Well, I'm 50% there, as Venus just put her younger sister in the runner-up spot.
Tomorrow I'll be rooting for Roger...my mom is here visiting and she's a Rafa fan, so it ought to be fun. I only wish there were a crop of dominent American men in the tennis world today...it always makes it fun when there's a potential for an All-American final.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
to NB staff: Rafa's last name is Nadal, not Nedal.
What I saw of the Venus/Serena match was exceptional tennis. (I missed the last few games because of a phone call.)
I'm looking forward to a thrilling match between Roger & Rafa. Personally, I'm pulling for Roger after his dismal showings in Australia and France, but both are nice guys so I can't root 'against' anyone.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. - George Bernard Shaw, 1944
A very proud moment for my son and me today, for three high jumpers that he's competed against -- one being a close friend of his, another his teammate -- will be representing our nation at the Olympics next month.
In first was Jesse Williams, the jumper who has been an inspiration to Brandon since my son was a junior in high school. A critical moment in Brandon's athletic career was when he way underperformed at the Stanford Invitational in 2005. Jesse was a junior at USC at the time, and already a two-time NCAA champ. After Brandon missed his third attempt at a pretty low height, Jesse sat with him for about 15 minutes discussing what my son needed to do become a serious contender.
One year later, Brandon won the Stanford Invitational!
Jesse is everything you could possibly ask for in an athlete going to China to represent our country, and having served him dinner in my backyard a few years ago, I must say I couldn't be prouder of his accomplishment.
Coming in third today was Brandon's teammate Dusty Jonas, who I've also met several times. He becomes the first Nebraska high jumper to ever go to the Olympics, but he's going to have to perform better than he did today to take home a medal (Dusty's in the middle below, with my inspiration and the pride of my life on your left):
As for Andra Manson who came in second, he graduated from Texas last year, and could be a factor in China.
Congratulations, gentlemen. Go make your country proud! ns
P.S. Those that are interested should watch this video of Dusty jumping 7-8 3/4 at the Big 12 Championships in May -- the highest mark in the country this year. Picture above is from that meet, with Brandon's BFF Paul Hamilton on the right. :-)
Really impressive stuff Noel. I've been watching the olympic trials on NBC ( the first time I've watched NBC since Sunday Night Football!) and I'm starting to get excited. I actually prefer the world championships in non-olympic years as you don't have to put up with any of the "novelty sports". Being only 5 foot 10, high jumping is a foreign concept to me. I really like watching distance running being an avid distance runner myself. Have you checked out the international competition? What are Jesse's chances of bringing home a medal?
Tough to tell. Jesse actually hasn't had a great year, and 2.30m is really nothing impressive. He also hasn't typically done well overseas, either.
I'm really not sure what the foreign competition will be, but I'm sure it will be strong. High jump is VERY popular in Europe. Good jumpers in Eastern Europe, as well as Sweden and Denmark.
Sadly, Americans aren't interested in this event. Today, it was more important for NBC to spend about ten minutes talking about Tyson Gay's cramp than the high jump competition going on behind them. And, women's sprint semi-finals were higher priority than the high jump final!
In Europe, high jump would have been the focus, and running heats an after-thought -- as they should be, for finals are finals, yes? ns
I see by the 2008 list that Jesse jumped 2.3m in my neck of the woods just a couple of weeks ago. Interesting that the all time list of best jumps is littered with 1980's and 90's jumps. The men's final is scheduled for Tues. Aug 19th around 7am left coast time. I'll be watching but will have to pass on my "special pop" at that time.
Nope. Best number the past two years. Anywhere. Saw him do 7-7 1/2 at the regionals in May. Sky'd it. I goofed on him about why he didn't try going for 2.4m -- about 7-10 1/2. He didn't think it was funny. :-)
It's very possible that Dusty peaked too soon. He only did about 7-5 at nationals, and 7-5 today. He might be jumped out.
High jump is a lot like pitching: everybody only has a certain number of really good jumps per season before the legs need rest. Kind of like how pitchers get dead arms if they're overworked, Dusty could have dead legs right now. Hope not.
By contrast, Jesse has been trying to peak for trials and beyond. I hope he's got it timed just right. ns
At the risk of having a whole pile of insults and jokes thrown my way, does anyone watch the Tour de France? I got hooked about 5 years ago when Lance was doing his thing. There's a lot more to the sport than meets the eye. Especially when you get to the mountain stages the strategy is unbelievable. Unfortunately doesn't look like any American contenders this year.
People who just visit this area for a week or two and spend most of their time in the tourist traps in SF have NO idea of its beauty. Some of the best vistas of the Bay are from the Oakland/Berkeley hills, as well as the Marin headlands on the other side of the Golden Gate -- best viewed by bicycle!
Those days in my early to mid-20s when I was bicycling the Oakland/Berkeley hills three to five times a week are my best memories. Gotta get back there this summer. ns
top of Indenpendence pass near Aspen, @ 12,095 ft. I got good at that pass.. however on mt. Evans (only rode it once) once i passed 12,500 feet.. lung blow out city... And then near the top you can hear the crouds yelling.. you go around one switch back..thinking you are near the finish then you go around another... then another, before you finish...mean ride 45 F at the top..
Looks like great country...reminds me of our rockies up here in BC.
And then near the top you can hear the crouds yelling
Isn't it amazing when you're in a race and you got all these people you don't know cheering you on...total adrenaline keeps you going. Enough to make you wanna come back and do it again.
Although, I'm Limping right now....I had a Bike run in with those Poles on the bike paths to keep out the Cars...Deep Thigh Bruise LSVI --Low Speed Vehicle Impact
I've been Hurtin .... all Week...and Limping to the Bus Stop....
Believe it or not, the picture doesn't do it credit. Every switchback is breathtaking. I now know what I'm doing next weekend, for it's been too long since I've biked there. Only 30 minutes away. Want to join me? :-) ns
Amazing sight...nothing like a left coast sunset. I'm envious of your cycling abilities...obvious where Brandon gets his strong legs from. I've run marathons and I can't cycle uphill worth beans. Lance is truly one of my heroes. I just loved watching him go over there and kick some European butt (Ulrich, Basso etc), especially since the "fix" was always out to get him. I've got his Big 6 DVD which I still watch. Landis got robbed and this thing that happened with Leipheimer this year was unfortunate. Didn't Leipheimer win the Tour de California last year? 2 years ago? I've watched some live cycling and it's amazing the vortec that is created when the peloton goes by. When these guys go down a mountain it reminds me of the Blue Angels...inches apart and if one guy goes off a touch a whole train wreck follows. Very scary.
I'm a chicken going downhill. Took a bad spill early in my "career". Was very lucky that it happened at a curve into the hill rather than out of it, if you know what I mean. If it had been out of it, I'm not here today.
Climbing is where it's at. Ever had an endorphin rush? ns
Yeah, I get a "runners high" all the time. Usually about 7-10km into a run. Makes me feel invincible. Probably the same feeling a liberal gets about themselves when they think inside their minds.
They're nice, aren't they? :-) The thing about biking uphill is the endorphins kick in a lot sooner than when you're jogging. If you push yourself, because of the incline, you can get 'em flowing early. Makes the ride nice.
I just started biking again last summer after many years off. Man, I love it. Unfortunately, to be able to keep up with the folks on the road around here, I'm going to have to invest in much better equipment. Things have changed in the past 20 years, and these folks are riding titanium bikes that weigh much less than mine, and are MUCH stiffer. BUT, they cost like $5,000.
With one kid in college, and another on the way, it's hard to justify $5,000 on a bike. Know what I mean? ns
Great question. Lungs or legs? My first response was lungs. However, after thinking about it, I do think it's muscle fatigue. Or some kind of fatigue.
I'm just getting back into it, and I'm 48 now. So, it's different than when I was riding in my 20s, obviously. I was biking so much more then. Tough to judge when you're only riding once a week instead of three to five times. No matter what my shape is now, and I think it's pretty good, it can't possibly be what it was when I was doing 75 to 100 miles a week EVERY week. ns
Now you got me going. I consider myself an expert on fatigue. I suffered a 3 year battle with what I call "near chronic fatigue" only to battle back. Chronic fatigue is like having a stroke of your energy systems. It starts in the hypothalamus. I had times when I did not have enough energy to sit in a chair...I had to belying horizontal. I saw 14 different doctors and had numeroud tests. What I learned and what I experienced... fatigue stems not from the lungs, heart, kidney or liver (obvioudly those are a factor) but from the brain. The brain is a muscle like any other muscle that needs to be exercised. I could go on for hours. Just like when you want bigger bicepts you increase the amount of weight you lift, so to with the brain. You want to increase in gradual increments...they call it progressive overload. No matter what your age, when you exercise your brain will "adapt" when you work your body to a new, stronger level.The brain then comunicates this info to the rest of the organs.
There's no question a lot of it is mental. Here's where I bike now:
This is about a 4K vertical incline, 12 miles from bottom to top, and another six miles from my house. Typically, somewhere between mile seven and nine (up the mountain), my mind starts telling me I'm done. Part of the reason is simply food, for at that point, I'm about 1 1/2 hours in, and you know what that means.
However, there's no question that at that point, it's mental. The muscle fatigue can be overcome if I have the will, which I normally do because it's so beautiful up there, and the endorphins are playing games with the senses.
The problem is that once I'm finished, and I've conquered the mountain, I've got a long way home -- almost 18 miles. Sure, much of it is downhill, but it's not easy, and the fatigue is tough. ns
You have a 30 year-old bike that only weighs 18.5 lbs? That's amazing. My bike is about 25 (age), and probably weighs about 20 - 21. What do you have? ns
It's amazing how the Williams' sisters can dominate when they seemingly want to. They'll be great for a while, then kinda fade a little, then win the U.S. Open as an unseeded player, etc.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Wimbledon
July 5, 2008 - 10:13 ET by BlondeWell, I'm 50% there, as Venus just put her younger sister in the runner-up spot.
Tomorrow I'll be rooting for Roger...my mom is here visiting and she's a Rafa fan, so it ought to be fun. I only wish there were a crop of dominent American men in the tennis world today...it always makes it fun when there's a potential for an All-American final.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
→ I don't know Blonde
July 5, 2008 - 10:17 ET by Cool ArrowFor the afficionado, yes, but while Pete Sampras was crushing a new record every time he stepped on the court, nobody seemed to be watching.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Wimbledon
July 5, 2008 - 11:18 ET by mom_roxto NB staff: Rafa's last name is Nadal, not Nedal.
What I saw of the Venus/Serena match was exceptional tennis. (I missed the last few games because of a phone call.)
I'm looking forward to a thrilling match between Roger & Rafa. Personally, I'm pulling for Roger after his dismal showings in Australia and France, but both are nice guys so I can't root 'against' anyone.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw, 1944
Hey mom (and not mine!)
July 5, 2008 - 11:32 ET by BlondeDidn't we have this conversation a few weeks ago?
Agreed, the Williams sisters' match was fierce...great tennis. That game in the second set was about as exciting as it gets.
I hope Venus & Serena win the doubles too.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Best matchup in the whole
July 5, 2008 - 11:46 ET by wiwfBest matchup in the whole NL is going on for the next few days: Cubs -Cards. Go Cubs Go!
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
From one blonde to another
July 5, 2008 - 11:53 ET by mom_roxHi Blonde - you're right. Good memory. Same song, different verse; same matchup, different surface.
I did see that 2nd set game. TV should add that game to its rain delay programming.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw, 1944
The Williams sisters
July 5, 2008 - 14:02 ET by UnsaneThey are such a great story in tennis! Really, what are the odds that two sisters BOTH hit that elite level of competition?
(But they still aren't Мариа.) :-)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Wimbledon and the Williams sisters...
July 6, 2008 - 09:14 ET by goldenthroatActually I was hoping Venus and Serena would beat the living crap out of each other.
"How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all?" - Firesign Theatre
Congratulations to Jesse, Andra and Dusty
July 5, 2008 - 18:57 ET by Noel SheppardNBers,
A very proud moment for my son and me today, for three high jumpers that he's competed against -- one being a close friend of his, another his teammate -- will be representing our nation at the Olympics next month.
In first was Jesse Williams, the jumper who has been an inspiration to Brandon since my son was a junior in high school. A critical moment in Brandon's athletic career was when he way underperformed at the Stanford Invitational in 2005. Jesse was a junior at USC at the time, and already a two-time NCAA champ. After Brandon missed his third attempt at a pretty low height, Jesse sat with him for about 15 minutes discussing what my son needed to do become a serious contender.
One year later, Brandon won the Stanford Invitational!
Jesse is everything you could possibly ask for in an athlete going to China to represent our country, and having served him dinner in my backyard a few years ago, I must say I couldn't be prouder of his accomplishment.
Coming in third today was Brandon's teammate Dusty Jonas, who I've also met several times. He becomes the first Nebraska high jumper to ever go to the Olympics, but he's going to have to perform better than he did today to take home a medal (Dusty's in the middle below, with my inspiration and the pride of my life on your left):
As for Andra Manson who came in second, he graduated from Texas last year, and could be a factor in China.
Congratulations, gentlemen. Go make your country proud! ns
P.S. Those that are interested should watch this video of Dusty jumping 7-8 3/4 at the Big 12 Championships in May -- the highest mark in the country this year. Picture above is from that meet, with Brandon's BFF Paul Hamilton on the right. :-)
And here's Jesse two years ago at Nationals.
And Andra.
Very cool! 45 Communist
July 5, 2008 - 19:02 ET by Clear thinkerVery cool!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Noel , What a GREAT post.. Thank You
July 5, 2008 - 19:16 ET by upcountrywaterYea off to China!!!
My smile couldn't be any
July 5, 2008 - 19:31 ET by bigtimerMy smile couldn't be any more wider...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Really impressive stuff
July 5, 2008 - 19:49 ET by dboReally impressive stuff Noel. I've been watching the olympic trials on NBC ( the first time I've watched NBC since Sunday Night Football!) and I'm starting to get excited. I actually prefer the world championships in non-olympic years as you don't have to put up with any of the "novelty sports". Being only 5 foot 10, high jumping is a foreign concept to me. I really like watching distance running being an avid distance runner myself. Have you checked out the international competition? What are Jesse's chances of bringing home a medal?
dbo
July 5, 2008 - 20:09 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
Tough to tell. Jesse actually hasn't had a great year, and 2.30m is really nothing impressive. He also hasn't typically done well overseas, either.
I'm really not sure what the foreign competition will be, but I'm sure it will be strong. High jump is VERY popular in Europe. Good jumpers in Eastern Europe, as well as Sweden and Denmark.
Sadly, Americans aren't interested in this event. Today, it was more important for NBC to spend about ten minutes talking about Tyson Gay's cramp than the high jump competition going on behind them. And, women's sprint semi-finals were higher priority than the high jump final!
In Europe, high jump would have been the focus, and running heats an after-thought -- as they should be, for finals are finals, yes? ns
dbo
July 5, 2008 - 20:45 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
Here are last year's top performers: http://www.iaaf.org/...
Donald Thomas and Stefan Holm are serious jumpers. Here's Holm at 2.40m. And Thomas at 2.35m to win last year's Worlds.
Yet, Dusty did 2.36 at Big 12 THIS year!!! ns
I see by the 2008 list that
July 5, 2008 - 21:36 ET by dboI see by the 2008 list that Jesse jumped 2.3m in my neck of the woods just a couple of weeks ago. Interesting that the all time list of best jumps is littered with 1980's and 90's jumps. The men's final is scheduled for Tues. Aug 19th around 7am left coast time. I'll be watching but will have to pass on my "special pop" at that time.
Excellent
July 5, 2008 - 23:16 ET byNoel,
that is great
Yes, you are even more annoying than Blonde. the EYE
Noel..is that a Typo 7' 8 3/4 " ?
July 5, 2008 - 23:31 ET by JayTeeWow !!.....
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
JT
July 5, 2008 - 23:48 ET by Noel SheppardJT,
Nope. Best number the past two years. Anywhere. Saw him do 7-7 1/2 at the regionals in May. Sky'd it. I goofed on him about why he didn't try going for 2.4m -- about 7-10 1/2. He didn't think it was funny. :-)
It's very possible that Dusty peaked too soon. He only did about 7-5 at nationals, and 7-5 today. He might be jumped out.
High jump is a lot like pitching: everybody only has a certain number of really good jumps per season before the legs need rest. Kind of like how pitchers get dead arms if they're overworked, Dusty could have dead legs right now. Hope not.
By contrast, Jesse has been trying to peak for trials and beyond. I hope he's got it timed just right. ns
Interesting.....Noel
July 5, 2008 - 23:58 ET by JayTeeMy son has a BS in Kinesiology, Trains Atheletes on Occaision.
That is STILL an awesome height.
I wish him Luck ....
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
JT
July 6, 2008 - 00:08 ET by Noel SheppardJT,
Me too. Pretty cool watching folks you know compete at this level. ns
At the risk of having a
July 5, 2008 - 21:48 ET by dboAt the risk of having a whole pile of insults and jokes thrown my way, does anyone watch the Tour de France? I got hooked about 5 years ago when Lance was doing his thing. There's a lot more to the sport than meets the eye. Especially when you get to the mountain stages the strategy is unbelievable. Unfortunately doesn't look like any American contenders this year.
dbo
July 5, 2008 - 22:34 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
I'm a cyclist. Riding some of the TDF courses is a dream of mine. Lance is the man.
Uphill is my specialty. I love climbing. Absolutely nothing like it.
When I started riding, I was living in Berkeley, and would climb Grizzly Peak. This was the view to my right:
Any questions? ns
Wow, NS
July 5, 2008 - 22:45 ET by BlondeJust WOW.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
B
July 5, 2008 - 22:59 ET by Noel SheppardB,
People who just visit this area for a week or two and spend most of their time in the tourist traps in SF have NO idea of its beauty. Some of the best vistas of the Bay are from the Oakland/Berkeley hills, as well as the Marin headlands on the other side of the Golden Gate -- best viewed by bicycle!
Those days in my early to mid-20s when I was bicycling the Oakland/Berkeley hills three to five times a week are my best memories. Gotta get back there this summer. ns
Bicycling
July 6, 2008 - 03:13 ET by UnsaneWell, if I ever take my bike out that way, I know who to call!
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Dayem, Noel.
July 5, 2008 - 22:51 ET by R D HelmJust Dayem. :-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD and Blonde
July 5, 2008 - 23:07 ET by Noel SheppardRD and B,
Here's another one from Grizzly, albeit at night:
Obviously, it doesn't look like this during the day, but that should give you another idea of what it's like to bike that road. ns
I met Noel, He is the perfect size for hill climbing
July 5, 2008 - 23:20 ET by upcountrywaterThe first year I moved to Hawaii, i rode the Haleakala hill climb.
2nd hardest race, the hardest was to the top of Mt. Evans in Colorado , 14,250 feet.
I'd rather go up than come down, front wheel blow outs at 50 mph.eww.
I took my bike on BART , got off in downtown rode across Gloden gate bridge to Mill valley. nice area
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
UCW, Whats the air like
July 5, 2008 - 23:23 ET by dboUCW, Whats the air like at 14,000 feet?
dbo, at the time i trained riding from Glenwood Springs to the
July 5, 2008 - 23:39 ET by upcountrywatertop of Indenpendence pass near Aspen, @ 12,095 ft. I got good at that pass.. however on mt. Evans (only rode it once) once i passed 12,500 feet.. lung blow out city... And then near the top you can hear the crouds yelling.. you go around one switch back..thinking you are near the finish then you go around another... then another, before you finish...mean ride 45 F at the top..
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Looks like great
July 5, 2008 - 23:52 ET by dboLooks like great country...reminds me of our rockies up here in BC.
And then near the top you can hear the crouds yelling
Isn't it amazing when you're in a race and you got all these people you don't know cheering you on...total adrenaline keeps you going. Enough to make you wanna come back and do it again.
dbo, yea the yelling crouds, however in this race..
July 6, 2008 - 00:02 ET by upcountrywaterthey were yelling for people that beat me ;-(
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Upcountry...Geez...who would have thought...I'm biking to work
July 5, 2008 - 23:27 ET by JayTeeAlthough, I'm Limping right now....I had a Bike run in with those Poles on the bike paths to keep out the Cars...Deep Thigh Bruise LSVI --Low Speed Vehicle Impact
I've been Hurtin .... all Week...and Limping to the Bus Stop....
At my age though, everyone passes me...
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Noel, like J said, Wow!
July 6, 2008 - 00:48 ET by R D HelmJust WOW.
Nice view, that is. :-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD
July 6, 2008 - 00:55 ET by Noel SheppardRD,
Believe it or not, the picture doesn't do it credit. Every switchback is breathtaking. I now know what I'm doing next weekend, for it's been too long since I've biked there. Only 30 minutes away. Want to join me? :-) ns
Noel, sure.
July 6, 2008 - 01:13 ET by R D HelmBut I'll be bringing this along.
LOL-Once I have sold about seven or eight of these, I mean.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
Noel, only if you get a tandem
July 6, 2008 - 01:14 ET by upcountrywaterLike this
and tow me along.
Playing possum on me are you?
July 5, 2008 - 23:06 ET by dboAmazing sight...nothing like a left coast sunset. I'm envious of your cycling abilities...obvious where Brandon gets his strong legs from. I've run marathons and I can't cycle uphill worth beans. Lance is truly one of my heroes. I just loved watching him go over there and kick some European butt (Ulrich, Basso etc), especially since the "fix" was always out to get him. I've got his Big 6 DVD which I still watch. Landis got robbed and this thing that happened with Leipheimer this year was unfortunate. Didn't Leipheimer win the Tour de California last year? 2 years ago? I've watched some live cycling and it's amazing the vortec that is created when the peloton goes by. When these guys go down a mountain it reminds me of the Blue Angels...inches apart and if one guy goes off a touch a whole train wreck follows. Very scary.
dbo
July 5, 2008 - 23:12 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
I'm a chicken going downhill. Took a bad spill early in my "career". Was very lucky that it happened at a curve into the hill rather than out of it, if you know what I mean. If it had been out of it, I'm not here today.
Climbing is where it's at. Ever had an endorphin rush? ns
I am Invincible... I am Runner
July 5, 2008 - 23:19 ET by dboEver had an endorphin rush?
Yeah, I get a "runners high" all the time. Usually about 7-10km into a run. Makes me feel invincible. Probably the same feeling a liberal gets about themselves when they think inside their minds.
dbo
July 5, 2008 - 23:38 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
They're nice, aren't they? :-) The thing about biking uphill is the endorphins kick in a lot sooner than when you're jogging. If you push yourself, because of the incline, you can get 'em flowing early. Makes the ride nice.
I just started biking again last summer after many years off. Man, I love it. Unfortunately, to be able to keep up with the folks on the road around here, I'm going to have to invest in much better equipment. Things have changed in the past 20 years, and these folks are riding titanium bikes that weigh much less than mine, and are MUCH stiffer. BUT, they cost like $5,000.
With one kid in college, and another on the way, it's hard to justify $5,000 on a bike. Know what I mean? ns
Noel, it's not the bike, it's the motor on it.
July 5, 2008 - 23:52 ET by upcountrywaterJust maybe a pound lighter, My road bike is 30 years old 18.5 lbs..
my body well additional 35 lbs!! 165 to 200 in 27 years.
Pounds of car exhaust inhaled (lead back then) ??
I'm off road now, way slow, still out of breath.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
When you guys bike what
July 5, 2008 - 23:57 ET by dboWhen you guys bike what gives out sooner, the lungs or the legs? What part of the legs...calves, hamstrings, quads?
dbo
July 6, 2008 - 00:03 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
Great question. Lungs or legs? My first response was lungs. However, after thinking about it, I do think it's muscle fatigue. Or some kind of fatigue.
I'm just getting back into it, and I'm 48 now. So, it's different than when I was riding in my 20s, obviously. I was biking so much more then. Tough to judge when you're only riding once a week instead of three to five times. No matter what my shape is now, and I think it's pretty good, it can't possibly be what it was when I was doing 75 to 100 miles a week EVERY week. ns
Sounds hocus/pocus I know
July 6, 2008 - 00:21 ET by dboOr some kind of fatigue
Now you got me going. I consider myself an expert on fatigue. I suffered a 3 year battle with what I call "near chronic fatigue" only to battle back. Chronic fatigue is like having a stroke of your energy systems. It starts in the hypothalamus. I had times when I did not have enough energy to sit in a chair...I had to belying horizontal. I saw 14 different doctors and had numeroud tests. What I learned and what I experienced... fatigue stems not from the lungs, heart, kidney or liver (obvioudly those are a factor) but from the brain. The brain is a muscle like any other muscle that needs to be exercised. I could go on for hours. Just like when you want bigger bicepts you increase the amount of weight you lift, so to with the brain. You want to increase in gradual increments...they call it progressive overload. No matter what your age, when you exercise your brain will "adapt" when you work your body to a new, stronger level.The brain then comunicates this info to the rest of the organs.
dbo
July 6, 2008 - 00:42 ET by Noel Shepparddbo,
There's no question a lot of it is mental. Here's where I bike now:
This is about a 4K vertical incline, 12 miles from bottom to top, and another six miles from my house. Typically, somewhere between mile seven and nine (up the mountain), my mind starts telling me I'm done. Part of the reason is simply food, for at that point, I'm about 1 1/2 hours in, and you know what that means.
However, there's no question that at that point, it's mental. The muscle fatigue can be overcome if I have the will, which I normally do because it's so beautiful up there, and the endorphins are playing games with the senses.
The problem is that once I'm finished, and I've conquered the mountain, I've got a long way home -- almost 18 miles. Sure, much of it is downhill, but it's not easy, and the fatigue is tough. ns
Up
July 5, 2008 - 23:57 ET by Noel SheppardUp,
You have a 30 year-old bike that only weighs 18.5 lbs? That's amazing. My bike is about 25 (age), and probably weighs about 20 - 21. What do you have? ns
Colonago "Mexico" campy drilled out, with Titanium spindles..
July 6, 2008 - 00:23 ET by upcountrywater32 hole rims, 120 gm sew-ups.
Mexico 8,000 ft. 11 lbs. A 1 hr record
I have heavier wheels for training.
Then again I havnt been on a road bike in 5 years.
Now i'm in the dirt away from cars ,hate the cars.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Noel, More on that bike
July 6, 2008 - 00:28 ET by upcountrywater90 gram tire
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Wow
July 6, 2008 - 00:46 ET by Noel SheppardWow.
11 lb frame and 3 oz tires? That's nuts!!! ns
Noel, Just spend time riding, no need to toss 5K on a new bike.
July 6, 2008 - 01:03 ET by upcountrywaterTho those new style brake shifters, are nice..
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
It's amazing how the
July 5, 2008 - 22:13 ET by balboaIt's amazing how the Williams' sisters can dominate when they seemingly want to. They'll be great for a while, then kinda fade a little, then win the U.S. Open as an unseeded player, etc.
Looks like Federer
July 6, 2008 - 10:03 ET by BlondeIs going down....unbelievable.
Nadal is up 2 sets.
<oops> Not quite yet.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive