1!

How the hell did this happen so quickly?

E made it through his first year, no major incidents or accidents, no non-routine doctor visits, and passing his milestones with flying colors. We can only hope to be fortunate enough to keep this streak going.

It's been a tough year, but he's so worth it. We're still up twice a night, but I don't mind so much anymore. We are getting good running mileage in the mornings, and Elliot and Molly are the best of friends in a super entertaining way.

This morning as I sang Happy Birthday for the fourth time, he bobbed his head and waved his arms, dancing along. He's such a little person.

more blather about USAC.

This is an interesting and pretty spot-on take on USAC. I had never thought about how USAC uses some programs as cash cows while throwing money at others... and that the kind of riding I like is all in that first category.

Look, I'm a rider ("racer?") in both USAC and non-USAC events. I also promote USAC races. I used to help promote USAC clinics but we're not doing them as USAC anymore. I also used to hold a completely useless and meaningless USAC mechanic's license (that they charged me $$$ every year for) and an annoying USAC official's license (which meant I was under Fowkes' thumb in his happy little power game). The entire experience has been nothing but forking over money for misery.

I'm not an olympian or pro. I don't want to be, I have no hope of ever being. Why am I expected to follow (or enforce on others) draconian rules meant for those levels of racing? Why do I have to pay to support olympic programs when all I wanna do is ride my bike?

I like non-USAC events so much more. Less bullshit. Cheaper. No officials to throw you out of the race when someone else helps out by straightening your seatpost/saddle after a crash. No bloated beaurocracy to pay for.

The only reason people keep subjecting themselves to this system is the dangling carrot of upgrades and USAC's monopoly thereon. Is it worth it?

an early morning punch to the gut

(photo: Jason's mom) No, I'm not talking about the WORS race. (That report is here.) I'm talking about this morning's run. I untied the stroller leash, then ran into a neighbor and discussed setting up a playgroup, then five minutes later turned for a late start to my run.

BAM!

It took me a minute to figure out what happened, but I apparently forgot to put the stroller leash on and then stepped on it while running, jolting E (who began crying) and punching myself in the stomach and shin with a stroller.

Good start to the morning.

It did make me realize, though, that for all the anxiety about running with stroller and dog, this is the first time anyone/any animal/anything actually got injured. Well, emotionally injured, even. This is a good thing! An achievement! Nonetheless, I still feel it on my ribs. Youch.