Handmade Wheels

I finished the wheels I was machining for part of a school project I'm working on. The wheels turned out really nice. I had to make them custom because what I needed for the project was essentially a wheelchair wheel with disc brake rotors. It has a 15mm axle sticking out of one side, and beefy bearings to take up the uneven load caused by clamping onto the axle at just one side of the hub. Pictured here is one of the wheels without the disc brake rotor installed.



Back of the hub


Front of the hub

Phoenix Rock N' Roll Half Marathon

I had a great trip to Phoenix this weekend. I just got back last night after racing in the morning. I'm a little sore today, but I'm very excited to say that I will be able to train through this race without any overuse injuries! I went to Phoenix with a crowd from the CU Tri team and we had a very smooth, relaxing trip in terms of logistics before and after the race.

As for the race itself, my only goal was to finish in one piece. Mission accomplished. My time was 1:32:20, about 3 minutes slower than my first half marathon last May. I'm happy with the time, especially given that it's still the middle of winter. My teammates had great races as well. Everyone I talked to set PR's in either the half or full marathon.

Spring semester started today. To think that I only have 4 months to graduation is a little scary. I suppose I should start mulling over what I plan on doing afterwards...

Business Up Front...

I cut my hair. I had a lot.

Secrets to Success

I completed a 90 minute run today, free of injury. I felt great the entire time, it was amazing. I really believe the strength training and regular deep tissue massage is making all the difference. The half-marathon is about a week and a half away, and I feel confident I won't have any issues during the race. It's going to be a positive experience.

My secrets to success? Why, I thought you'd never ask!

1. Strength training with the Bosu Balance Ball. Try doing a couple one-legged squats on this guy...or 60.

2. Deep tissue work from generous sponsor, Tri-Massage. Top quality massage, crazy cheap price. Not only am I kept injury free, but my pain threshold has been taken to the next level, thanks to CMT Josh Shadle. He can make world champions cry with the tweak of his pinkies...I'm not joking...