7 8 21

Consecutive numbers, the first pair rising, the second descending. Symbolically, think something like this … ^ / v.

Taking a break from projets artistiques after a quick swim and breakfast. The mail brought nothing of consequence and this is just a quick, short time out.

Yesterday I discovered a podcast on the beginnings of cryptology and cryptanalysis. Terribly interesting and when I ended the driving mission, sat down and did some searching on the ‘main characters’ and sure enough, Elizebeth (Smith) Friedman, William (Wolf) Friedman and Colonel George Fabyan all did exist and did in fact lay the foundations for the NSA and cryptanalysis.

Very interesting and cool stories thru & thru.

There was a coded message intercepted early 20th century that changed then-President Woody Wilson’s mind and the US entered WWI. It turned out ‘the Zimmerman Telegram’ was a maneuver to get Mexico to side with Germany in 1917 and against the US by offering Arizona, TEXAS and New Mexico. NM not a big deal but throwing in Tx no bueno.

I did not know this. Seems I recall hearing something about some sort of 'alliance' but it could have been in WWII.

History sure is becoming a fascinating topic and subject for further and the deepest dives and investigations.

The ‘podcast’ trend, phenomenon or vehicle I am NOT so fond of. They don’t seem to really resonate even like an old-time radio program.

The difference I am finding is the OTR is actors and professionally done with real script writers etcetera while the poddies are amateurs, hacks and rookies trying to ‘do it all’ and shortcomings are apparent, frequent and painfully obvious.

Anyway, I must get back to work and on some sort of 'track'.

I got the E40K ride in that was surprisingly draining but now fully recovered. Off tomorrow and GDR105K early and ALL Saturday morning. The mark to beat I recall 4:39.

I learned much last ride.

Two (2) maybe three (3) Tootsie Pops are all needed for a 100K ride. A full roll of shot bloks also provide a good lift during the ride.

The water and hydration program is about set. Watching the trip counter (odometer) and monitoring mental acuity is extremely useful determining status of hydration level.

WHAT THE EFF ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ??

I knew that would loose you.

When you are well-hydrated, thought and the thought process(es) is clear and functioning firing on all cylinders. When the ‘fluid level(s)’ begin to drop, thoughts get slower and cloudy.

So I watch the numbers and km click by, make fractions and when it becomes difficult OR I feel like I am approaching ‘parched’, I take a small drink.

Three (3) squeezes from the blue bottle and a mouthful holding the water inside the mouth for a bit BEFORE swallowing and then only about a third or small portion.

The reasoning and logic being that doing it this way is more efficient hydrating and cooling the head and then the body.

There are many smaller blood vessels in the oral cavity and the water gets absorbed faster than from the stomach or further down the alimentary canal. It also paces the intake, the water lasts longer and the burst of refreshment is noted every time.

I developed this myself and hydrating in this manner now has me going 40 K (about two (2) hours) before I really feel like I need to take a drink.

YOU LOST ME. ARE YOU SURE THIS ISN’T CHEATING?

I figured I would but to address your question, it probably is cheating in Cali IFFEN you are competing there.

The morons in charge there want to regulate EVERYTHING so no surprises.

I see nothing wrong with it. I have experimented with the methods and find no harm AND it conserves water, I have yet to pass out and as near as I am able to measure my performance is getting better.

The 2021 goal for 100K is four (4) hours which so far in training is not close yet but that is because AND ONLY because of safety slows and stops.

In WF in August with the course closed, fast and protected from vehicular traffic by local police forces the safety factors are removed. It is without question a stretch goal but that’s what goals are for.

All you under-achievers and slackards need to write that down and refer to the words of Wisdom often.

Next year when I OFFICIALLY age-up and ride with the ‘old folks’ in a ‘special’ bracket, a top 20 finish and less than six (6) hours are goals and I believe attainable.

Train smart, work hard, have some luck and always PRAY.

I nearly forgot … have FUN.

Very well. Back to work. There is a LARGE school of various tropical fish nearing ready to paint. Also need to plan logistics for the next trip to Galveston. This has become suddenly dicey, dodgy and tricky.

Maybe a swim first ??