Training begins... maybe not just yet...

My grandfather passed away yesterday after a long battle with some debilitating illnesses. We are all very sad for the loss but understand that he is no longer suffering and in a better place. Death always leaves us contemplating the deeper things in life. He lived a full life, grew up in Buffalo, married his love of 62 years, served and injured in World War II, worked for Dana Corp. for 29 years, lived overseas in China, and truly enjoyed life to the fullest. He respected everyone, treated people well, and never complained as long as I knew him. I have taken to heart all the lives of those who came before me and hope that I live my life as well as they did.

I am anxious to get started in my training but it is going to take some time to get all my gear together. To start, I'll have to get some miles in on my old mountain bike (I switched out the off road tires to road tires). Another hurdle is going to be getting my body used to the wear and tear endured during long cycle rides. I am looking for a good seat that will be somewhat comfortable for the 60+ days. I am not sure if that is possible!
My first official training ride is canceled due to 4 inches of snow and icy roadways. I'd head to the gym but due to the lack of road clearing equipment in the south, it is closed too. I cut out my Jui Jitsui training and switched to plyometrics. I am slowly going to pull back on hitting the heavy bag and switch to long distance runs to increase my cardio. Also, I want to pick up one of those indoor cycle training units that turns your road bike into a stationary bike. If I am going to do time on a stationary bike, I want it to be on the actual seat I will be using in order to get used to it.
Th funeral is on Wed and I hope to get training started next weekend.

Day 1 - (for lack of a better title)

I am officially all in. After learning of my acceptance into Physician Assistant school at East Carolina University yesterday, I made my final decision to take on this mission. It seems to be the last time in my life that I will be able to attempt such a feat. I was asked last week to be part of the World T.E.A.M. Sports cycling team. The team is comprised of disabled and non-disabled veterans (about 5 or 6 from each branch) who will ride from San Francisco to Virginia Beach from mid May to mid July. Before I make this trip, there are a few hurdles:

#1. I had to have the "Honey, you might want to sit..." conversation. It went better than expected and Cara is supporting me 100%

#2. The furthest I have ridden a bicycle in the past 15 years is across the street to work. Literally, .1 mile from my front door. I have to figure out a training regimen that will prepare me for 60 days of bike riding between 50 and 120 miles a day (not to mention crossing the Sierra Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, the great plains, and everything else between the Pacific and Atlantic!).

#3. I don't think my single speed beach cruiser or my 12 year old rusty mountain bike will up for the trip. I have to research and get some decent equipment. <--- Always open for corporate donations and/or personal assistance through sharing your knowledge or old equipment ; )

#4. The tights... do I really have to wear the tights? I haven't worn form fitting pants since my high school wrestling days!

So, where I currently stand is getting the right gear and getting myself prepared for a journey of a lifetime. I am switching my training from my Jui Jitsui regimen to a long distance conditioning regimen.