicycling Magazine who had this complex with a folding bicycle. He loved it but despised it as well. Long story short, he called his bike "Foldy." I decided to name the Van Dessel Jersey Devil FS with a similar name, "Vandy." I plan to have the HT and SS version of this bike over the coming year. I believe they will be the only bikes I need in the stable to complete Leadman and the races I plan to do over the next two years. I am tired of looking at bikes and trying to figure out what I need to meet my needs. Now, I am running with one exclusive manufacturer who will meet my needs effectively.
I started building Vandy this weekend. I have attached some pictures of the build below. The FS version is setup with a cross country platform backed up by front and rear Fox suspension. I wanted a 2x9 setup so I went with an Origin-8 crankset. I like it a lot, however it is somewhat heavy. My goal is to get the bike right at 25lbs. A lite set of wheels are in order and I will most likely go with Stans ZTR. I plan to ride this bike in the Winter Park series in 2010 as well as the Breckenridge 100. I feel both of these courses will be technical and having the rear suspension will be extremely beneficial. I thought Winter Park was a great series this past season but it was a lot to absorb on a hardtail 29er with an 80mm travel Lefty. I don't like the idea of having only one water bottle holder though.
The hardtail version will most likely be used in Leadville, most of my Xterras, and Battle of the Bear. My belief is that if it isn't overly technical, I will stick with the HT. I am fast and effective behind a HT. Not so sure about a FS, even if it has lockout. I am also excited about the carbon seat stays on the HT. When I rode my Cannondale 29er, I was almost completely happy with how it felt, however a small amount of cushion would be nice. Either way, the HT will be a solid bike and I plan to build it up exactly the same as Vandy, minus the rear suspension.
I belive the HT will resemble the early 29er version Cannondale produced which I loved so much. The second generation and new Flash 29er do not neccessarily impress me.
The SS will be a growing bike. I want to build it cheaply as an SS to run at the Leadville winter races in 2011 as well as Battle of the Bear. I should have the frame by next week. Still haven't found a HT but I am on the hunt.
I started building Vandy this weekend. I have attached some pictures of the build below. The FS version is setup with a cross country platform backed up by front and rear Fox suspension. I wanted a 2x9 setup so I went with an Origin-8 crankset. I like it a lot, however it is somewhat heavy. My goal is to get the bike right at 25lbs. A lite set of wheels are in order and I will most likely go with Stans ZTR. I plan to ride this bike in the Winter Park series in 2010 as well as the Breckenridge 100. I feel both of these courses will be technical and having the rear suspension will be extremely beneficial. I thought Winter Park was a great series this past season but it was a lot to absorb on a hardtail 29er with an 80mm travel Lefty. I don't like the idea of having only one water bottle holder though.
The hardtail version will most likely be used in Leadville, most of my Xterras, and Battle of the Bear. My belief is that if it isn't overly technical, I will stick with the HT. I am fast and effective behind a HT. Not so sure about a FS, even if it has lockout. I am also excited about the carbon seat stays on the HT. When I rode my Cannondale 29er, I was almost completely happy with how it felt, however a small amount of cushion would be nice. Either way, the HT will be a solid bike and I plan to build it up exactly the same as Vandy, minus the rear suspension.
I belive the HT will resemble the early 29er version Cannondale produced which I loved so much. The second generation and new Flash 29er do not neccessarily impress me.The SS will be a growing bike. I want to build it cheaply as an SS to run at the Leadville winter races in 2011 as well as Battle of the Bear. I should have the frame by next week. Still haven't found a HT but I am on the hunt.
I do not plan to buy another mountain bike for a few years after these three bikes are prepped to ride. Other areas to focus such as running 100 miles and training time will take precedence over bike building time.
I am off.
Keeping it brief
Just finished drafting my email to Van Dessel Sports for sponsorship in 2010. I really hope they can help me out with the 2010 race season. They are the first company I contacted in regards to sponsorship. I really think Van Dessel has something special in terms of their products. Their bikes are built and bred for performance and seem to come to fruition over a deeply studied approach to what gets you to the finish line effectively. For Xterras and Ultra Mountain bike racing, I think they have designed the perfect 29er for my riding style. I hope they can help me out for the upcoming season. For now, cross your fingers and maybe I will land my first choice dream sponsor!
Well that's all for now. Busy week ahead of me at the new job.
Well that's all for now. Busy week ahead of me at the new job.
Go Getter Greg
Just listening to some music by Ludo. http://www.purevolume.com/ludo
I am always amazed by the music that slips by my unknowing ear. Ludo has been around for a while. They even have some music videos, however until last week I had never heard of them. And you know what, they rock!
I start my job on Monday and have been busy prepping for when I start. I have overhauled my out of control finances and plan to get into the gym more regularly. I am planning to do an epic ride this weekend with some friends also. I am hoping to ride the Heil/Hall Ranch connector but time will tell.
I am super excited to be riding my Cannondale 29er for one of the last times. I loved my Bear Naked edition 29er more than the replacement frame I got after Leadville. It will be nice to put it on Ebay next week. I am going to use the money to buy the wheels and front fork for the Van Dessel. Pending the team meeting on the 17th, I will have most of my SRAM order in to complete the drivetrain. Once it's all said and done, I should be 75% of the way done with building the bike and have little to no money out of my pocket wrapped up with the Vandy. I am still keeping an eye out for a Ramble Tamble or Jersey Devil HT but no luck.
Oh well. One more thing. I cleaned out my fridge today and killed the last four bottles of Budweiser Select in my fridge. I am planning to cut beer out of my diet for a while. 
HIRED!
Just landed a job yesterday and I am so excited. I am really excited about working with some of the most gifted minds in the corporate world.
It's going to be a big challenge and I hope that I can pull my position very well.
More to come later.
It's going to be a big challenge and I hope that I can pull my position very well.
More to come later.
Directions
It's Monday and it's beautiful outside. I am sitting here at Regis after a morning of work. I dropped off the thank you letters at the office where I had the interview last week. I find myself feeling like I got the job every so once in a while. Kind of like I know I wasn't that great on the interview but something clicked and it will work out. Just remain positive Kris. You need something to live for. Challenges.
It's getting colder here. I find myself yearning for snowboard season so badly. I really hope I can stay to see it. With the rope tightening around me, I have been finding myself thinking about survival. I am selling my 29er pretty soon. I would like to think this money will pay for my next bike, however it may also be used to cover moving expenses back to PA. That's scary to think about. In my books, that will be an open declaration that I failed. Not going into details in regards to that conclusion but it isn't good.
It's getting colder here. I find myself yearning for snowboard season so badly. I really hope I can stay to see it. With the rope tightening around me, I have been finding myself thinking about survival. I am selling my 29er pretty soon. I would like to think this money will pay for my next bike, however it may also be used to cover moving expenses back to PA. That's scary to think about. In my books, that will be an open declaration that I failed. Not going into details in regards to that conclusion but it isn't good.
Luck.
Just got back from riding White Ranch. I flatted and screwed up my brakes. Add it to the list.
I climbed to the top of Belcher Hill in 47 minutes. Not that great but my legs loosened up by the time I got to the top. White Ranch is just getting started with changing colors for the fall. It was really nice.
White Ranch took my mind off the job thing. I really hope I land the job this week. I feel like my back is against the wall at this point.
I climbed to the top of Belcher Hill in 47 minutes. Not that great but my legs loosened up by the time I got to the top. White Ranch is just getting started with changing colors for the fall. It was really nice.
White Ranch took my mind off the job thing. I really hope I land the job this week. I feel like my back is against the wall at this point.
Van Atta High
Just a Monday of hammering out job search stuff and sitting back in wonderment of how cold it has become over the past 24 hours. Yesterday I was wearing shorts and flip flops. Now I am wearing a jacket and a cap.
I am also listening to a new band I found called Van Atta High. http://www.purevolume.com/vanattahigh
I definitely think these guys can find their way onto my Ipod in the coming months. I think my favorite song is the remake of "Afternoon Delight." It's good stuff.
I am super excited about snowboard/ski season. Granted I can stay here for a job, I plan to spend some fun times riding and making new friends in the process. Perhaps even planning a long weekend snowboarding somewhere. I found a great deal on some bindings also. (Ride Contraband) It's so cool to see the price wars getting underway in the snowboarding world. 10 years ago when I started riding, equipment was a major investment. Now, it's affordable. My first snowboard was nearly $600. Now, I can snag a great board for $100. Simply amazing.
I need to get in the gym more often these days. Getting behind on that with the job search and it's no bueno. At least tomorrow I am going to get a bike ride in. I am going to sell my 29er before next season. I have my eyes set on two bikes thanks to Edwin at Van Dessel. I have a FS Jersey Devil 29er frame I plan to build up this winter, however it would be nice to have a hardtail model to compliment this setup. I feel like I do a lot better on a hardtail, except in places like Winter Park where it's really rocky. If I could have two bikes in the stable built with exactly the same components, I think I could really do some damage in the competitive scene. Use the hardtail for Xterras and flat out racing like what is on the Front Range 50 course. Then, when the going gets tough use the Full Suspension to race at Winter Park. If and when I land a job that keeps me in Colorado, that will be 2010 setup agenda.
Motivation
Working on some things today on linkedin. I have found myself spending more time than usual on linkedin. I am attending a presentation on linkedin connections tonight. It should be helpful with this job search. Seems like things are picking up more and more these days. I keep telling myself to hold out just one more day and never give up. I won't give up. Even some of my friends are starting to find work. Good signs.
I just got over a cold and have been regaining my momentum. I played volleyball last night in a pick up league with Tamara. I also added a possible event to the 2010 schedule. The MS150 is a road bike event that is done back in Pennsylvania every year. My friend Doreen does this event every year and I think it would be a good chance to reconnect with some Pennsylvania concrete. If I would do the event, I would reorganize the format of things though. This is how I would do it.
Rochester Point to Moraine State Park - 25 miles
Moraine to Edinborough - 100 miles
Final leg - 75 miles
Total 200 miles
This is the only road event I would do in 2010. I may even try it on a modified mountain bike with road tires. Something along the lines of a Cannondale Bad Boy Setup. Like I said a while back. If I can stay in Colorado for 2 years, the Leadman series is mine. Gotta stay focused on the goal.
I am off my soap box. Back to work.
I just got over a cold and have been regaining my momentum. I played volleyball last night in a pick up league with Tamara. I also added a possible event to the 2010 schedule. The MS150 is a road bike event that is done back in Pennsylvania every year. My friend Doreen does this event every year and I think it would be a good chance to reconnect with some Pennsylvania concrete. If I would do the event, I would reorganize the format of things though. This is how I would do it.
Rochester Point to Moraine State Park - 25 miles
Moraine to Edinborough - 100 miles
Final leg - 75 miles
Total 200 miles
This is the only road event I would do in 2010. I may even try it on a modified mountain bike with road tires. Something along the lines of a Cannondale Bad Boy Setup. Like I said a while back. If I can stay in Colorado for 2 years, the Leadman series is mine. Gotta stay focused on the goal.
I am off my soap box. Back to work.
Reflecting back and looking forward.
It's September 11th. A day to give some thought back to the past 8 years since the bombings. My how time flies. In the words of Bob Dylan, "These times they are a changin."
Crazy that it's been 8 years. Looking back on how things have transgressed, it's a weird feeling. I am 25 years old, an MBA graduate, living in Colorado looking for a job. Where do I go from here? I ask that question a lot. In the job applications, networking events, and exams I have taken for a job I often debate the future of this country. In my gut, I feel that we are becoming a weak and lazy country. Americans are no longer hungry and willing to do the work to get where they want to be. We as a country work to play. In reality, I feel I dissuade this idea by saying I play to work in my efforts to find a passionate challenge which constantly tests me. That's what appeals to me so much. The challenge, not the security, the paycheck, or the title. The self satisfaction that this short life I've lived in this instant of time is not wasted.
I have been thinking a lot about a promising job lead that fulfills a lot of what I am looking for. It's a job that isn't even defined just yet by a guy I feel that I can relate to a lot in the evidence of his drive to be the best. I loved when we talked, how he said he was going after the competition now. It was a present reality. Kind of like an immediate response based on the natural awareness of our own self conscience. I like that a lot. More than anything. If there is a problem, fix it and never let it happen again.
___________________________
I have also been playing with this blog to sort of figure out what my athletic schedule should look like in the coming months. If I can stay in Colorado, I am honestly going to give the Xterra circuit a run for their money. I have done five races to date and if all goes well next year, attempt six in one season. That means lots of swimming. I need to nail down 1000 to 1200 meter swims as a weekly thing. I also need to drop 18 lbs to get back to my healthy weight. I blame a lot of this on my job search setbacks. Got me drinking way too much from time to time. Bad food is no bueno because it compliments a tall one.
Six Xterras also means that I will need to get an early jump on the season. Last year, I started racing in May. In 2010, I will need to start in March. A formidable jump considering that I will still be snowboarding probably at the same time.
So for now, I cross my fingers and day dream towards a bright future as I apply to more jobs.
Crazy that it's been 8 years. Looking back on how things have transgressed, it's a weird feeling. I am 25 years old, an MBA graduate, living in Colorado looking for a job. Where do I go from here? I ask that question a lot. In the job applications, networking events, and exams I have taken for a job I often debate the future of this country. In my gut, I feel that we are becoming a weak and lazy country. Americans are no longer hungry and willing to do the work to get where they want to be. We as a country work to play. In reality, I feel I dissuade this idea by saying I play to work in my efforts to find a passionate challenge which constantly tests me. That's what appeals to me so much. The challenge, not the security, the paycheck, or the title. The self satisfaction that this short life I've lived in this instant of time is not wasted.
I have been thinking a lot about a promising job lead that fulfills a lot of what I am looking for. It's a job that isn't even defined just yet by a guy I feel that I can relate to a lot in the evidence of his drive to be the best. I loved when we talked, how he said he was going after the competition now. It was a present reality. Kind of like an immediate response based on the natural awareness of our own self conscience. I like that a lot. More than anything. If there is a problem, fix it and never let it happen again.
___________________________
I have also been playing with this blog to sort of figure out what my athletic schedule should look like in the coming months. If I can stay in Colorado, I am honestly going to give the Xterra circuit a run for their money. I have done five races to date and if all goes well next year, attempt six in one season. That means lots of swimming. I need to nail down 1000 to 1200 meter swims as a weekly thing. I also need to drop 18 lbs to get back to my healthy weight. I blame a lot of this on my job search setbacks. Got me drinking way too much from time to time. Bad food is no bueno because it compliments a tall one.
Six Xterras also means that I will need to get an early jump on the season. Last year, I started racing in May. In 2010, I will need to start in March. A formidable jump considering that I will still be snowboarding probably at the same time.
So for now, I cross my fingers and day dream towards a bright future as I apply to more jobs.
Arms, abs, and some riding.
I am going out riding today. Probably heading to my humble abode of White Ranch. We have a month or two left in the riding season and the evenings are already getting cooler. Kind of nice. I also want to get some time in at the gym. I looked pudgy to say the least on my ride last night. All the stress with a job search can do that. I think I might be coming to an end with this for a bit. Crossing my fingers for now.
Otherwise, the interview went well and I am pretty excited about what could develop from it. I applied to some other jobs today and also got a confirmation to take a border patrol exam in Salt Lake City next month. Still, working for a constantly changing and challenging environment described by the owner of the company sounds very sweet. I live for challenges if you haven't noticed. A busy schedule is the sign of a good life in my books. Right now, I am going crazy trying to stay busy in some ways. I never want to see the Regis Library again, except maybe once or twice when I wrap up my Project Management certificate hopefully this fall.
So for now, I remain positive, hopeful, and ambitious. Hopefully my legs will carry me up White Ranch as smoothly as possible and I will get a chance to enjoy the view in the process.
I am off!
Otherwise, the interview went well and I am pretty excited about what could develop from it. I applied to some other jobs today and also got a confirmation to take a border patrol exam in Salt Lake City next month. Still, working for a constantly changing and challenging environment described by the owner of the company sounds very sweet. I live for challenges if you haven't noticed. A busy schedule is the sign of a good life in my books. Right now, I am going crazy trying to stay busy in some ways. I never want to see the Regis Library again, except maybe once or twice when I wrap up my Project Management certificate hopefully this fall.
So for now, I remain positive, hopeful, and ambitious. Hopefully my legs will carry me up White Ranch as smoothly as possible and I will get a chance to enjoy the view in the process.
I am off!
On the eve
Another night here in beautiful Colorado. I woke up to some great news. A really cool company is going to interview me tomorrow. I am so excited and hopeful.
It's amazing how hope can get things moving. For the first time in 2 weeks, I went for a bike ride. I rode from my place in Westminster to the REI in downtown Denver. This area is blessed with some of the nicest trails ever and exploring them was a nice thing. I rode along Clear Creek to the mouth of the South Platte and then up to Denver. It was so nice, especially on my road bike which eats up concrete like I can put down Sushi. I swear I will start taking pictures.
So that's all for now. The blog is overhauled pretty nicely and I am super happy with the new format. Hopefully it will be blessed with words of a new career, tales of cycling, snowboarding, and countless travels. Cheers!
It's amazing how hope can get things moving. For the first time in 2 weeks, I went for a bike ride. I rode from my place in Westminster to the REI in downtown Denver. This area is blessed with some of the nicest trails ever and exploring them was a nice thing. I rode along Clear Creek to the mouth of the South Platte and then up to Denver. It was so nice, especially on my road bike which eats up concrete like I can put down Sushi. I swear I will start taking pictures.
So that's all for now. The blog is overhauled pretty nicely and I am super happy with the new format. Hopefully it will be blessed with words of a new career, tales of cycling, snowboarding, and countless travels. Cheers!
Another Chapter
Well, it's September and I am still unemployed and trying to figure out how to pay the bills. This is going to be a short update because I am pressed for time considering that tomorrow is Labor Day. Either way you cut it, the blog is up and alive.
I have a lot of work to do. First off, I am working on a new format to facilitate my sponsors. After that's done, I should be on my way with some content.
I haven't been exercising or taking care of myself lately. After the last race at Winter Park, I hit a slump with my job search and that amounted to lots of beers and fatty foods. Not a good combination. I am working to change that though in the coming days, weeks, and months. Last year, I took 3 months off and did some light stuff for snowboard season. This year, I am going to work on hammering out a good diet complimented by a buildup for next year. If I can stay in Colorado for 2 more years, I want to make a run on the Leadman series. IF that happens, it's going to take 24 months of training. Not an easy thing. So cross your fingers that I stay. I want to finish this chapter of life here in Colorado on the right foot with a statement. Running 100 miles on foot is just up my ally. So hopefully I can stay.
That's all for now.
I have a lot of work to do. First off, I am working on a new format to facilitate my sponsors. After that's done, I should be on my way with some content.
I haven't been exercising or taking care of myself lately. After the last race at Winter Park, I hit a slump with my job search and that amounted to lots of beers and fatty foods. Not a good combination. I am working to change that though in the coming days, weeks, and months. Last year, I took 3 months off and did some light stuff for snowboard season. This year, I am going to work on hammering out a good diet complimented by a buildup for next year. If I can stay in Colorado for 2 more years, I want to make a run on the Leadman series. IF that happens, it's going to take 24 months of training. Not an easy thing. So cross your fingers that I stay. I want to finish this chapter of life here in Colorado on the right foot with a statement. Running 100 miles on foot is just up my ally. So hopefully I can stay.
That's all for now.
Everything Kris Returns!
It's almost time to bring this blog back to life. I still have the original content saved but will not be posting it anytime soon. A different chapter of life and a new direction for the blog.
This blog will serve as a new platform for life at 5,280 feet above sea level and everywhere above and below that. I am planning to utilize this blog to capture four major areas.
1. My professional racing schedule
2. My travels
3. My life
4. My career
It will start coming back to life in October 2009. Until then, stay tuned!
This blog will serve as a new platform for life at 5,280 feet above sea level and everywhere above and below that. I am planning to utilize this blog to capture four major areas.
1. My professional racing schedule
2. My travels
3. My life
4. My career
It will start coming back to life in October 2009. Until then, stay tuned!
