Music, and some exciting news

Every once in a while, an artist (music) comes along that totally inspires me and sends me on a deep search of everything in their catalog. As it is, my playlists are varied, featuring Black Sabbath, Madonna, Eminem, and The Eels in the same listening session, for example, though not all bands I listen to have quite the profound effect I am referring to. Right now, it is Megadeth. I never paid much attention in the past, due to the idea that the first four Metallica albums were the "end all-be all" of thrash. Boy, was I wrong! I wanted to just make a timeline of artists that grabbed me particularly hard at different times. This list by no means is all- inclusive of the artists that have made an impact on me, nor do the years reflect when i first "discovered" them, though it is in some cases.  It represents just those who have had the most influence: 1995- Smashing Pumpkins 1997- Led Zeppelin 1998- Rush 1998- Metallica 1999- The Who 2000- 311 2002- Dream Theater 2003- Pink Floyd 2006- The Beatles 2007-The Clash 2007-David Bowie 2008-Oasis 2009-Black Sabbath 2010-Soundgarden 2010- Blur 2010-Alice in Chains 2011- Opeth 2012-Megadeth Each of these artists had a particularly significant impact on me and has served to remind me of why I love music so much. There are many others I enjoy and more I appreciate, and other genres, but I am a rocker at heart. Looking back, I still maintain that my favorite, all time, is Pink Floyd, with Meddle being my favorite album by them. As far as a first time listen though, nothing was quite as intense as blasting "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spider from Mars" (1972) by David Bowie. I would have loved to have been around in the 70's...for example, IMO, 1973 was the year that Bowie, The Who, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath were at their apex--all artists I love ("Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973) is a seminal glam album--I've yet to discover more of Elton John's work). Lately, I'm really into Metal. I used to give my metal friends such a hard time, suggesting that metal was so angry and dark, how could it be great to listen to---even while still enjoying the first four Metallica albums. But Metal doesn't make me angry...it makes me excited, it makes me want to rock. If you haven't yet, go listen to "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth...insane album. Dave Mustaine is totally underrated as a creative force. As far as "the big four" of thrash metal are concerned (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer--not sure I'll ever appreciate Slayer, still have yet to give Anthrax a chance) I pull for Megadeth...not that anyone is competing or anything. I saw Opeth live in Portugal last summer--incredible band, aboslutely amazing. Lamb of God and Testament (Thanks Mitt Matcalf) are also quickly becoming metal heroes as well. And of course, there's always Pantera, Black Sabbath, and yes, Metallica--until they sold out worse than just about anyone. Maybe even worse than Green Day? Just talking as far as the sellout factor goes. Favorite albums: (no particular order) Meddle (1972)- Pink Floyd Quadrophenia (1973)- The Who Master of Reality (1971)- Black Sabbath "Ziggy"(1972)- David Bowie London Calling (1979)- The Clash Revolver (1966)- The Beatles Siamese Dream (1993)- The Smashing Pumpkins Ten (1991)- Pearl Jam Rust in Peace (1990)- Megadeth Good enough list for now... Oh, and I am going to Sweden next week! I still ride a bike, though not as much. But due to saving, and some gifts, I am going for two weeks in 10 days. I've also applied for residency, so we will see what happens with that! Yeah, I purposefully made it seem like an afterthought, even though it certainly is not!  Thanks and love to all, including these great musicians who enrich our lives-can you imagine life without music?

Many short rides= great miles

Total miles: 560.41.... Land/sea miles: 512.96/47.45....instead of getting one long ride in this weekend (which i still want to do!), it was several shorter ones: my parents gouse and back: 2x10.8=21.6; my sister's house and back: 13.1x2=26.2; long way to La finess (or some rowing/listening to deep purple), then to my parents house: 12.29+4.8+5.21= 35.4, and you see the updated total above. It goes to show that even if a 3+ hour block is unavailable, you can still do several smaller rides, which will get the miles to add up. Also, I skyped with Andrey and his mommy. Very Happy times.

Catching breaks in the rain, rowing (slightly) more. Thank Pantera and Opeth for that

Total miles: 490.31....land/sea miles: 447.66/42.65. Bike routes have been posted on endomondo, mostly just rides to the gym and back to row, which included a 3.25 and 5.25 mile session. It has purposefully beena light week, gearing up for what i hope is a good, lomg ride this weekend(weather permitting). My legs have been very tired lately in adjusting to a much more active lifestyle. But they are rock hard. Cheers.

Two in a day? Get outta Dodge....

Total miles: 428.26....land/sea miles: 394.11/34.15.....a disnt quite reach my destination today (Gales Creek). The route I chose was sort of a one way in, one way out deal nd the road was quite dangerous: no shoulder, lots of corners. I have been wanting to go there for quite awhile, so next time I will just have to take the long way: to Banks and then out highway 6. Still, 21.1 miles today is ok.

Overdue update, still getting miles everyday

Total miles: 407.16......land/sea miles: 373.01/34.15...i have been riding and rowing (yes, i know i said i would stop, but listening to metal while doing short sessions makes it bearable) all week, but not able to make daily posts this week. Also, the battery sometimes ran out on my phone, so there is a bit more than jut what endondo posted. After monday's 50 miler, I went to the gym and rowed for 3.65 miles, then rode my bike back from my parents for a few miles before meeting my brother and jut riding with him. That was tuesday. Wenesday saw a 26.26 mile ride to banks, north plains, and back to hillsboro, followed by a 1 mile row. Then thursday was a ride to the gym and back, but mostly lifted some weights while i was there. Friday was riding to the gym and back with a 3.25 mile row while there. Today should be a 20-30 ish mile ride, we'll see. Just wanted to make an update for this week. Cheers.

The bike is back!

Total miles: 349.38.....land/sea miles: 323.13/26.25....so my bike is back! And it is like having a brand new bike. The old rear wheel was so bent truing would just be a band aid so i found some affordable new wheels, had a tuneup, replaced some cables, and had new handlebar tape put on. It is so fun to have it back. Yesterday i went on a shorter, 14.39 mile ride and today, having the day off i rode for 50.79 miles, one of my longest rides yet. Endomondo says today's ride was 42.69, but my phone battery died before i got home. It was a great day and i was so happy to enjoy the roads again. I rode from my house to forest grove, took a roundabout way to hwy 47, and then rode on the banks-vernonia paved trail for a few more miles before going back to banks, then to cornelius and finally home. Also, yesterday i skyped with Andrey's mother, which was a real treat. He is very alert and active. I think he was very intrigued by seeing a face in a box on the computer screen. My face hurt from smiling so much. As for his mother,she is very supportive of my efforts and just a wonderful woman. And watching her hold Andrey was such a beautiful sight. That is it for now. I am happy.

a bit more

Total Miles: 284.28....Land/Sea Miles: 258.03/26.25... Yesterday, I did 23.3 miles on a stationary bike and 2 miles of rowing. Today was a 1 mile swim. hopelessly behind (poor initial planning!) but won't stop. Will be fun to see how far I can get. And, I'm not HOPELESSLY behind, really, I'm not. But as for sea miles? hmmmm....yeah. We'll see. I'm a slow swimmer, and it's hard to have the time/energy to swim more than a mile per day. Also, I have a terrible attention span with monotonous tasks, so a rowing machine is horrible. So we'll see what happens. But I won't quit.

stationary

Total Miles: 257.98....land/sea miles: 234.73/23.25...The bike is done, but still in the shop...Need to wait until friday to get it (payday). I had them do a few more things to it. It's gonna be pretty sweet when it's out. So, that leaves me at LA fitness, on the stationary bike mostly. Did 30 miles yesterday, took me around 78 minutes, which is much quicker than it would be on an actual bike, but i'll take it. Planning on heading to LA fitness again today. Cheers.

Stationary bike

Total miles: 227.98....land/sea miles:204.73/23.25....20 miles on stationary bike. Hopefully i get the real one back tomorrow or friday.

Adding some sea miles

Total miles: 207.98....land/sea miles:184.73/23.25..... Did almost the same thing as yesterday, just a little more: 1 mile swim and 5 mile row. Im not counting the 2 mile power walk from the gym to the train station because i dont want to be THAT desperate. Thats about all there is to say...can't wait to get my bike back.

Back in the game!

Total miles: 201.98...land/sea miles: 184.73/17.25..... Ok, so I lat week absolutely sucked. Between two jobs, no bike, a bus service that runs at the worse times, small windows of opportunity with a gym 5.5 miles away, it just was tough. The bike should be ready on wednesday or thursday. The rear wheel was so bad, it was beyond truing, so new wheels, tuneup, and new handlebar tape are in the works. I am so excited to have it back! But today, i swam one mile and rowed (yes, rowed) 3.25, and on saturday, i ran 2 miles...not much, especially for those who knew me at college (regular 8-10 mile runs) but given my knee situation, i have to ease into things. It feeels stupid, because it is easy to run a slow 2 miles, but i really don't want to get injured. I have been doing lots of stretching and will slowly build up my running base so i can supplement the other activities when it is logistically difficult to complete them. The rowing wasnt too bad. It is easier to so a shorter, intense session (less miles, but better than being too bored to do any) than a longer, seemingly-never-ending session. The swimming was great. I do breast stroke, by the way, because (though slower) it is the most natural stroke for me, the most intuitive. I have very good form with all strokes, including butterfly, but freestyle would mean frequent breaks because it is too hypoxic (if you breathe on both sides and dont deform your body by only breathing on one), butterfly is too anerobic, and backstroke is just strange. Given that frogs (like humans) have limbs, it just makes sense to me to swim like they do. I did breaststroke in a biathalon once and got alot of laughs...and i was slow. But it is what i will do because it is what i enjoy. Well, that is it for now. More swimming tomorrow, maybe some spinning as well (thanks to David Hahs for the suggestion!) and i'm confident it will be a good week!

Some set backs...but it's all good.

Total miles: 195.73.....land/sea miles: 182.73/13. This week...well, let's just say it's a "sophomore slump". I was riding over to my sister's house yesterday, when I popped a tire after 3.78 miles....Having just used my spare tube a fee days before for the other tire, I had no way to fix it, so I had to walk home. You can bet your ass I'm counting those walking home miles... Aside from the obvious flat tire issue (5 minute fix), the bike just needs a good tune up. The rear wheel is far from true, and i intend to consistently log weeks like last week, all summer long. So a good tune will help me in the long run. I used today to run couple errands (taking the bus is soooo much worse than riding a bike!) and hope to be on the bike early next week. In the mean time, you can expect some sea miles in the form of swimming, maybe tomorrow if my sister doesnt come into town (the other one) but if she does i will hang with her because the rest of the weekend is pretty packed with my second job. So, this (of course) puts me behind, but thats ok. I juat gotta do what I can do. If my IT band wasnt so sore I'd run. As for now, I am stretching iy and doing low impact activities (like cycling) so i can mix it up in the future. Cheers.

Wind and no shoulder

Total miles: 188.17....land/sea miles: 175.17/13. I rode south on Hillsboro Highway, intending to ride about 14 miles before turning back when the should disappeare and the road became terribly rough. I prefer to ride on rural state highways because the traffic isn't too heavy and the shoulders are large. But this was a joke. The road looked like something out of a second world country and I wasn't about to destroy my bike or get hit, but turning around meant riding face first into 20 mph gusts...I was a bit mad, but at least it's some miles: 15.56, 7.78 each way. Cheers.

Stationary workouts=boring

Total Miles: 172.61....land/sea miles: 159.61/13. The "equation" in the title, I'll call it Warren's Theorem. Proof? Well, I challenge anyone to find me a counter example...my experience is that even if stationary workouts are tolerable, they fall very short of actually being in motion. Case in point: The Rowing Machine, or Ergometer, if you will..I fell far short of my goal tonight because I was just plain bored to tears. I wasn't too tired, I just couldn't couldn't do it, even while listening to music I love. There is probably no wat I can continue to do it. And it isn't about not wanting to see Andrey, because you're crazy if you think that), bur I'd rather swim. The problem is, swinming is much slower. It's like jogging as opposed to cycling. The spirit of this whole project was based on me simulating (albeit much, much easier than reality) the distances by land and sea needed to traverse a polar (read: shorter) route to Andrey's home. But then I was thinking that there are probably much more solid ground miles than actual water miles, because the arctic is often frozen. So maybe I can justify doing far less sea miles and more land miles that way. Cycling is fun. I look forward to it every day, even just short rides to the gym and back. But sitting on a machine and doing the same repetitive motion just won't work. Anywyay, I stayed late at work today because we were slammed, so my time was limited. I rode to the gyn (5.13 miles), rowed 3 miles, and rode the bike home a slightly longer way for 6.45 miles. That brings me to 11.58 land and 3 sea. Not much, but every debt countd.

Two shorter rides

Total miles: 158.03....land/sea miles: 148.03/10. Two shorter rides today, one that was 15.18 miles and the other 10.85 miles for a total of 26.03 miles. Both were tracked by endomondo, which also posts to facebook. Again, if you coule pledge 1 cent per mile, even if I achieve the total miles, you'd be paying about 46 bucks. Over 34 weeks that isn't much to give, (less than 2 bucks a week!), but it helps me in a big way. Cheers!

The sea miles have begun!

Total miles: 132.....land/sea miles: 122/10. Today was a big day for this "campaign". I rode my bike to LA fitness, taking a detour to the hillsboro library (roughly 7.2 miles), then i was on the rowing machine for 1 hour 22 minutes (total, I took a couple breaks), logging a total of 10 miles, then rode straight home. After a couple hours, I went back on the bike for a 26 mile ride! The bike rides were all recorded by endomondo (highly recommended by my friends, great app) so you can check it there. That brings my total today to 38.3 miles on the bike + 10 on the machine for 48.3 total miles today. Not bad. I can feel my legs getting stronger already. Additionally, I secured a part time job at a gas station/convenience store my friends own (glamorous, right?) for some part time work in addition to my job at First American Title. This will make it challenging to log the miles because I will be so busy, but I will ride n' row as much as I can. I'm feeling good about things, and feel like I'm on the right track to doing all that I can. Your donations will help alot as well. Thank you for them! A week ago I was feeling like it would be impossible to raise the funds, but i think between the generous donations and pledges, as well as my working my tail off, we will make it happen. Thanks again for all the support!

To Gaston and back.

Total miles: 83.7...land/sea miles: 83.7/0. I rode from my house in Hillsboro to the Yamhill county line (in Gaston) and back. 13.5 miles each way, for a total of 27 miles. MapMyFitness mapped my way down just fine, but showed a beeline route back to my house, which obviously isnt what happened. Tomorrow should see the start of some see miles as well as about 10 miles or so on the bike. Pay day is in a week, so I can get a tuneup then. Hopefully she makes it...she's been a champ so far. Many thanks to my donors and others who are expressing their support.

A few more miles

Total miles: 56.7; land/sea miles: 56.7/0. I kind of took it easy today, but still logged some miles. I need to plug in some long rides, but it is hard when it doesnt stay as light as I'd like. By the time I get home, have a snack, change, it is usually almost 7. For long rides, I need a couple of hours. I had the MapMyFitness app running in my poket while I was riding, but i was running errands and had to pause it often. 3 miles: to the bike shop to get more air in my tires (of course they were closed...), then to the grocery store and back home. Then to a fitness center to check out their pool and rowing machines so I could see what my options are for logging those sea miles (yet to be started). This was 4.8 miles each way, for a sub total of 9.6, + previous 3 is 12.6...about half of what I shoud have done. Also, I discovered that the registration for the Seattle to Portland is closed...what a bummer. But the Seattle to Vancouver BC is still open. That might be a possibility. Right now, having a good idea of my work schedule and how long it takes to ride, I am in a better position to strategize for how I can get a good schedule to log enough miles. I want to put up some more pics of my beautiful son, but I am writing this on my phone, and not sure how to post it. More and more people are stepping forward to help. It is so generous. Thank You to all!

Bike ride in western Washington County

Total miles: 44.1; Land/Sea miles: 44.1/0 Wow, so I am realizing how it will be hard to keep this up EVERY DAY. But, as I go along and get stronger, it will get easier. The bike did ok, but it does need a good general tuneup, mainly because it has been a couple years since it had one, and if I am going to be putting on some serious miles this summer, well...I don't want to run it into the ground! My plan was to head out from Hillsboro toward hwy 47 and go up to Buxton, which I think is some tiny logging town. But with my phone (which was my map) in my pocket, I made a wrong turn and did some zig zaggin to 47. By then dusk was upon me so I just rode toward Banks and then ons towards home. It was a respectable ride, but chilly! You should see me out there, as I don't look like a "typical" cyclist. I wore jeans, hoodie, adidas track jacket, adidas shoes (not my biking shoes, in case the bike breaks down, I want to not be wearing cleats), and a beanie. I need a new helmet, so until then, I just hope no one hits me. When it got dark, I put my headlamp on with the flashing light to make myself noticeable. Hillsboro is the perfect place for a bike rider to live. Contrary to what the name might suggest, there are no hills around...just farm after beautiful farm. Between here and the coast mountains there are just beautiful country roads, actually not too unlike what my buddy Zack and I rode on in Sweden last summer. Thanks for all your support and encouragement. It has touched me howbmuc love people have shown. If you can make a small (or large, but I assume most can't) pledge, please see the post entitled "Till Andrey". It is far too cumbersome to look up the code to put that button here while typing this on my phone, because I am ghetto and don't have a computer.

First bike ride

Total Mile Count: 18.5 Land/Sea: 18.5/0 I went on my first bike ride, albeit a short one. I am already behind in my mileage, but i had to get my bike working today before I rode it, so in the future (i.e. tomorrow) I can just hop on and go. That bike is a champ! It sat in a box for almost a yer and was falling apart when I shoved it in said box. I bought this bike in 2003 for $500. Best money I ever spent...well, besides going to Sweden, haha. Anyway, I rode home from my parents house, 10.5 miles. I will try and double that tomorrow. I nee to work up to doing around 25 daily, as an average. The sea miles will have to wait until I can get A gym membership. Not off to an incredible start, but I will make it up. I have had a few people come forward and pledge, and many of you have given me kind words of love and encouragement, which I really appreciate. Take Care, y'all.

One tiny journey down; many, many more to go...and some basic mathematics

Total Mile Count: 8 Land/Sea: 8/0 Today I commenced my "vägen till Andrey" with an 8 mile hike (slowest way possible...bike needs a bit of work still) through Forest Park. The app I used is called AllTrails, which was great for me to use, but doesn't allow me to share on facebook. Next time I will use MapMyHike and see how that works. If you'd like to hold me accountable and se the route, contact me by email. It was a beautiful day to be in the woods, and I kept comparing the forests here to Swedish forests. Our trees are bigger! But they still have great forests. I need some more pledges! So far I have 4 people. The only thing in it for you is that wonderful feeling of helping someone reach a goal that is more dear to their heart than anything. Let me give you a breakdown of some numbers: I need to traverse approximately 4,630 miles. If you pledge $.01 (that's one penny for those who hate decimals) per mile, you would pay $46.30. Over 34 weeks, that is $1.36 per week, or about $.20 per day. It's not alot of money, but if you could help get your friends to pledge, this could really add up! I am not trying to get a free ride, but it will be hard to save enough on my income. Also, thing come up that require drastic attention, such as a truck breaking down (happened just the other week, still can't get it fixed). The point is, no one has to pledge some outlandish amount. Even one time donations of a few bucks are greatly appreciated. Of course, a one time donation of 5k is certainly welcome too :-) Again, if you decide to pledge, we can square up at the very end (or however far I get by Christmas, assuming I have enough of my own cash to go) or as I go along. I will post every workout, though usually won't write more than what I did and how far I went. Thanks again for all your support. I have recieved kind words of encouragent from many of you and it helps me keep a good attitude in a tough situation. I never would have thought so many people cared. Hej Då!

Till Andrey!

Hello! It has been forever and a minute since I have last written. Please excuse me! You may find the title of this post to be somewhat strange... Well, I have some explaining to do! "Till" is the Swedish word for "to", as in going to something. Andrey, is the name of my son. Yes, my son. He's Swedish. I learned of his birth almost three weeks ago. His mother is a fantastic woman who loves him dearly. Hearing this news was certainly a life-changer. I cannot even explain the changes that occurred almost instantly in my head and heart upon learning about this. He is a beautiful little boy and I love him completely, though we've yet to meet one another. You see, he lives in Sweden. I live in Oregon. I'm broke. But, I start a new job next week so I will begin to start saving money so I can visit him. The plan is, to accrue paid vacation days over the nest 7 months or so, which I can use for a Christmas visit to Sweden. I would give anything in the world to hold him right now. However, though I will be able to save some money to visit him, it's going to be very difficult. My jobs' pay is not fantastic by any means. I have my own expenses. I also am going to be sending money to Andrey's mother to help support him. This is why I'm creating the "Till Andrey!" fund. I am hoping to raise money to help ensure I reach my goal of making it to Sweden by Christmas while meeting my financial obligations at home. Here is what I've got going: I found a route to Andrey's home in Sweden. He lives in a hamlet called Åtvidaberg. This route was chosen to have minimal sea-crossing distance. It is 4,634 miles, composed of 805 miles over sea and 3,829 miles over land. My plan is to run/bike/hike that many land miles and swim/row (rowing machine...) the sea miles for 34 consecutive weeks, beginning next week. I am asking any interested persons to make a small pledge for each mile traversed. Pledge as much or as little as you like, but keep in mind that I will be racking up lots of miles, so please, consider your commitment and make sure it's one you can realistically honor. If you would rather make a lump-sum contribution, that is fine as well. Or, if you can't contribute, I could still use your verbal encouragement and support. This will be very demanding! The averages are as follows: 23 land miles/day and 4 sea miles/day, for 6 days a week. It should go without saying that I'll be spending the majority of my time on a bike and rowing machine, because it's far more time effective than running or swimming. Often times, instead of going on a 23 mile bike ride everyday, I may do a 50 mile ride, or a few 30 mile rides per week. I know this seems crazy, but the distances are meaningful to me. While I am busting my buns up a hill and wondering "WTF is all this for?" I will be imagining that I am riding a bike to Sweden to see my baby boy. Additionally, I am in sub-par physical shape at the moment. I have not been taking care of myself this last winter and it's time to snap out of it! The first several weeks will be very hard, but as my body adapts, I know I'll feel better. Hopefully, all of you find this outlandish enough to tell your friends about how crazy I am, and we can all get more people to donate. I firmly believe in myself and that I can accomplish just about anything I set my mind to. I just need to stay focused and motivated. Again, your love and support will greatly help! I plan to make frequent updates on this blog about my workouts. I will get some sort of app that tracks routes for riding a bike. For rowing, you'll just have to trust me. If you choose to make a pledge, you can decide if you'd prefer to pay at the end or as I go along. If you have any further questions about anything I've mentioned here, please leave a comment or email me: warrencrutcher@gmail.com Thank you!