RIT Return

I finally made it back out to the RIT today for a run. I ended up with about 9 miles and abot 1.25 hrs of run time. I was actually hoping to be a little slower. I was shooting for 10 minute miles and more like 1.5 hrs of run time, but whatever. The trail was in decent shape on the first leg, but coming back it started getting a little sticky and sloppy. Then it was home for cleaning day, or at least what was left of it. I got my quarters squared away anyhow. Even had time to throw me a tuna cassarole in the oven for lunch and dinner at work tonight. Had another nice ride with my man Howie on Monday night. Hopefully next week we can either do the race segment of actually get outside. Outside would be great, but I'm not holding my breath.

Should have new pedals and shoes here by tomorrow. When I get the pedals on I'll get some pics of the new bike up. Looks like some more trail races are getting confirmed on the IVS schedule. Hopefully I can sit down Sunday night at the airport and work another schedule up for myself for this season. I've got a skeleton scheule now, but these trail runs and the I74 series dates should help get me closer to a final draft.

Time To Crank It Up a Notch

Cabin fever is hitting hard, so I figure the best way to get through it is put my head down and attack it head on. That means its time to bump up the intensity a rung or two and start putting more effort into the areas I've been lacking. Simple Fit/core/stretch sessions have to get more attention...period. I also need to start being a bit more strict with my diet and overall bump up the intensity of most of my sessions. That also means that rest will be a bit more of a priority on off days and make sure recovery sessions are just that. I cant afford to get sick. The sleep thing seems to be improving, so that should help all around.

Next race for me is in a couple weeks. Just a 5K, but it will give me another chance to practice my race prep routine. I'm going to keep some 5k's on the schedule until May because I really want to do well at the Run to Remember for fallen officers. I'm going to consider that an A race this year. After that it will be building towards Berryman.

The new bike is taking shape nicely. I got the grips on yesterday and adjusted somewhat. I'm sure I'll tinker with them a bit but I think they're probably pretty close. After a backorder issue with my pedals, I should have them next week and will get the rest of the bike dialed in and hopefully start getting some gravel grinders in on it at the very least. If it stays cold, maybe even some Indy or Farmdale rides.

Tomorrow morning will either be a long ride or maybe an LT test to see where I'm at. I've never really done one before and it will be a nice tool to help monitor my progress. Then SCS in the evening before work.

A Presidential Week

Well, I spent the day Thursday on a very cool detail at work. I had the liberty of working a security detail for President Obama when he came to Peoria. As he left the airport grounds, I was working security as he turned onto the first public road along the route. It was indeed an honor to take part. I had to wear my extremely uncool Garrison hat and tie, but that's o.k. I wish I had some cool story to tell to go along, but unfortunately it was uneventful other than to say I took part.

As for training this week, it has been up and down. Monday night was a nice ride with Howie on the trainer. We started a road ride, but the rain had us turning and looking for shelter. Tuesday was an off day and Wednesday I got a very nice 60+ on the treadmill. Since then it's been work. I havent had a day off since the 3rd so I've been sleeping when not at work. The schedule has been a little hectic. I was up long enough yesterday to bring the Kona home where she belongs. I got my shoes/pedals ordered and will be getting grips from Higgins on Wednesday. I'll get a pic up when she's ready to ride.

Now that there's no OT or other work details on the schedule I'm hoping to get some rest and concentrate on some well needed fueling the next couple days and get back after it again hard next week. Unfortunately the temps are in the low to mid 30's so the trails will be sloppy. Probably gonna be getting some tours of rural Peoria County in both riding and running so I can get outside . My cabin fever is starting to overcome me a little and some fresh air is mandatory.

Back On Track

Since my last post I've actually strung together some decent sleep. The OTC option seems to be working pretty well in turns of sleeping soundly and waking up rested without the groggy feeling some can give you. I made it out to Howie's today for what was going to be my first actual ride outside this year. Unfortunately less than 100' into the ride the rain started so we headed back in. I threw the trainer in the Jeep just in case and it ended up coming in handy. I felt decent throughout the workout today. Actually felt stronger toward the end. Tomorrow it's Simple Fit day. Wednesday I'm planning on putting together a nice 8-10 mile run here in area which could be challenging since I'm working OT tonight and tomorrow night on 3rds, but I really need a good long run.

Countdown to the bike is on. By friday afternoon it will be here and I'll have some new pedals, shoes and grips on the way soon thereafter. Gonna get that steed out on some gravel grinders and soon or snow rides if that should happen, but I want to get on it asap and get used to the feel of a mtb again.

Maybe I'm on to Somethin'

Well, I tried the OTC sleep aids yesterday and they seemed to work pretty well. Combined with my abundance of sleep over my weekend I woke up last night pretty rested and refreshed. I got a nice easy 45 min spin in this morning and followed it up with another decent sleep. Tonight before work I got in my Simple Fit, core and some stretching so things are off to a better start so long as the sleep continues. I don't want to stay on the otc stuff for long as I'd rather stick with the natural Hammer product instead, but whatever it takes right now works for me. Tomorrow I've got an interval session planned on the treadmill and if all goes well I will either get a RIT ride in on Saturday or just a gravel grinder around here. Let's hope the good sleeping habits continue.

I was able to finally see the bike yesterday. It's actually better lookin than I though. It's a damn sharp lookin bike in fact! Probably gonna end up right at 30 lbs but that's not too bad for a 20" F/S bike in my opinion. Higgins is giving me some Ergon grips and I still need to get some pedals for it. I made a list of some things I need to start picking up actually but none of them are crucial so I'm not in any huge hurry. I just want that thing here. Lookin like the 13th will be the day I bring my new bundle of joy home.

The Elusive Sleep

This past week has been a disaster of sorts. No sleep, no training, bad eating habits and throw in a night of drinking to top it all off. I needed a plan to get back on track. My number 1 priority was sleep. I need to get some rest. I got off work yesterday morning to start my weekend and have esentially slept roughly 19 of the last 24 hrs. Check on the sleep. I'm not going to throw anything in the mix today though. Tuesdays are an off day and I'll keep it that way. I will be watching my fuel, no cheat meals for me today. I need to clean out the system and get the engine firing on all cylinders again. I WILL be going to Indy tomorrow morning for the weekly long run. I'm not even going to put a number on it. I'm just going and running till I stop and then work from there. After that it's back to the plan. But back with some more focus and direction. Hopefully I can keep this sleep thing working as it seems to be the root of my problems. I know Hammer makes a REM cap that I've used before. No crazy chemicals, all natural stuff.Probably keep some OTC sleep aids around just in case though. If that doesn't work I'll be seeing a doc for some help. All I know is I cant keep going on like this or I wont have a season at all. And that simply isnt an option for me.