360 Miles to Enlightenment

[Dog Pound]

On Thursday (12th), I finished a 6 day bike ride that covered 360 miles from Santa Cruz to Malibu.

It was a journey that broke me down physically/mentally/emotionally/spiritually.  By the end of the 4th day, I was at my lowest point and ready to tell everyone to "F@*k Off" and then find a way home.  That evening an experienced rider talked to me about pacing and fueling my muscles during the ride. 

The next day (the 5th day of riding) he came along side me while I was struggling up the first hill of the day, put his hand on my back and pushed me up the hill as he advised me on "attacking the hill."

That encouragement began my climb out of the pit and I started to ride as an act of self expression (it also helped that I followed his advice).

[Howling Dog]

Woof DP-D, Good Job!! It is always esp. impressive when a person acomplishes a feat like that....just because...and not because you had to. NICE!! 
The proverbial....Why did you climb the mountain....."Because it was there"
                                                                   TG

[Crafty_Dog]

I am impressed.

[Dog Pound]

Any of us above 40 probably share the desire to get stronger every year.  The 360 was part of the that quest.

To that end, I was dead-lifting the other day and felt ready to try for a new goal ...



245 lbs One-Handed (w/ the help of a lifting strap).

Forgive me for the bragging, but I'm pretty happy with this.

[Howling Dog]

Woof DP-D, Brings a tear to my eye .......Love that your going old school with the 100lb. plates!!
Looks also as though you've leaned out some? Tell the truth.
                                                                      Dog Tom/SB

[Dog Pound]

Woof Dog SB,

My strength coach, Kettlebell Ken (http://www.theothersideofstrength.com) gave me the plates.  He likes the strongman/old-school ways.

And yes, I am leaner - a "liight 300" and I'll soon be under 290.