Back On The Bike

Well, it wasnt pretty but I hit the trainer today. It was a short ride, only 45 minutes. It was miserable at times. Its gonna take me some saddle time to get bike ready for sure. It's really making me think I should hold off on the early Du series and maybe just hit the last race in April. I know once I get on the trails I will have A LOT of handling issues to get corrected and get my skills back.



I took the time last night and mapped out a 3 month training schedule. With the plan in place it all comes down to execution and delivery on my part now. It won't have me in top season form but it should be as good of a base as I've ever had and help me get race ready for my important races later in the year. Monday night is the last MNF game so hopefully I can start training with Milkman on Monday nights after that. I know patience will be important now too as I start incorporating the bike more with my running and strength workouts. Exciting times!

Happy Holidays....from PIA

Christmas at the airport, does it get more festive? I cant believe the people traveling on Christmas morning. Alittle crazy if you ask me. I'm just puttin on my big smile and wishing them all the best and holiday wishes and such. Actually, its been a pretty pleasant morning so far. About 30 minutes to go and its homeward bound with the Tiffster.

On the bike front, what about a 29er? It's race worthy, a little extra shock absorbtion, nice rolling for technical sections. I'm just not sold on the idea, mostly because I'm a traditionalist I think. But what's "traditional" about a F/S 26" these days with all the technology involved? I WILL be putting money down on a bike come next Friday. Even if its just an open account at little Ades with bike TBD.

Simple Fit going o.k. still. I'm just really weak right now it seems. I'm not happy with my strength at all. Unfortunately my running has been suffering some as well as in, not been getting it in. That needs to change pretty quick. The bike is in the trainer though and it is far past time to get some saddle time in as well. As I mentioned before, March and the Fat Tire Du Series will be here soon and I have a lot of work to do. Time to start posting my weekly training schedule to help me stick to it.

Simply Getting Fit...and Other Rantings

Started Simple Fit on Tuesday and went o.k. I guess. I did not feel very strong though. Pretty sure I was still fighting my cold since I slept for like 12 hrs on Wednesday. Hit it again today and felt a little better. Gonna be a good thing for me though, plus I throw in some core work ad a good stretch to finish it off.

So the dates came out for the trail du series I was looking at in Kansas. Unfortunately they are in March and April which puts me on the clock, but I can pull it off. I think I then want to start training for a 6hr. endurance Trail Du at Berryman in August. I know I said I wasnt in any hurry to do endurance stuff again, but I like the training and the mental toughness it gives me. I will be mre careful this time and watch my weight and make sure it stays up. I can balance the training and strength if I'm diligent, plus it will add to the challenge. I'll still do some road du's too, but my focus right now is these races.

As for the bike search, believe it or not I'm eyeing the Stumpjumper Comp HT now. I think with a susp seat post it will fit the bill. The problem with the newer f/s's is that they keep adding travel to the forks. I dont get it. Kona Four replaced with Onetwenty, 08 Stumpy FSR 4" compared to ther '09 with 5". So I'm taking a stance with a HT and gonna do it all "old school".

So anyway, I'm narrowin' it down and getting focussed on some good stuff for '09. Just gotta be ready by March now!!

Sick Time Over, Back To Task At Hand

Well, it took a little longer than expected, but I'm mostly over my cold and got back to work a couple days ago. Actually, I don't feel like I lost too much. My runs the last couple days have been pretty strong actually. Tonight I'll get started on Simple Fit and get some core and stretching in before work. I really need to find another race to register for so I have something keeping me motivated during the holidays other than not getting fat(ter) and slow(er).

Went to Ades on Tuesday and really looked at bikes for the first time in a long time. I'm tempted on the Kona Four Deluxe from last year, but I'm having trouble saying no to the 09 Stumpy FSR. If I get the Kona, I'll have to move fast though, as not many are left. The mtb shopping has also sparked my interest in some trail du's. There used to be a group in the KS/MO/So. IL area that put on a series, but they took last year off and the 09 season is listed as pending. This is very tempting and got me looking at the I-74 series for traning events to go along with the CITRA series. Who knows, I think the trails are calling me back. It's probably time.

Stay tuned on the bike search, it's in full swing and could come to a conclusion before you know it!!

Race Good, Days Following...Not So Much

Well the FOLEPI race went great for me. I ran 30:09 and averaged 7:32 miles. I'm pretty stoked about that. I felt strong and my legs felt fresh which tells me I did things right leading up to the race. It's a great place to be for this time of year and will be a great measuring stick for my progress. Unfortunately everything has went downhill from there. I followed the race up with multiple days of terrible eating and VERY little sleep and no follow up runs or recovery work. The worst of which was last night when I continued some unhealthy eating and topped it off with a large amount of booze at our work Christmas party. The result was that I am now fighting a cold/sore throat and know that I'm in need of some detoxing to clean my system up. Looks like I'll be spending at least the next few days fighting this cold off and attempting to rest when I can between OT shifts at work.

It is what it is though and I put myself here. Now I just have to take the steps to get back right again. I'll manage, just gonna take a few days. Looks like Simple Fit will start next week.