I have new sympathy for the out-of-shape, of which I am one.  I have often dismissed the task of getting into shape as one of pure willpower, and while I remain convinced that sheer will is sufficient, summoning such conviction is far easier said than done.

As part of my preparation for this fall’s century, I obtained a heart-rate monitor.  According to The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling (thanks Tyler!), I should be doing my “pace” rides mostly in Zone 2, or  65% to 84% of my maximum heart rate.  Unfortunately, even my “easy” rides are putting me in the upper part of that range, very close to where I think my lactate threshold is located.  O, how out of shape am I.

I have no doubt that I will improve with time.  Indeed, I must improve if I am to finish my goal.  This is far from a cake walk.

Years ago, I managed to go from zero to triathlon in three months, but then I had House for a training buddy, which made motivation easier.  I have no local training buddies this time around.  Getting up early in the morning for practice feels just this side of impossible.

Still, the potential reward is enticing: becoming one of the “lean people.”  Not just lighter — stronger.

The solution?  Eat well and exercise.  So simple to plan, so difficult to execute.

I couldn’t help but wonder if the many accolades for Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight were merely gestures of respect for a gifted actor who died tragically young.  Today I saw the film.  The praise for his portrayal of The Joker: well deserved.   While rest of the movie was good — about on par with Batman Begins — it was Ledger’s Joker that drove the picture to excellence.

See the film.  Very much worth the price of admission.

The plan is in motion: do a century in the fall.  That’s a 100-mile bike ride.

On October 18, I intend to be riding Foxy’s Fall Century.  Why that one?   First, it’s far enough in advance to allow some preparation.  Second, it’s only 100 miles from my home.  Third, the elevation profile isn’t as crazy as some of the other local centuries.

Alex is in.  Are you?

Given the bulging waistlines of our country, I’m surprised that we don’t see warning labels on food.  There are warning labels on alcohol and cigarettes cautioning the consumer about the hazards associated with that product, so why not label junk food?  Here are some ideas:

Edit (7/22/08): The image that was here has been bugging me.  I’m just not that cruel, and I’m sorry if I hurt my friends.  Removed.

Some other messages modeled on the cigarette warnings include:

• Lowering your weight now reduces serious risks to your health
• Excessive consumption of junk foods can shorten your life
• “Reduced fat” does not mean “reduced calories”
• This package contains 2500 calories

Surely there must be others…

Well, my ego and sense of vanity have certainly been given a boost these past few days.  Friday it was CNN.  Sunday it was Reddit.  Today it’s Slashdot.

Thus continues my on-again, off-again relationship with my webcomic.