Monday, March 31, 2014

Back In Check...

Just an update on last summer's weight-gain... I've been consistently weighing-in at 192 pounds for the past 3-4 months & I've been active again over the past couple months, so I'm confident that this is where I'll be (weight-wise) for the foreseeable future.

I guess a large portion of my discretionary funds will have to go towards getting my wardrobe back in order since getting rid of so many garments last summer & fall. Many of the new items I purchased were for the fall, so that means I get to do it all over again this spring, this time for warm weather gear... joy.

As long as the winter weather has lasting so far this year, I may only need enough gear to last for a couple months of summer weather - we actually got snow yesterday evening (again). Sure, it was slushy & not quite cold enough to stick to roads, but it was still snow on March 30th! I'm-over-this.

In the meantime, I've been working on a new look for the summer, by no means will it be a dramatic departure from my current style of dress, but since I've gotta buy new sh!t anyway, I might as well do a little research to see what's 'out' & which old stuff is once again 'in.' I think I'm leaning toward a bit more of a dressy-casual look - we shall see...

Monday, March 17, 2014

Snow Patrick's Day...

I very much wanted to go cycling again today for 2 reasons, the 1st being that I'm still quite intrigued by this new, fun hobby of mine... the 2nd being that I wanted to test my new road tires! They're supposed to be faster & lighter than the hybrid tires that came installed on my bike... plus they just look a lot cooler, lol.

But there would be no luck of the Irish on this St. Paddy's Day, not in regard to snow anyway - Mother Nature intervened & we were hit with yet another round of snowfall here in the DC area, just days before the start of spring. The temperature isn't expected to rise above 50 degrees for another few days, so I'll just have to temper my enthusiasm for now. I did; however, find some more trails & it seems I pick-up on more about the cycling culture each week. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get out there later this week, it's supposed to reach the mid to high 60s this coming Saturday, so I'll definitely make it a point to hit the streets then, even if I don't get the chance to ride during the work week. A few more of the parts I've ordered should have arrived by then anyway :-D

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Happy Trails...

As a birthday present to myself a few weeks back, I bought a new bicycle, so that I might incorporate cycling into my fitness routine. 

After various customizations to the entry-level bike I purchased, I took it out for my 4th trail ride earlier this afternoon. I've spent the past 3 weeks removing & replacing factory installed parts & mechanisms with lighter, more appropriate versions of each.

The bike was already designed to operate as a hybrid bicycle, still I couldn't help but to make several of my own modifications to the bike. So far, I've added an illuminated reflector system, mobile air pump, as well as upgrade the handlebars, quill stem, front wheel & tire among other things. Future upgrades include reducing the number of speeds (from 18 to 14) - for a more simplified shifting sequence during rides & a pair of bright red pedals, to match the front wheel.

I've enjoyed trail riding - oh, I'm calling my bike "Pam" by the way, lol. I was quite satisfied with today's 12-mile ride along the Anacostia River, replacing many of my jogging activities with bike rides, should go along way towards relieving the wear & tear on my knees & ankles from pavement running. Maybe I'll completely switch-over to cycling, I haven't yet ruled-out the possibility of competing in a triathalon either... guess it's time to step-up my swim game.


Much like jogging, riding along trails, unimpeded by vehicle traffic is quite therapeutic. I love being near the water, so the fact that many trails run parallel to streams & rivers is a bonus for a water sign such as myself. Many other trails run along old railroad right-of-ways, they too provide for great aesthetics! Some of the scenery witnessed along the limited number of trails I've conquered so far have been breath-taking.

Bridges, tunnels, fabulous sunsets. I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of trails dedicated to joggers, runners & equestrians right here in Prince George's County, MD. I'm guesstimating that I should be able to ride my bike (at least) 4 times as far as I'd normally run, so accordingly, I plan to cycle 450 to 500 miles by the fall. I've done quite a bit of research on the local paved trails, as well as some that aren't so local.


Like the Washington & Old Dominion trail, it's 45-miles long (each way), starts in Shirlington, VA, finishing up in Purceville. Obviously, I'd need to work-up to such a long trail, but that's the goal. There are even longer trails, but I'm only interested in those I can complete in one day's ride (at this point anyway). I've also found local off-road trails of interest. So who knows? Maybe next year I'll expand my fleet to include a mountain bike & take-on some of the area's most rugged trails!

Saturday, March 8, 2014

A Year Wiser...

I've no-doubt been blessed by a great core of friends & family over the years... 

I know precisely those I can count-on & that's a wonderful thing! 

To be individually recognized & remembered by said group of people on my birthday (& without the assistance of social media, at that) gives me great joy! A couple days back, on the 6th, I celebrated my 33rd birthday - though I didn't host any great blow-out birthday bash to celebrate the day, I very much enjoyed the day & those who helped to make it special for me. I did manage to take the day off from work, but I really just used the day to pamper myself.

I closed-out the day by going-out to dinner, the meal was so good that I passed-out upon returning home. Again, no huge celebration by any stretch of the imagination, but it was just the type of cozy, intimate celebration I envisioned for myself this year.

Whether you took the time to present a gift, stop by for a visit, drop a card in the post, or simply pick-up the phone to wish me well, it's ALL very much appreciated on this end - thanks so much!!!
Now let's see just what the kid can do in this world, armed with another year of knowledge :-D