Coming down to the wire for training

Getting my last few weeks of training in for both a mountain bike race the first weekend and a trail running race the next.

I've decided to run the full trail course, the 14 miles tomorrow.  I know what most of the course looks like and feels like. I've ridden most of the course on my mountain bike, one time or another, except for the steep parts, which I have run in training numerous times. I will update this blog, early next week, after running the entire course. 

I am excited to not really put down a fast time, but complete the course and pin point where I will be needing water and nutrition. The day of the race, there will be aid stations out there, so I am not concerned about that, as I only plan to use the water from there on race day. 

Next week is the mountain bike race. I am pretty prepared. I just need to make some final adjustments to the bike and switch out a tubeless front tire for a newer one with better tread. 

Being I am camping out there the night before and night after the race, I need to start packing some clothes, tent, sleeping bag and food. 

A quick run down on the RinseKit+ (plus)

First off, left me explain the features and what the RinseKit+ is all about. 

Its a two gallon, hot or cold water, take anywhere to rinse off or shower with. It works off the pressure when adding from a garden hose bib. All attachments are included to get the two gallon tank filled. You can fill it with hot or cold water. The hot water fill has it’s own kitchen sink, or sink attachment. 

It has a spray head with numerous spray patterns that can be easily switched by spinning they dial. It has a six foot hose, that conveniently is stored inside the almost cooler like case. 

I was not impressed with the spray time or pressure on filling it with the hose bib. 

I got the added accessory of the manual hand pump, that comes with a collapsable funnel. This allows me to fill it while out and about and add pressure to it then. I just bring along gallon jugs of drinking water to fill it with. 

Over all, I love the idea and can use it to “rinse off” wherever. Out at the lake, to rinse your body down after swimming or kayaking, removing the lake water. Rinsing off our kayaks before putting them back on the truck. If there was a beach around with sand, this would work perfect to remove the sand from your feet before getting back in the car. 

I use it to rinse off my mountain bike, quickly after a muddy ride, before strapping my bike to my truck for the drive home. 

I love to use the “mist” setting on the spray head to cool off after a mountain bike ride, or cooling my kids off while playing sports. 

The portability of the RinseKit+ makes it able to take anywhere. 
It's a great way to have a portable flowing water source to wash up or rinse off with. It's small and doesn't take up to much room with traveling or packing up for a day trip. 

Does it pay to run?

Well in the health sense, I believe so. Giving a great workout to the cardiovascular system. There are many reasons health-wise to run. So, Yes it does pay to run. 

I also have notice in the past few years, it “pays” to run monetarily too. Sure, while running along city streets I often find trash or debris in the curb or along the sidewalk. I have stumbled across kitchen utensils, construction nails and yes MONEY! 

Nothing like a jackpot or winning the lottery or anything, but pennies here and there. A dime here and there. If I am really lucky on a run I will find a quarter. That’s 25 pennies wrapped up into one tiny package. Just the other night out running, while my son was at football practice, I came across five pennies and a dime. 

I put the money I find out running in a jar on my workbench in the garage. It’s accumulating well, but will take many runs or years to build up to buy something with it or pay for a race entry. 

I often struggle when running if I stop and pick it up or just run by it. I try not to let it slow my, already slowish pace down any more. 

So to answer the question I started with, “Does it pay to run?” YES, in many ways. 

CleanBlend Blender

Not just a blender, a CleanBlend Blender. 

I've been using this commercial grade, high speed CleanBlend Blender for about a month now. 

Using it to blend my protein shakes, bullet proof coffee and smoothies. It is powerful. It has a three horse power motor and a 64 ounce pitcher. 

The center portion of the blenders lid can be removed and replaced with a tamper, to make sure everything gets pushed down near or two the blades, but does not hit the blades. 

Follow along, I have some videos showcasing this awesome blender. 

Progress is being made on the Mountain Bike

Progress is being made on the Mountain Bike 

The trail running I am doing is helping also pay off on the mountain bike trail. Well, I am able to keep my heart rate up. Getting comfortable being uncomfortable. 

I am gauging my progress on my timed laps on the mountain bike course. For my running, I am trying to keep my mile pace around the 12 minute mark, but with the hills and terrain it is a little difficult. 

Also using my Stryd running power meter to gauge myself. 

My weight/resistance band workouts are also paying off. My legs and upper body are feeling the strongest they have in a long time. 

In a few weeks I will give a full report on a sweet device, that uses resistance type bands to give a full body home workout. So hang tight and check back. 

 

Relive 'Afternoon Ride'