tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22182057298878127922024-03-04T23:07:43.365-05:00Caught on the Run!Training, Sarcasm, and Hilarity all from one person. Wow, I'm Ryan!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-69844230079942102182013-03-18T12:51:00.000-04:002013-03-18T12:51:17.065-04:00Maratona di Roma...tale of a Gladatorial Slaughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheater, was the site of my latest attempt to impress myself in one of my stupid human tricks.<br />
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Maratona di Roma was not a high priority event; but, a must do attraction while living two hours south of Rome. I came into this event with some decent running miles, bike power (on trainer) intervals; and, a 36k swim over 2 days just days before running a marathon. It is safe to say doing 1656 flip turns (pushing off the wall with quads) a few days before running a marathon and not expecting some residual fatigue may have been a slight oversight.<br />
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I started almost in the back of the 20,000 person crowd. I wasn't seeded by time in the placement of the group, which turns out to be a pain in the ass if you intend to run a little quickly. Ironman running off the bike is MUCH LESS crowed at the start! My first and second 5k's were my slowest at 24:26 and 24:20. <br />
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There was absolutely nowhere to go! I bounced up on curbs, behind dumpsters, around parked cars, but in the end I realized I was just wasting energy and not making any real progress. The roads finally started opening up around 12k. I am always amazed at running races how the 5foot 250lb man is able to be that far ahead of me at 15k into a marathon...or even 30k???? <br />
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I was well off the pace hitting the half in 1:37 but the third 5 k came right in on pace at 22:10, I blame the traffic. I was ready to fight. I was in total, "I AM THE AMERICAN GLADIATOR!" mode and I am here to kick some ass. Bring on the km's. Stay strong. Get back on pace and wait for your race plan to begin.<br />
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30k. 19 miles. That's the go point. In Ironman if you can hold, or better yet accelerate, and make your last 10k the fastest...you win...or almost. That was the plan, hit it at 30. At km 29 I take calories, water, and take inventory on my body. Legs feel good. Upper body loose. HR right where it should be, and I'm ready to add a few BPM's. Everything checks out. To me, the is Emporer giving me the thumbs up to, "HIT IT!" The next 5k from 30-35 was right on 22, and it even included some hills and bridges. Then, <br />
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Right on the 37km mark, with 3.1miles left...<br />
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American Gladiator ended. Fatigue won. I slammed a Double Latte Powergel, said every mantra I knew, and counted km's to the finish all while playing the I promise to walk at the next km sign game. My mind won, no walking, no quitting, no whining. The final 5k was almost equal to my first 5k at 24:31 I finished 26.75miles (all 6 of my GPS wearing friends got 26.7 - 26.8miles because the course was rerouted around the Vatican because something about some new guy in town...pope) I'm pretty sure my time was 3:15 with an actual 26.2 marathon time via GPS right around 3:11:30...whatever. Big bike rides start back this week with no cast, first ride on the road since 2 days after Xmas!!!!! <br />
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Veni, Vidi, Vici in Roma...almost!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-16839583997347075212013-03-15T15:18:00.003-04:002013-03-15T15:18:58.487-04:00Another Gladiator Approaching the Colosseum<br />
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20,000 gladiators will approach the Colosseum on Sunday morning to face their fates at the Maratona di Roma. 42.2 km of success or...well, not too many walked away from Flavian Amphitheater during it's history if they weren't successful. Every marathon brings carnage, and here is to hoping that I'm not it!<br />
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This past weekend I ran a 10k road race, which I won BTW!... and then later found out that me, and the top 15 or so men, were DQ'd for cutting the course, opps. But, it was a good test to see where I'm at this early in the season. <br />
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Some #'s.<br />
I ran the 10k in 38:38 (extrapolated out to actually be 10k vs the "shortened" course I chose to create) That puts me at a 1:25 half and a 2:59 marathon using the charting system I use; has been very correct in the past and put me at 3:15 for the Napoli marathon and I ran 3:14:44 including my 1mile walk at the 40km mark. <br />
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Well Fuck Me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXxAJR-stswyLYr0YfFFZ41Tl6ZJnfos1tf2QNrTwhic4yz6tpIt0z1C9R92yjI6czCtSg_jW7nZtPnmOlr-FYOMOtXwCCyQ0UDj2_N4m6Gq0tzI3mNfSpAJ7Mt1pS4q-1HZYzr21Lj6S/s1600/gladiator-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXxAJR-stswyLYr0YfFFZ41Tl6ZJnfos1tf2QNrTwhic4yz6tpIt0z1C9R92yjI6czCtSg_jW7nZtPnmOlr-FYOMOtXwCCyQ0UDj2_N4m6Gq0tzI3mNfSpAJ7Mt1pS4q-1HZYzr21Lj6S/s200/gladiator-2.jpg" style="margin-top: 96px;" width="200" /></a>I don't feel like I'm in 3hr shape??? However, at the Napoli run where I was still "chubby" and lacking long runs I went through the half just under 1:30; then, I went into nuclear meltdown because I was a big pussy and dressed like it was 25 degrees versus 57. Trust me in that I will make a much better clothing choice on Sunday...speedo? Buon Giorno Italia...Mi Chiamo Ryan!<br />
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This will also be the largest marathon I have run and I'm sure there
will be some crowd issues the first 5-10k of bobbing and weaving. I'm going to try to run consecutive 1:32 halves, and then maybe, just maybe, I can conjure up some strength of emotion that the gladiators felt as they approached the Colosseum on the very roads I'm running. Imagery. Me. Strength. Fear. Success. Life. I AM...Another Gladiator Approaching the Colosseum!<br />
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-56982508669523024832013-03-08T10:51:00.001-05:002013-03-08T10:51:43.067-05:00New Kicks!I'm sure y'all get the same scenario thrown at you: "ask Ryan about running shoes...he's a runner."<br />
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Just cuz I run "a little" doesn't mean I know everything about running or running equipment, ie: shoes.<br />
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Three years with the Kswiss team really spoiled me, "oh look a scuff on my shoes...I think I'll open a new pair today." Plus, it really dumbed down my running shoe technical knowledge because I was not investing thought, or $, on new shoes every six weeks.<br />
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When that deal was done I went back to wearing Newtons. It was sexy. Back to flash colors, great ventilation, light, leading edge of running innovation; sadly they keep aggravating a nerve/neuroma on my 4th metatarsal making it nearly impossible to continue running. I had a lump the size of a golf ball on my foot just before Challenge Roth that had me in the "day to day" category. I love ya Newtons, but I just can't do it anymore.<br />
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Now comes the problem. One would think living in Italy, the "fashion" capital of the world, I would be inundated with footwear options. Yes the Italians run, quite quickly in fact; but, it seems, they all run in Adidas and the stores don't carry size 15, or 50 in euro.<br />
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I have used the Zappos' option where I order $700 worth of different shoes all in the same size and then return $550 of shoes a week later (thanks for free shipping to FPO address btw Zappos). That yielded me using Saucony Kinvara 3... me likey!! they are light, padded, and fast. Good price too! Liking the Kinvara 3's, I found some markdown Kinvara 2's for a price to not be missed. Total Shit! What a difference between two models of shoe. Kinvara 2 = shit, Kinvara 3 is a great shoe with some durability issues compared to coming off over 500miles per pair in Newtons. <br />
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Still Looking...<br />
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Now I've just tried the Asics Gel DS Trainer 18. <br />
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Other than looking like giant bees attached to my feet, I like them. They are a little bit heavier (11oz) than I have been running in for the past years (9oz) and they have a little more lift than the 2-4mm drop, but I'll mark that down to extra padding and injury prevention for an aging athlete :) I have a few more runs in these before I decide between these and the Kinvara 3 for the Rome Marathon next week. One problem with running in these urban marathons (Florence, Napoli, and Roma) is the amount of cobblestones run on; it is akin to running on solid steel or concrete. ZERO GIVE! I was sore for 4 days after Napoli Marathon and it's 32km of cobbled roads...ouch. This big fella needs some padding. Asics makes this same shoe in a racer version that is a little lighter and has water draining vents in the soles. Perfect for Ironman France's heat and my propensity to dump water over my head whilst running. Soft squishy shoes for training and light vented shoe for racing...I'll keep you updated.<br />
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Up next: My favorite treadmill runsRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-11632883939500784342013-02-08T10:50:00.003-05:002013-02-10T05:39:43.893-05:00Keep on Movin' -n- GroovinA great "why the hell am I doing another Ironman" song; although, many times during a long run, and occasionally a race when I haven't totally exploded, I sing in my head, "I'm on the run...10 more minutes and I'm gone...I'm on the run..."<br />
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Why did I do it, why did I do it<br />
I asked myself a hundred times and then I start to cry<br />
It's up to my neck now I'm runnin' like a dog<br />
I can't remember how it started<br />
But it's too late to turn back the clock<br />
I gotta keep on, and on, and on, and on<br />
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Oh my heart's prayin' for a heart attack<br />
I'm gonna collapse but I better not<br />
I'll get a few years for the things I've done<br />
I'll never see the sunrise no more what the hell<br />
I'm gotta keep on<br />
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Fighting for my sanity and for family<br />
And for my baby, oh for my baby<br />
Bullshit aside yea I knew how to play the game right<br />
But this time I made a mistake and I'm gonna pay the price<br />
I'd rather be payin' to the grim reaper, than the law keeper<br />
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I'm runnin', I'm runnin', I'm runnin', out of time<br />
Too late to waste time in haste<br />
I fell to my knees to pray to your God<br />
But your God wasn't there for me<br />
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And so I prayed to myself for long life and stamina<br />
I do believe I was startin' to lose my nerve and my mind<br />
I heard a little voice screamin'<br />
If you do the crime you will send to the time<br />
If you do the crime you will send to the time<br />
If you do the crime you will send to the time<br />
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Another one of my stupid ideas that I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN was the Polar Bear Plunge. Sure it's Southern Italy. Sure it's in a pool. Sure people do it in frozen lakes...what the fuck ever!!! Never again! Last year in Camp Lejeune, Teegan and the Commander did the full deal running into the ocean, me??? I made it mid calf deep and called it quits. Will I ever learn from my mistakes?<br />
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Oh, and thanks to the Commander for telling people, "Oh he will wear a white speedo!" I was going with black board shorts until I was called out...She didn't participate BTW!</div>
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47 degree water!!!! Chicks understand SHRINKAGE...right?<br />
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Daddy and daughter<br />
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Pretty sure I'm thinking F**K THIS!<br />
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I was already proclamating, "NEVER AGAIN!"<br />
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Keep on Movin'-n-Grovin!<br />
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-83370023908791639852013-01-28T09:20:00.000-05:002013-01-28T09:20:51.146-05:00Bad Clothing Choice...Napoli Maratona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think I was texting, "opps, I'm wearing too much!"<br />
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Norwegians have a saying: There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.<br />
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The night before the Napoli marathon I set out my running attire, shorts, base layer undershirt, a running singlet, socks, and fuelbelt. Weather called for low 40's start, mid 40's finish but windy, and sunny. Race morning I go outside for a weather check and see that my deck has frosted over, I can see my breath, the temp is 38 with a windchill of 32...Wardrobe Change! I go total Euro over dressed man. Running tights, long sleeve UA insulated base layer, and a t shirt, gloves. Only thing missing was a man-purse and a scarf. <br />
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I meet up with some friends at the start that are wearing shorts and their legs are a little blue and covered in goose bumps...right choice so far! I go for my warm up run and turn the corner along the waterfront, the blast of cold wind hits me "confirming" I made the right call. Until, I turn around and now the wind is at my back and the sun is starting to rise from behind Vesuvius; I quickly start to heat up but it's ten minutes to the start and I will never get to my car in time to change. Yikes!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M9SClQFwGiUWzcjxVwmjI1A5b3bc_q2zhrzG_CG3G5zgqheKGcWEOjgDHtqQq1lRcNjV6WzOyBIfRbG8aOtg1g_wH02jX0dmMnFXGVzSy4gEYuyxdaD5znq_aqxa5492c9JJX81j8C8/s1600/vesuviosunrise.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M9SClQFwGiUWzcjxVwmjI1A5b3bc_q2zhrzG_CG3G5zgqheKGcWEOjgDHtqQq1lRcNjV6WzOyBIfRbG8aOtg1g_wH02jX0dmMnFXGVzSy4gEYuyxdaD5znq_aqxa5492c9JJX81j8C8/s200/vesuviosunrise.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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At 6km my gloves were off and I was starting to feel warm. At the 21k point I was already sweating enough to see salt lines on my tights. 30k my HR spikes from dehydration. 32k I stop and drink an entire bottle of water and grab another. Around 36k there was a 1k downhill section; I stopped at the top of the hill to stretch my very tight hamstrings just beginning to tingle with cramps. 38.5k...CRAMP...every muscle in the back of my legs. Stretch. Tried to run again but the first step...CRAMP. Ok so I guess we are walking now! I could almost see the finish line less than 2 miles away and yet I couldn't run. At the 40k sign I was able to manage a shuffle for the final 2 miles.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Distance Time Avg Pace Avg Speed Total Ascent Avg HR Max HR</span><br />
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It was intended to be "just" a long training run and that is where the trouble began; I didn't want to be cold during my long run. I was shooting for a 3:10 and was on pace until trouble started hitting. I had 2 minutes "banked" time so I thought i would still hit the 3:10; but, sadly there is no such thing as banked time in a marathon and as I was walking I saw my time pass. 3:15 is a decent run with that many hills and at my fitness level etc. I'm sure my winter fat doesn't help??<br />
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That is what overdressing in a marathon looks like...live to fight another day! <br />
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Result of a sock failure <br />
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Ciao<br />
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Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-88214706561837018622013-01-24T05:08:00.000-05:002013-01-24T07:45:40.734-05:00Morgante had his pants removed...so much for modesty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What? A travel blog? I'm creating some diversification in my audience. It is tough having my main readership 24-40 year old hot women that purely sexualize me...hey! I'm more than a pretty face and a hot body!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOl-PMiNbfpurNSBmxg74R6lyumt51sri16vDPydcqRgvQwkAuXAWyaZApL9Q3k3lntEOfR0zIqYAR1yyuRttKkj0OAJq4m1MklHkTkOrPX04f07Iv4YN3IbmQhU3cxBu997YpjJq5oXU/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOl-PMiNbfpurNSBmxg74R6lyumt51sri16vDPydcqRgvQwkAuXAWyaZApL9Q3k3lntEOfR0zIqYAR1yyuRttKkj0OAJq4m1MklHkTkOrPX04f07Iv4YN3IbmQhU3cxBu997YpjJq5oXU/s200/IMG_2124.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCczAQzLniJ02jqAawZziy2x4MInf0U6DIFZ1H_Dmtiv0_xLefTH7Pltmne_5aRkZyP4602jatZjAns76Z6jtWUCMcYA3kmx0wzUreMt5zruyBaghUEYqq2YHHuMmcPuspTnMyb3HdPZc/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCczAQzLniJ02jqAawZziy2x4MInf0U6DIFZ1H_Dmtiv0_xLefTH7Pltmne_5aRkZyP4602jatZjAns76Z6jtWUCMcYA3kmx0wzUreMt5zruyBaghUEYqq2YHHuMmcPuspTnMyb3HdPZc/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>This past MLK weekend the Commander, the kid, and I each packed a backpack and headed to Firenze at 300kph (180mph) on Italy's bullet train, the Frecciarosa. First though, you have to deal with Napoli's chaotic nature.<br />
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Although fairly empty in this picture, the Napoli train station is one of the high crime spots in the city. Crooked taxi drivers, pick pocketing gypsies, guys trying to "help" with your bag, directions, info, etc. Be alert!<br />
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This kid is all the Commander...except for the demented sense of humor.<br />
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Trying to get a 10 year old, that self admittedly "hates" history, interested in being in the center of the artistic renaissance is a bit tough. I tried to be creative and talk about seeing the differences in eye design, or color use, or finding the story in each painting... we went with counting marble penis'. (the plural of penis should be penes but how many times do you ever get to use s')<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5mUVv9WpawuUF3v5xAyUJAKde9qWVbwFXGOoUgdLjny26wX-CxGdi4kglbIprB2Tl-Vtm72xxBV2XxqRHu_IdpA2cBOA4_h7lHASUCBDcjk3S4uW5fuv6y8Y2_Gzgn-_lTCz0wxfDlY/s1600/statue-of-david-penis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5mUVv9WpawuUF3v5xAyUJAKde9qWVbwFXGOoUgdLjny26wX-CxGdi4kglbIprB2Tl-Vtm72xxBV2XxqRHu_IdpA2cBOA4_h7lHASUCBDcjk3S4uW5fuv6y8Y2_Gzgn-_lTCz0wxfDlY/s200/statue-of-david-penis.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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She enjoyed how the Birth of Venus was being modest by only exposing one nipple. <br />
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An interesting take on the "sideways mohawk."<br />
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Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi. <br />
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Meet Morgante!</div>
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Supposedly a jester for the Medici family; posed for this fully nude. It was just restored to it's original design and put back into display after some vine covered pants that were painted on him a hundred years later have been removed. Apparently the pope at the time wasn't fond of naked dwarf jesters?<br />
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Santa Croce:<br />
Galileo, Dante, and Michelangelo's tombs. <br />
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It's been 10 years since we were last in one of the best hidden restaurants in Firenze: Bordinos, home of the Florentine Steak<br />
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Pontevecchio is lined with gold vendors <br />
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The city's "skyline" is dominated by the enormous Duomo (cathedral)</div>
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"Chukkin' the duece"</div>
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Ecce Homo...trying to tell me something?</div>
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How can you tell you have been in Italy a while? When you walk past a Mexican restaurant and get excited...Best margarita I've had since leaving the US (ok only one but it was still good for Euro Mex) </div>
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Sorry no pics from the sunrise runs along the Arno river...but there is gps data.</div>
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Ciao!</div>
Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-19342286566035638932013-01-18T12:41:00.001-05:002013-01-18T12:41:04.369-05:00300kphAmericans have that pioneer spirit, which means we like to drive. We don't want to be restricted on where and when we can travel somewhere. Thanks to Henry Ford we don't need to be tied to some lame ass public bus or train; but, If that train does 180 mph then it becomes pretty badass! A 4 1/2 hour drive suddenly becomes a two hour and 45 minute train ride, and there's no parking stress. Here's a few pics of the trip so far this is my first mobile blogging. I had better get used to using it if I'm considering myself back to blogging. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq32Q8hBMzVZx8QZ959l7AkDYE4_jTv8nii3_BLSCpIYAZhYLBMEpfHOOLs6rFIs_6kdXzXGCDB4v47drrhOdbQoqzrHojBR7SGf4SY_xHrPYdE_u0mAQXN7ZfBdkI6hgYNVuO0UCm1L8/s640/blogger-image-511868806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq32Q8hBMzVZx8QZ959l7AkDYE4_jTv8nii3_BLSCpIYAZhYLBMEpfHOOLs6rFIs_6kdXzXGCDB4v47drrhOdbQoqzrHojBR7SGf4SY_xHrPYdE_u0mAQXN7ZfBdkI6hgYNVuO0UCm1L8/s640/blogger-image-511868806.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNdHiXSkHM-qglscL8Vwz-PfSPPyXgTpixGWwG9X02ZBhXXd7J55RaF1ShxywVC4nXO5qwxffKvbSmYu7CakDTiqPEMJvHErwHo2KtbgrsXTSQ1i-iXM_F4OP85SMvPGubE0p2tjKBO0/s640/blogger-image-1426523869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNdHiXSkHM-qglscL8Vwz-PfSPPyXgTpixGWwG9X02ZBhXXd7J55RaF1ShxywVC4nXO5qwxffKvbSmYu7CakDTiqPEMJvHErwHo2KtbgrsXTSQ1i-iXM_F4OP85SMvPGubE0p2tjKBO0/s640/blogger-image-1426523869.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dJ-0P8rtymqtQxTFp6G8NVCpRGZW28YhYjP5Sy-XM1GIJx_TqvgJfoJpDXR6L3QtIqN8-a_NJlx8KEu8BGnvx4DYVmtTeYFUUzpkRdBJ8EClIF2-s-J1sW1eKPmzTYB3n04tUANkzg4/s640/blogger-image--1983934990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dJ-0P8rtymqtQxTFp6G8NVCpRGZW28YhYjP5Sy-XM1GIJx_TqvgJfoJpDXR6L3QtIqN8-a_NJlx8KEu8BGnvx4DYVmtTeYFUUzpkRdBJ8EClIF2-s-J1sW1eKPmzTYB3n04tUANkzg4/s640/blogger-image--1983934990.jpg" /></a></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-91995807368738451062013-01-14T11:51:00.000-05:002013-01-14T11:51:25.605-05:0017,023The numbers:<br />
<br />
100.5 miles run using a GPS watch and a heart rate monitor.<br />
13hour 24 minutes<br />
12 runs over 7 days<br />
15miles longest<br />
3 miles shortest <br />
~8min/mile pace<br />
6:05 m/mile fastest<br />
16:22 m/mi slowest<br />
129bpm avg HR<br />
170bpm max<br />
@215 lbs<br />
17,023 calories burned<br />
170 calories per mile<br />
4.86lbs of calories burned<br />
.04lbs per mile<br />
<br />
If we were able to consume gasoline and convert that energy into a usable fuel for our bodies it would translate into roughly 31,500 calories. Using that as a guide it appears for being as big as I am, I'm pretty fuel efficient at just under 200miles per gallon. Typing one handed keeps me "short winded," but considering there just as many calories in a gallon of vegetable oil as there is in gasoline; and, vegetable oil can be metabolized in our system...racing fuel of the future??? Ironman World Championship sponsored by Crisco, the official racing fuel of champion athletes. <br />
<br />
Back to the bike...errrr... bike trainer for at least 5 more weeks<br />
<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-785382192401223562013-01-09T16:10:00.000-05:002013-01-09T16:10:06.739-05:00swimming, not the only reason i need waterproof castingI haven't swam this year because i am a dipshit and broke my arm snowboarding on the Stelvia whilst in Bormio over new year's. <br />
<br />
BUT!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z-2fe_u2biEmvXmOhUpqtr1Qnx7Wbpeyie3ocV0QFgdZ0Vs7R6jjrE4LkFlRBjyLX2BW7Xak0rujK2WMIJ293h8v28ZKzNvy1xbBvEOY0evwOB3oaG3DhiF2kPP4GLdo36rH47atoOE/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z-2fe_u2biEmvXmOhUpqtr1Qnx7Wbpeyie3ocV0QFgdZ0Vs7R6jjrE4LkFlRBjyLX2BW7Xak0rujK2WMIJ293h8v28ZKzNvy1xbBvEOY0evwOB3oaG3DhiF2kPP4GLdo36rH47atoOE/s320/IMG_2098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old cast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
GUESS WHAT??<br />
<br />
There is such a thing as waterproof cast padding that goes inside the cast vs, using cotton that fully drains and the cast dries within about an hour. This makes swimming possible!!! Difficult but possible. I broke my radius and although i only need a short arm cast it has to be positioned to minimize rotation ultimately altering my swim stroke; at least I can swim.<br />
<br />
Now why you as an endurance athlete should get waterproof cast padding even if you don't intend on swimming. It seems that wearing a traditional cotton cast pad and running a 100 mile week doesn't really do good things to your skin.<br />
<br />
Got Maceration? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIIKgymDJIDD78LrfGPPrGqfCd6KQoJF_BiXp87gPQo9O_uFvLNHdiYTMsz1M4lNJlP-SZbF5_Kr16sDxHmx8SBYpd2bB51WOFLx0XaqmZTlTPk23KpfZSEaliKf7WQ2-JfJp3SgW2lY/s1600/IMG_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIIKgymDJIDD78LrfGPPrGqfCd6KQoJF_BiXp87gPQo9O_uFvLNHdiYTMsz1M4lNJlP-SZbF5_Kr16sDxHmx8SBYpd2bB51WOFLx0XaqmZTlTPk23KpfZSEaliKf7WQ2-JfJp3SgW2lY/s400/IMG_2100.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I did!<br />
<br />
Nothing says lovin' like supersaturated skin about to rot...<br />
<br />
I did my best with spraying with alcohol and drying with a hair dryer but it just wasn't enough.<br />
<br />
Next time you break something make sure to get waterproof cast padding!<br />
<br />
Now onto the 100 mile week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLbVIFVCp9ClumrFopEg0rBCo5voZYavr-FTfCRYN_np8nEtFMaUhcq_ongrJrrHH8TzbiKGxBR2oUJ1aS_bAe1vcMqodOvqI-AaFRs6UfmJAVxBzXdt8LiNsVHRrGSlfYFAvY6cLRW8/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLbVIFVCp9ClumrFopEg0rBCo5voZYavr-FTfCRYN_np8nEtFMaUhcq_ongrJrrHH8TzbiKGxBR2oUJ1aS_bAe1vcMqodOvqI-AaFRs6UfmJAVxBzXdt8LiNsVHRrGSlfYFAvY6cLRW8/s320/IMG_2107.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new cast waterproof and glows in dark</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
typing with a broken arm is not that easy so without going all blah blah blah on the methodology and physiological adaptation etc etc etc, look into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Lydiard">Arthur Lydiard's philosopy</a> of run training and you'll see where the idea of the 100 mile week comes from. I have finished day 3, I have 6 runs logged for 44 miles. I have a longish (13 miler with the last 5 miles fairly hard broken into a <a href="http://www.teamtbbcoaching.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1004&Itemid=19">Team tbb "fartlek" session</a>. a run some fast 1k repeats, some very very easy runs, I still have an overdistance 2 1/2 hours, hills on the treadmill, and then just easy miles to fill the gaps.<br />
<br />
Want to become a strong long distance runner? Run LOTS!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-61239625080892460262013-01-06T11:57:00.001-05:002013-01-06T11:57:24.687-05:00The non RESOLUTION resolutionfirst, i have a broken arm so there will be minimal capitalization...<br />
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Once upon a time there was a mysterious world of internet blogs; until, the big bad facebook came along and slowly eradicated the blog world. much like mad max there are a few survivors hanging on...i am them. fb kinda sucks. its good for one liners and nude pics but it is very impersonal. i don't really have 3800 friends so its understanable that with most of them i block their updates.<br />
<br />
i like the blog. its personal. its ludicrous. its whatever i want it to be. i remember being nervous the first entry i made. it has gone from winning a half ironman, shitting (more sharting really) myself in an ironman. bike splits. swim sessions. ironman hawaii. being recognised getting on planes to trail running in minnesota. run repeats. highs. lows. gay bath houses. travdelling. leg shaving. moving. kids.peeing myself @ sub 7 minute miles in ironman utah chasing down 1st place. deployments...its pretty much a looney unwatchsble movie that i call my life.<br />
<br />
the non resolution resolution? <br />
<br />
twice a week entries.<br />
<br />
this is the perfect opportunity to return to whatever this is<br />
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early goals for year (triathlon), lose 15lbs to get race weight, get close to 3 hour marathon in ironman france, WIN ELBAMAN! first i need to get fixed<br />
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<br />
Happy New Year from Italia!!<br />
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ps: the bloglist on the right will soon be updated, if you want to be added/deleted let me know<br />
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up next: 100 mile run weekRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-9884070766425415602012-11-16T06:34:00.000-05:002012-11-16T06:34:58.300-05:00That was kinda' "bitchy!"Hooray for the Commander! She just completed her first OFFICAL marathon! The ORIGINAL marathon at that...from Marathon to Athens. It kicked the shit out of Phillipides so badly that it killed him, but not the Commander. She rocked it in a true warrior style!!! It was a great weekend in Athens watching many many friends tackle the Athen's Original Marathon; very inspiring.<br />
<br />
In fact, very, very inspiring. Maybe, too inspiring? With just 9 days to train and taper I signed up for the Florence marathon in Firenze, Italia. 9 days are plenty of time to go from a long run of 11 miles and maybe a 2 day taper...right? Plus the Thanksgiving weekend I'll be spending in a farm house agriturismo, in the wine region of Tuscany, with rolling hills, with my bike; late nights, food, wine. WTF: Bring on a marathon too!<br />
<br />
The face cancer issue is hopefully resolving. Nothing like 3 weeks of a topically applied chemotherapy to really fuck you up. My face swelled to look like I was a 300lb dude, bright red (red purple actually), splotchy, blistery, and then, it started peeling. Like PEELING! Like bloody peeling. Like waking up in the morning with half your face and a liter of blood on the pillow peeling. Yikes! I'm told that I can expect the skin of a 16y/o after the final peeling and my face slowly returns to it's normal color in a few weeks. I've been allowing my hair to grow and once I'm back to "normal" I've made my appointment to have my hair bleached white...Think: Rebel Yell!!!!!<br />
<br />
So what was so bitchy?<br />
<br />
Easy answer.<br />
<br />
Me!<br />
<br />
It's sort of a long explanation (you have met me right???so of course it's a long explanation). I actually feel moronic having to complain or even appear to complain. I have a great life. I have a great kid (I'm not really sure I like being around 10 year olds this much). I have an awesome wife that is strong, driven, inspirational and her biggest attribute: she accepts my douchebaggery. I'm healthy (with the exception of my face shedding and bleeding uncontrollably), so I can't use that as a crutch. I have the ability to do almost anything if I can focus. But...<br />
<br />
Believe it or not, I have a few faults. I can come off a little bit crass. Sometimes I can be overly sarcastic. I'm selfish. I have a short attention span. Not the most patient. A wee bit dramatic. I don't forgive easily. Did I mention selfish?<br />
<br />
Ok, so the refresher course of Ryan is over for now.<br />
<br />
I needed reintegration from Roth.<br />
<br />
Worst day ever!<br />
<br />
It was like the perfect storm of triathlon. Perfect training meets perfect fitness meets perfect opportunity; sadly it was just too much. The "nor'easter" of stress (mental and physical from moving internationally), the "super celled cold front" of expectation performance stress, and the "hurricane" forced stomach virus all met that fateful July day in Roth Germany. It was just too much. 100ft rouge waves of diarrhea flowed from my body, as vomit propelled itself out from within at a category 5 force. No energy. No eating. Stress. I should have hung the Zipps up when I was puking after the practice swim the morning before. Shoulda Woulda Coulda!<br />
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It's tough to be dejected with a 9:18:00 Ironman. That's the best I could do that day so I should have been satisfied with my efforts. I was puking early on the bike. I quit eating around miles 10-13 on the marathon because nausea was setting in, but at the same time I'm screaming to myself, "IF YOU DON'T EAT...YOU DON'T RUN!" No surprise the explosion happend 10 miles later and the wheels didn't just come off; they blew apart. I went from running a 3:10:00 marathon pace to struggling to walk, and of course the route was marked in km and with my delirium I couldn't figure out where I was at on the course.<br />
<br />
"What fucking mile am I on?"<br />
(nice German fellow) Ya, you are on 38k's<br />
"What??? I think I ran too far...I'm only supposed to run 26"<br />
Ya, do you need some help<br />
"I was only to go 26, I've gone too far"<br />
Ya, you go just around zee corner and be done<br />
<br />
I turn the corner thinking I've run 38miles and the finish will be there but instead I see a wall of people pushing me the final 4k's...pure misery.<br />
<br />
I decided there, with 4k's to go, I'm done! DONE! In a total nutrient (water,calorie,electrolyte) induced zombie state I called this Ironman game over. I was completely shelled. I wasn't going to hit my time. I wasn't winning. My body was shutting down and I was furious that I had failed. I started thinking about all the free time I will have with out the long rides looming. All the fun I'll have staying out late and over indulging knowing i don't have a 3 hour run in the morning. Think about how the girls won't be immolating their free time to work around my schedule. So as I'm being physically assaulted running those last 4k's my mind is finally free of the imaginary stress I painted my triathlon life to be on me. <br />
<br />
It was the only solution. The freedom for which I delved was there...Just Stop!<br />
<br />
I stopped!<br />
<br />
I was ready to leave my bike in the transition rack and drive home from Germany that night free from the shackles of my Dura Ace pedals. I'm a new man free from prosternation and stress. The world is mine to conquer!<br />
<br />
Another sad fact: I'm not actually that successful at many things in my life.<br />
<br />
First month: Kinda' diggin' this easy livin'!<br />
2nd+3rd month. The Commander is NOT diggin' this "new" found Ryan<br />
4th month. The Commander and Ryan are definately not diggin' this new found free time and "new" Ryan.<br />
<br />
Naples Italy, for a basically unskilled house man, is not a hot bed of opportunities for a dude with some newly found free time. You know the old saying, Pedals that aren't turning are the Devil's playground (ok so I made that up). What appears to be my nature: a bored, crestfallen, ADD, ADHD, Hyper, non-medicated (all self diagnosed by the way), non exercised Ryan, is kind of a dick???<br />
<br />
Basically it came to this. I knew I had to find something to do because I wasn't happy doing the nothing that I was doing, or wasn't doing. I wasn't the most pleasant person to be around at times. My patience level may have dropped a bit??? Oh and most importantly...I was ORDERED by the Commander, "You'd better find something to do with yourself, and we never talked about your retirement bullshit anyway."<br />
<br />
Yikes! Ryan just got SCOLDED!<br />
<br />
I started moving again and it felt good. Really good! I like looking out my window and seeing 4000ft mountains knowing that I just rode up there today. That's my contribution to the world today, and to my family. They come home and the house is in shape, the laundry is done, and dinner is ready. I'm here for them and they know I've been out kicking my own ass to impress them. I think that's where I fit in. I never in a million years would have ever wanted to be a Mr. Mom. I'm in the prime earning years of my life but I'm antiquated in my field of study. In a few years and it's time to grow up I'm back at square one and I think the Commander understands this, and to show her appreciation for the Mr. Mom sacrifice for the family, she encourages me to push myself and find my success in triathlon. I try to be #1 in bathroom cleaning, laundry folding, dinner making, to practice driving, etc, but that doesn't make me feel successful. Racing does that for me...still! I love the pain of running at mile 18 in an Ironman just waiting for wall to hit to see how I'll respond. That's my success.<br />
<br />
I did the ultimate bitch move. Worse than the little douche that loses and goes home with the ball, I was such a giant douche that I not only lost, I took my ball home, I cut it in half and threw it away. I was ready to leave my bike in Germany (giant dickface move but a great reason to buy a new bike); I'll show you...I won't swim, bike, or run so take that fuckbag! Well, it happens, it was just me that was the fuckbag and the only people I showed was The Commander and Teegan...hmph!<br />
<br />
Here I am. I'm the kid that finally saw the mistake I made, and I'm now standing on the edge of the practice field with a new ball ready to apologize to my friends for leaving and being a prick (if the Commander reads this, feel free to use "new ball" as a metaphor for a new sleek Italian racing bicycle with electronic shifting components). I miss talking about triathlon. I miss pushing my body. I miss writing a stupidly immature blog with a gratuitous amount of body fluids and vulgarity. I miss the Commander grabbing by shoulders and lats saying, "wow I can tell you're swimming a lot." I was an idiot. No! I was a fucking idiot. No...I was a stupid fucking douchebag idiot (re-read about 5 sentences ago). Sorry! Mental slip. My bad! Let's not dwell on the past; it's time to get back to business.<br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">Dear Ryan Barnett,<br />
<br />
we confirm your entry for the Ironman France-Nice </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">on 23rd June 2013! <br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Event:</strong> Ironman France Nice 2013 (English)<br />
<strong>Date:</strong> 23/06/2013 - 00:00 <br />
<strong>Athlete:</strong> Ryan Barnett</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-78337748837669919292012-11-04T10:35:00.000-05:002012-11-04T10:35:08.999-05:00Stopped counting at 18???It's never a good thing to hear at a dermatology appointment, especially when he's only made it from my forehead to left cheek, "I'm going to stop counting at 18 and I have not even covered half your face." <br />
<br />
Yikes! <br />
<br />
I guess being a white, nearly ginger, freckled, dude that grew up living in the tropics, cyclist, runner, triathlete, has not been kind to my skin. In fact, the doctor said that the damage to my skin is indicative of a 60 year old...Double Yikes!<br />
<br />
Before I get scolded. I wear sunscreen. I wear a hat. I wear shirts. But...sunscreen doesn't work as well as not being in the sun (as told to me by the dermatologist). I have multiple risk factors. Growing up in Australia (2 out of 100 will develop melanoma and 25% of the population will develop some sort of skin cancer according to the dermatologist), I covered my face in sunscreen and zinc oxide; but, cycling, running, and generally living outside has taken it's toll. <br />
<br />
It seems that my entire forehead, nose, and cheeks are severely damaged with multiple cancer/ pre-cancer spots...more than 18 on just the left side. Just within the past 4 months I had a spot that was continuously "peeling" or scaling no matter how much lotion I applied. I also had a spot right on the top of my head, at my part, that NEVER had sunscreen applied and wasn't covered by a running visor, that also was continuously peeling; hmph! <br />
<br />
Solution? <br />
<br />
Well instead of hacking my face apart or irradiating me into oblivion, I am applying 3 weeks worth of a topically applied chemotherapy cream that essentially kills any rapidly proliferating cells on the surface of my face. Thankfully it's not a more aggressive form of melanoma. Instead, the primary damage is to my squamous cells, the last layer of epithelial cells that eventually become the outer layer of the skin. If left untreated there is a good possibility for these cancer cells to proliferate inside the body and then I'd be in really big trouble with a metastasizing form of cancer. <br />
<br />
This treatment leaves me with a very unsightly face. You know you are pretty fucked when the medicinal information packet describes to expect your face as "UNSIGHTLY!" The info packet recommends limiting your interactions with people and maybe taking vacation time at work to avoid potentially uncomfortable situations and staring.<br />
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Ok, I look like I'm VERY sunburned, windburned, chaffed, dry, peeling,...well...pretty fugly! It burns, itches, and is very sensitive and uncomfortable. My lips are completely blistered over!!!!!!!! My lips look like what I can only imagine a hooker's vagina might resemble...scabby and blistered???? I have a few more days left of chemically removing the entire surface of my face and then I can expect the severe redness to slowly fade over the next 3 weeks, along with some scabbing in the heavily damaged areas. The advantage of this treatment is that it is 93% effective and my skin will return wrinkle free! Great, I'll have the skin of a 16 year old with grey hair.<br />
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Sunscreen. I use it but, I'll use it ALL THE TIME now. There are two main types of sunscreen: blocking and absorbing. Chemical sunscreens absorb the radiation and turn it into heat, damages skin but not in a cancer way; and, blocking...think zinc oxide. Now there are new pulverized zinc creams that are apply clear but block uv rays vs. old school total white out zinc. I won't be preachy but wear your sunscreen all the time!<br />
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**upcoming news** vive la France (hint)<br />
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<br />Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2218205729887812792.post-69207623636511258422012-10-12T08:21:00.000-04:002012-10-12T08:58:14.677-04:00Kona Pics 2012Being that I'm not racing Ironman World Championship 2012 I find it acceptable to make predictions...usually I refrain because I'm gunning for #1.<br />
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Because this is <span style="background-color: yellow;">Travis<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2218205729887812792">'</a></span> idea I'm going to follow his suggestions of making picks:<br />
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1. Top 5 in the mens race<br />
2. Top 5 in the womens race<br />
3. First out of the water (male and female) <br />
4. First off the bike (m/f)<br />
5. Fastest marathon split (m/f)<br />
6. Fastest bike split (m/f)<br />
7. Top American across the line (m/f)<br />
<br />
The men's race:<br />
Top 5:<br />
1.Pete Jacobs<br />
2.Chris McCormack<br />
3.Craig Alexander<br />
4.Marino Vanhoenacker<br />
5.Andreas Raelert<br />
<br />
First out of the water.<br />
<span style="background-color: blue;"> Andy Potts</span><br />
First off the bike.<br />
<span style="background-color: blue;"> Marino Van Hoenacker</span><br />
Fastest bike. <br />
<span style="background-color: blue;"> Sebastian Kienle</span><br />
Fastest marathon.<br />
<span style="background-color: blue;"> Pete Jacobs</span><br />
First American. <br />
<span style="background-color: blue;">Jordan Rapp</span><br />
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The Women's Race: Finally the women will be having their own start 5 minutes behind the men and 25 minutes ahead of the age groupers, allowing them to form their own packs and chase packs in the swim and bike...good stuff!<br />
<br />
Top 5:<br />
1.Leanda Cave<br />
2.Mary Beth Ellis<br />
3.Caroline Steffan<br />
4.Rachael Joyce<br />
5.Kelly Williamson<br />
<br />
First out of the water.<br />
<span style="background-color: magenta;">Meredith Kessler</span><br />
First off the bike.<br />
<span style="background-color: magenta;"> Caroline Steffan</span><br />
Fastest bike split.<br />
<span style="background-color: magenta;"> Caroline Steffan</span><br />
Fastest run.<br />
<span style="background-color: magenta;"> Cait Snow</span><br />
First American <br />
<span style="background-color: magenta;">MaryBeth Ellis</span><br />
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Good luck to all involved...Aloha and MahaloRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02026264504416133051noreply@blogger.com3