Putting things together...

Week Thirty-One:Woodworking

There is a long list of knowledge and skills of which every grown man should have at least a rudimentary understanding. The talents included on this list are as varied as basic auto maintenance, how to balance a checkbook and the proper way to attack a Cover-2 defense. Unfortunately, as proven several times throughout this experience, I am deficient in far too many of these fundamental man-skills and therefore must make an attempt to familiarize myself as many as possible. Hence this week’s essential ability: woodworking.

Before getting into the process, however, allow me to provide the back story for this week’s experience. For the last several years’ worth of birthdays and Christmases, my girlfriend Jackie has been eagerly requesting a buffalo-shaped cutting board. But while this seems like a relatively easy demand, the subsequent search for said item has repeatedly proven itself futile. Aside from the occasional misshapen and overpriced piece at local arts and craft shows, none of which have been worth buying, it has been nearly impossible to find the coveted buffalo cutting board. Therefore, after years of frustration I decided to take the initiative to showcase my creativity and craftsmanship in making the board myself. Of course, since this was a recent decision it only made sense to incorporate the process into my yearlong adventure, 52to30.

I decided to start this adventure in the usual place, scouring the Internet for directions on how to construct a cutting board. Surprisingly, this is a relatively popular activity so there was no shortage of information and I quickly started to put together my plan. Once I compiled a list of materials and had a general idea of how to begin I started sorting through images of standing buffalo to use as a stencil for my board. I easily found an acceptable outline (not too detailed or cartoonish) and used a copy machine to blow the image up to the appropriate size, approximately 18”x12”.

My first real hiccup during this process was actually trying to find the right wood for my board. First, I was surprised to find several local hardware stores unable to help me in my quest for wood. After unsuccessfully visiting and calling a few of these stores I eventually wound up at a little place called WoodCraft, a wood-working specialty store whose validity I recently questioned – ironically enough. Going for the contrasted look of alternating light and dark strips of wood, I wanted to use maple and walnut but I was disappointed to learn they were unavailable so I had to settle on my back ups - oak and cherry.

With all the materials and plans assembled I started to measure my blocks of wood into 1-½ inch strips to be reassembled in alternating order. However, as I was getting ready to cut these strips I quickly realized I didn’t have the right saw to make such straight, thin cuts. It was beginning to dawn on me that this would be a little more difficult than I had originally envisioned. Thankfully though, whenever a situation like this arises I know exactly who to call – my good friend Terry.

Terry owns close to every tool imaginable and loves having an excuse to use them so, even though it was after 10pm when I called, he invited me right over to start working. After quickly discussing the plans, he quickly formed a strategy and we got to work. As previously mentioned, I now realized what I was in for so I was very thankful for Terry’s help since it would ensure a much better job. Rather than a trial by fire, I would be learning everything from someone who knows what they’re doing. Or so I thought.

After changing the blade in the table saw and calibrating the measurements (my previous pencil lines rendered meaningless) Terry started to cut the first strip of wood. Having not operated a power saw since Middle School Technology class, I decided to let him get things started while I watched and learned. However, as the blade cut into the board, Terry’s basement started filling with thick, white smoke to the point that you couldn’t see past five feet. Once the strip was cut, we turned off the smoke detectors and fanned away the smokescreen, Terry realized he put the blade in backwards.

Thankful that the friction didn’t start the wood on fire, we laughed it off, fixed the blade and started over. Things went much more smoothly from this point on as Terry cut the first board into strips before allowing me to do the same with the second. Next, we laid out the strips in the light-dark pattern to find the best combination to our puzzle – minimizing gaps and putting the two roughest edges on the top and bottom since they would be cut off anyway. Finally, we bonded these strips with wood glue before clamping them together to dry overnight.

When I arrived at Terry’s house the next night I was totally reassured by our progress. Looking at that board all sealed together and ready to be worked pumped me up beyond belief so after ensuring the strips were solid we began the process of sanding. Once again, Terry started off but we took pretty regular turns as we progressed from rough to fine sandpaper and the cutting board was made incredibly smooth before our eyes. This process is quite remarkable when you see rough, slightly uneven planks of wood come together as an even, smooth surface.

Once the sanding was finished it was time for the hard part. First, I took my stencil (the enlarged copy of a buffalo, cut out of several pieces of paper) and placed it in an ideal spot on the board, away from any major defects or gaps. Thankfully my calculations were correct and it fit perfectly! Using a pencil, I lightly traced the stencil onto the wood before touching up a few spots and retracing the shape with a fine-tip marker. My apprehensions were eased quite a bit when I saw how well it looked on the paper. Unfortunately, the most difficult part of all would be cutting it out.

Of course, as previously mentioned, if anyone has the right tool for the job, it’s Terry. This was no exception as he unveiled the fancy little handheld saw with turning radius, blah, blah, blah. (Sorry, I wasn’t taking notes so I can’t remember it’s official name.) With a strategy in mind Terry started cutting the wood, making slow but steady progress. I took a turn cutting along the top hump of the buffalo where the line is easier to navigate but even this didn’t last very long. We’d come too far at this point for me to screw it up so I deferred to Terry’s expertise. My job during this process was to rotate the board, adjust the clamps when necessary and keep the cord from getting caught.

After about fifteen to twenty minutes of heavy concentration on both our parts, Terry finished the cutting and the buffalo had taken shape. We decided to call it quits for the night and continue next week. Jackie’s birthday isn’t until next Sunday so we’ve got time to finish before then. However, all the tough jobs are done and we only have to sand the edges and stain the finished board with butcher-block oil – essential for sealing the wood against seepage from food products.

I am so happy with the cutting board at this stage and I’m very proud to have been a part of this process. Granted, Terry easily did most of the work but this experience was more about learning. I could have attempted this entire project on my own but there’s no way it would have been anywhere close to this successful. Instead, I would have been terribly frustrated in the process of creating a piece of crap which would have only been a tremendous waste of my time, energy and money. Instead, I learned way more about woodworking than I ever imagined, had a ton of fun with one of my best friends and created an incredible birthday gift for the woman I love. Sounds like an all around awesome experience to me.

Running on empty...

Week Thirty:Run a 5K

The idea of running 5k had actually been suggested by several different people as an activity for Fifty-two to Thirty. In fact, completing a marathon was also brought up but that’s a commitment I am neither willing nor able to make at this time. Yet, despite being a casual runner, I was initially reluctant to the idea of a 5k due to the sheer intimidation involved. Not only would I have to do some serious training to prepare for the run, I was also unsettled by the thought of running in such a public setting. Usually I don’t mind being in the open but I wasn’t sure what types of hardcore runners I’d be dealing with in this situation. It’s one thing to run around a park or neighborhood, but quite another when people are taking themselves too seriously.

However, I gradually started warming to the idea thanks to the influence of several factors. First, there is a 5k called Tommy’s Run that is run by a woman I work with. Since this race is sponsored by my employer and is therefore patronized by some of my coworkers, I figured it would be a comfortable place to begin my competitive running career. Also, this woman reassured me that Tommy’s Run is a much more casual atmosphere than a lot of other races in the area.

Another reason I started to consider running a 5k was the recent emergence of two people I know as devoted runners – my brother Patrick and my boss Joe. Now, Pat has become a regular accomplice lately here at 52to30 and his encouragement was an obvious influence. Then, once he started to run regularly (always updating me on his most recent times) I was further inspired by our natural brotherly competitiveness. Always friendly, of course.

Joe, on the other hand, inspired me through his utter dedication. Although he only started running a few months ago, Joe has been borderline obsessive with his running and his progress is very impressive. Joe provided updates on his status nearly everyday and his commitment really inspired me to start running again. Therefore, after discussing Tommy’s Run with Joe and relating the information to Pat we decided to give it a try. This would be the first 5k for all three of us.

Unfortunately, by the time I fully committed to participating in Tommy’s Run, it was only two weeks before the race. Since I hadn’t really run since autumn, I knew I would have to put forth quite a bit of effort to make a good showing and I didn’t have much time.

To start, I drove through the streets in my neighborhood to accurately measure the distance of a 5k (3.1 miles to be exact). After determining the serpentine path, I figured I could run it about eight times in the two weeks leading up to the race without wearing myself out. Unfortunately, my first attempt was far from successful, as I couldn’t even make it one full mile before slowing to a walk with my lungs burning. I continued the walk/jog pattern for the full distance and made the trip in just under forty minutes.

Thankfully, however, I was not deterred and for my second attempt I adjusted my stride, which extended my stamina tremendously. Each successive time after that I was able to run a little bit longer without walking and eventually cut my time to thirty-two minutes. And while inclement weather only allowed me to get in six runs before the race I felt confident in my ability and was really hoping to break the thirty-minute mark on race day.

* * *

The day of the race was the first time I really felt nervous about this experience. It’s only natural to have some game day jitters but I felt like I did everything I could to prepare for running a 5k. I had a nice pasta meal the night before to load up on carbs, I didn’t exercise the day of the raise so I would be fresh and I was sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. I was ready to rock.

Pat, Jackie and myself arrived at Green Lake about 45 minutes before the race was supposed to start - Jackie wasn’t interested in racing, instead providing moral support and documentation. After stretching out and warming up for a bit I was really getting antsy for the race to begin before eventually being told to gather at the starting line.

As the starting pistol was fired, the large jumble of racers moved forward, slowly sifting through each other like a school of fish. However, the wide range of ages and abilities was immediately apparent as the obvious runners shot ahead and I was nearly capsized trying to pass an eight-year-old girl walking her dog in the race. Thankfully, after surviving this near calamity, I separated myself from the stragglers and settled into a comfortable pace. Or so I thought.

I’m not sure if I was running too hard due to the pressure or if it was the unforeseen obstacle of running uphill, but my hard earned stamina was nowhere to be found. Within the first five minutes I was feeling spent and I knew wouldn’t be able to run the whole race. Then, just past the twelve-minute mark (a little more than a mile into the course) I had to start walking. Rest assured, I hated myself for it.

After this brief respite, I picked up my pace and put another big chuck of the race behind me. Over the next mile and a half I slowed down a couple more times while alternating all my hatred and anger between myself and the actual process of running. In fact, it was during this stretch when I swore I would never run again. I had lost sight of anyone I knew and to make matters worse I was approaching a large, uphill portion of the course they decided to leave until the final mile of the race.

As I approached the hill, I decided to leg it out for the remainder of the race. I started chugging up the hill and made the next left on this final stretch at was likely my best pace of the day. With about a half mile to go at this point I truly started to feel the burn. However, despite knowing I was going to finish last out of everyone I knew, I had to finish strong just to make the effort worthwhile. Rounding the final bend towards the finish line I pushed myself into overdrive with longer, quicker strides and passed through the balloon archway at 33:19, a pace of 10:33 per mile.

After catching my breath, I guzzled some water, downed a few orange slices and eventually ripped into the complimentary pizza. My time was good enough 151^st place out of the 167 men that raced and despite being blown away by Joe (25:01), Pat (27:35) and our friend Brian (27:31) I’m very happy I was able to finish my first 5k. In addition to those lowly stats, I also failed to reach my goal of thirty minutes and I actually regressed from my previous best time.

However, despite all these negative outcomes I quickly rescinded my personal ban on running. I recovered quickly enough to put the whole experience into proper perspective and, aside from any excuse that tries to sneak it’s way into my subconscious, I should have known better than to wait until the last minute to start preparing for this race. The truth is, as grueling as running seems when you’re doing it, the physical and mental payoff is well worth it after you’ve finished. That said, I look forward to keep on running and hopefully making any future 5ks a little more competitive – at least among the people I know.

Zip-a-dee-do-da...

Week Twenty-Nine:Zip Lining

When I first started writing out ideas for Fifty-two to Thirty, there were several big ticket items for which I was especially excited. Zip lining was definitely among these ideas. In fact, when the activity originally occurred to me I literally wrote down, “Go zip lining (figure out how)”. So this activity actually began several months ago when I started researching the logistics of zip lining.

After realizing there were no places to try zip lining locally, I started to think I might be out of luck. Of course, I quickly dispelled this negative idea when I stumbled upon some zip line kits and figured I might as well make the investment for a lifetime of awesomeness. Also, my brother Sean was planning a party at our family’s cabin the last weekend of June so, figuring this would be the best place to install a zip line, I decided this would also be the perfect opportunity to try it for the first time. The wheels were set in motion and all that was left to do was buy the kit.

Prior to ordering the zip line, I toyed with several possible paths at the cabin. Criteria for the proper location naturally includes two trees an adequate distance apart, a clear path between thee trees and a steady but not too drastic slope. With a few prime spots in mind I started researching various zip line packages on the Internet before finding the best deals on eBay.

Since this would be my first experience zip lining, I decided on a package with 100 feet of cable. Other options included anywhere from 50 to 300 feet but considering cost and experience, 100 seemed like the right fit. Next, I had to choose between the three different trolley options available. Unfortunately, the most sturdy and well-constructed option was also, naturally, the most expensive. However, after some lengthy internal debate, I figured since the difference between the least and most expensive trolleys was only twenty-five dollars, the quality was well worth the price.

Now that I had decided what I was going to buy and where I was going to buy it, all I had to do was the trigger. Easy, right? Unfortunately, I really had some reservations about dropping a hefty amount of money on something so extraneous, especially considering the current economic climate (both personally and globally). Therefore, I came up with the brilliant idea of subsidizing the zip line by asking for donations from some of my friends. My logic being, if I could get ten to twenty bucks from those most likely to get some use out of it, I would feel much more comfortable with the investment. Naturally, between such an awesome idea and such awesome friends, I quickly raised a third of the cost and made the deal happen.

Thankfully, the zip line showed up just in time for the cabin party. As soon as we arrived at the cabin last Saturday I started checking out the various locations I had previously considered. Since I had done a little more research and even watched some zip lining videos, I had an even better idea of what I was looking for. After measuring the distance between several trees using my feet as an unofficial ruler, I realized my best option would be to run the wire from the edge of the woods to a lone tree in the middle of the yard. This course stretched about eighty feet across unobstructed, slightly descending ground – perfect for some first time zip lining.

The next task of this process included the crunching of some numbers. I won’t bore you with all the details but I needed to figure out what heights to start and end the zip line according to the distance and sag of the wire. Zip lines are not meant to be a tight rope between two anchors, as this would cause the rider to barrel full speed into the bottom tree. Instead, the line needs to sag in the middle so the rider loses speed as the trolley moves back up towards the bottom. Additionally, with the inexperience of everyone involved, I wanted it to be low enough so they could drag their feet on the ground for further breaking. After considering all these factors and using the prescribed equation, the line would start at ten feet and end about seven feet off the ground.

Actually setting up the line, however, was not as easy as it seemed. Thankfully, after a bit of experimentation, trial and error I was able to get it up very nicely with the help of my brother Pat and our friends Paul and John – all very eager to lend a hand. Honestly, their cooperation was priceless and I am very thankful for the assistance.

As soon as the line was up and to our standards we tested it by taking turns, jumping up from the ground and traveling a short distance. We didn’t want to start full speed from the platform just in case something went wrong and we crashed to the ground. However, everything worked perfectly and we decided to start jamming.

The fist time launching from the platform is rather nerve-wracking. It’s only about ten feet but it goes against all natural instinct to jump from that point and this initial hesitation was evident during everyone’s first attempt. However, I just tightened my grip, leaned forward and pushed off with my feet. Once again, just like everyone else, after that first trip I barley gave the launch a second thought.

The best method I found was to lift my legs so they wouldn’t drag on the ground but using them to slow down the last ten or so feet before releasing and continuing past the tree in a short job. Some of the girls, however, preferred to have someone catch them as the bottom – perhaps a mixture of fear and the inability to reach the ground. But despite the chosen method, everyone that attempted the zip line loved the experience and, with the exception of one person (Tony!), got right back on for another try. Naturally, as the day wore on people started experimenting with their style, going down backwards or striking poses mid zip and even resorting to zip lining in the dark after sun down. As bad as some of these ideas seem, I took full responsibility as watchdog to ensure nothing got out of hand. If safety wasn’t first, it was at least a close second to fun.

For three days following our zip line experience, my forearms and sides were tight with soreness. No matter how much I stretched or moved them, the pain took its sweet time in leaving my body. However, this short period of discomfort was well worth the amount of fun I had last Saturday. The zip line has been packed away to ensure its longevity by protecting it from the elements. But with the experience gained in setting up and riding the line I can’t wait to get it back up for more excitement. Naturally, the next time it will be a little longer, higher and steeper – I really can’t wait.

Note: Zip lining is easily a top three experience so far in 52to30. However, I would never been able to pull it off without the help of everyone involved in the process of funding, set-up or even the enjoyment of the line itself. Special thanks to everyone that helped: Ryan, Terry, Jason, Jackie, Pat, Paul, John, Sean, Rose, Carrie, Jeanine, Gene, Yvonne, Joe, Jen, Tony, KJ, Jill, Christine, Nick, Danielle, Andy and anyone else I forgot. Stay tuned for more zip lining fun!

CULTURAL UPDATE:

Watching: Ratatouille (Such a good movie!)

Listening : Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA (Appropriately enough)

Reading : John Adams, Party of One by John Grant