Dennis B Murphy >>>>>>>>>>

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June 2006

6-30-2006: More cutbacks announced for JCI Holland operations and my particular position could be at risk. I spruced up the resume. I also expressed interest in a couple other jobs within JCI. My first preference would NOT be to relocate for at least another year until Brenden graduates. Stay tuned

6-25- 2006: Brenden and I did the 8 Hours of Pando ( www.funpromotions.com ) as a two man team and came in 5th of seven teams. We started out alternating rides after every two laps which I led off. Brenden had a flat on team lap 12. I went out for laps 13 & 14 and when I came in to swap rides Brenden was still not done fixing the flat. So, I went out on lap 14. When I came in again he'd decided to drop out of the race. I then did the next several laps. Finally, at 547pm I came through from lap 18 and had to decide whether to go one more lap... oh, what the hell- lap 19! In the end I completed 13 total laps (Brenden did six). my total mileage was just over 50 miles. Interestingly, last year I raced the 8Hours solo and did twelve laps. This year I did thirteen laps as part of a two man team and that was not being on the trail for six laps (approximately 2.5-3.0 hours).

6-19- 2006: Lumberjack100 defeated me again. Two laps (fifty miles) in six and on-half hours...ugh! The winner, Chris Etough (a nationally known endurance racer) finished the event in 7hours/9minute! I think there were a couple factors in my inability to finish again:

1. not enough training.. too llittle-too late. I need longer rides for more time. I had been spinning in January and February, but dropped off riding and training in late March. I began riding again consistently in the bottom half of May but that was not enough.
2. Hydration- do NOT use Gatorade.. it is too sweet, not enough essential elements, too much sugar. By the last ten miles I was craving just plain cold water! I need a hydration fluid that is lighter on sugar and flavor. Hammer/Heed products have been recommended. Amino-Vital has also been suggested. Time for investigation.

Plan for 2007? First- use 2006 as a building year for endurance events, Second- train harder over the winter with actual rides, Third- target the six 100 mile mountain bike race series and ultimately- La Ruta

6-16- 2006: Lumberjack100 Preparation day! I have eight bottles of gatorade+heed, four clif bars, as well as pasta&tofu for dinner tonight. I will be driving to Manistee area this late afternoon, set up tent, spin around on the bike then eat and rest. The race starts tomorrow at 7am. Look Monday for an update as to how I fared. The goal is to FINISH this year. Go to www.lumberjack100.com for more information.

6-12- 2006: Long time, no blog... Biking! I missed most of May (and two races) due to illness. Between schedule conflicts and illness I had not been on the bike for about two months. I started riding again regularly the last two weeks of May. I bought a set of Blackburn X6 lights. That really extended my ability to get on the bike. I don't have opportunities to ride when I get home from work with keeping the teen on his homework and making dinner. But by 7:00 or 7:30 I can go riding and have been doing so fairly regularly- getting two or three hours on the bike three or four times per week. Additionally, I bought a used BOB (bike trailer) and I have ridden to work twice now. It's 23 miles each way and takes about 1-1/2 hours, but it's nice to clear the time and ride at the same time. I put the computer bag and gym bag in the BOB and ride. Work has a fitness center so I have a place to shower and change before office work. Unfortunately the time involved makes doing this more than a couple times a week inconvenient.

The additional riding will aid me for my first big race- the Lumberjack 100 on Saturday, June 17. . I am expecting to finish this year. Unfortunately, I am having concerns about being ready this year for La Ruta (see bike page). I seriously need to elevate my endurance mileage capability. Joni suggests delaying the attempt on this race and doing the 100 mile mountain bike race series next year as a prelude to the La Ruta.