Velochallenge

Well the boy’s finally on a schedule and the wife and I are finally getting some sleep. We’ve been quite busy since my last post (sorry about the grammar on that post, I was working on less then 4hrs sleep) :

1. I did the Kilo out at Alpenrose. (Not my personal best, but hey thats pretty good with only 4hrs sleep for the week.)
2. Both sets of grand-parents visited ( I can not tell you how helpful that was!)
3. Took the boy out to watch the first two stages of Mt. Hood Classic. (Hopefully the boy got some pointers. Slept most of the time but maybe he absorbed something through osmosis.)

So what’s next? Looking forward to this week’s OBRA ’s Team Time Trial with three of my teammates. I’ve hoping I can hang in there, I’ve just let my teammates know that I’m going to be the one falling off the back when its time to push. I’m planning on staying on the entire time, being doing my 40K Time Trail workouts (suggested by Carmichael). Some nice hard workouts pushing myself just below LT and staying there for 5mins and doing 4 sets. Well, I should be at least semi-ready for Mt. Tabor Circuit Race.

So the little one’s just a little over a week old and where already seeing him grow like a weed. So far we have had a bout of jaundice and have slowly become accustomed to lack of sleep. So not much riding for me so far, I have gone out on a few short rides here and there but have not meet any team practices. Though I am taking care of my hill repeat workout by going up and down our stairs.

As a new father and someone who has not been around new born or babies in general a few things I’ve learned since the little one’s arrived:

1. Diaper changing - not as hard as you think, of course, unless you have a future sprinter on your hands who’s legs thrash about with every changing. While I’m still no expert, I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
2. Feeding - Feels like its constant, and takes much longer than one would expect. Ever 2-3 hrs he is up ready for his feeding which can take an hour easily from changing diaper, to feeding, to burping, to rocking, to finally putting him back to sleep.
3. Sleep - getting him to sleep, its a process but not much of a problem. After a feeding, burping, and rocking he tends to tumble toward la la land. For the parents - well grab it while you can!
4. Out and About - the diaper bag is one of the most essential components in a parent’s arsenal. It carries everything from diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, change of clothes (yes you’ll need them). As a cyclist the normal diaper bag just wouldn’t cut it. I found a messenger style which works perfectly which is a wonderful fit as a cyclist.
5. Teamwork - A new baby is a huge amount of work and is a team effort from both parents. I am unsure how single parents do it and applaud them. From getting housework done, to just plain eating a meal, takes not one set of hands but two. If you can get into a schedule and process your golden.

From my good friend who puts on one excellent track event in memory of a former “Rose City” Team member.

Top Ten Reasons to Race Track at Alpenrose:

10. Your lost powertap computer can be found on the track apron.

9. Team Astana has never heard of Alpenrose.

8. No worrying if your wheel change is a 9-spd, 10-spd, or where the
supportvehicle is. Or where you maybe left your spare wheels.

7. There are no hills.

6. You never have to turn right.

5. There is a bell to remind you when to sprint.

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I would like to introduce the newest edition to our family.

Who came in at 20.5 inches long, weighs 8lbs 11ozs and came into this world just a wailing!

Well, wife and I are at the hospital in the process of getting ready for the delivery of our son.  It was kinda of a shock, she has been having high blood pressure for the past week and was prescribed bed rest. We are not actually due until April 9th but high blood pressure is always a concern.  For some reason is seemed every time we visited the doc, her blood pressure would spike and away we would go to the maternity ward to be monitored.  Well as they say, three times the charm, Monday’s appointment sent us not just to be monitored but induced, since my wife’s blood pressure was just getting higher and higher. This could cause not only be a risk to her but to “Carter” our unborn son.  So…. every thing’s going fine at the moment just waiting and waiting, planets have to align and then every thing’s a go.  Some roughness around the edges but that’s always expected.   Hopefully my next post I’ll be introducing my son.