Saturday, March 29, 2008

Sorry, too long with no update

Jay, Jay, Neil, & John. March 2008

Here's a quick update on my recent training. As previously reported, I skied at less than 100% at Berkie. The race was awesome and to ski with conditions "best in history" was worth the suffering. Post race activities are always the best and this year was no different. The post-race toast with a cold beer and a hot slice of pizza was never better!

Post Berkie... In the weeks following the Berkie I have done very little training (actually none). I fell into an apathetic funk as my sickness crud settled out and the weather decided what to do. That period yielded about 3 1/2 weeks of backward progress... or at least that's how it seemed in my head.

That brings us up to this week. Things have turned around well. I put in a very good week on the bike and my body responded better than I thought it would, I really expected to struggle. I knew my weight was up and my training time was down. Typically that is not a good combination.

I was pleased to find that my lack of recent training did not set me back like I thought it would. When it came time to ride with partners who I knew well and could measure up against, I did not completely falter. I credit this to my time on Skies. Skiing really helps build an unbelievable engine.

If you need more proof consider this... this past Tuesday six of us rode from Trailhead Cycling. One guy was blazing the way the entire ride. It was no surprise that it was somebody who skied consistently all winter. Look out for Tom C., I think he is going to surprise himself this spring. Good work Tom!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

High & Dry with a Bright Blue Sky!

I did something I have not done in over three months. I biked some real miles! I typically do do some winter riding but this winter I have not put in a real mile since the snow came. Of course I don't really feel too bad about it considering it's been one of the best winters for skiing in awhile.

So with the sun shining brightly and the roads clear and dry I decided I would start March out with a ride. I always enjoy these first rides of the season, I always get a sense of new experience even after 20+ year of riding.

Team news: tonight is the first real team training session for Team Strong Heart. Unfortunately I'm missing out because of a busy family schedule, but the rest of the team and a few of the 2007 TSH team are going to gather at Amy's to do a 12hr ride/rest/ride simulation and to get a little schooling and advice from the senior TSH members. Go Team Strong Heart!