Starts and Stops

Going back to Saturday, we had a good Spin Class. We worked on resistance which I prefer over speed and cardio. Felt good to push that morning. I finished up with a conversation with the person next to me who just came back from Colorado and fit in some Spin out there. He noted how "hard-core" they are about fitness an how they rebuked him for his form and positioning on the bike. Lower bars to simulate an actual bike, build up your back muscles and forget about listening to the music -- it is about keeping your body still, moving the legs.

Class ended with Joyce The Just announcing she was leaving the gym and this was to be her last class. She was just one of the many people there to succumb to new (poor) management decisions. I really hope they keep the spin classes going early. Best of luck to you, Joyce.

On the topic of the gym, I finally got a call from a trainer to work up a program with me. She is a triathlete and will develop and evolving program for me that will hopefully focus on climbing strength. I am considering pulling the trigger on that next week.

Despite my Trek Insuck computer not working (again) I got in a nice ride Sunday afternoon. Temps were clawing at 100ºF but as I got to the Island it cooled down thanks to a sea-breeze. Not sure the distance but I had a great tailwind on the way home and flew! I later tested the Insuck and think the problem lies in the fact that you must be rolling to turn it on. More to come on that.

Spinning tonight I hope, more later.

Spin On

Ups And Downs

First off, meet our newest Team R2R member, Shilo. We are very pleased to have her on our side and in our home. She is a great big, gentle gal and fast becoming Emily's new "sister".



More to come on Shilo as we all get better acquainted.

That was the ups, along with a great ride Wednesday eve. I worked on cadence, despite some head winds. Did about 15.5 in :50. I am not a fast rider, more a middle distance guy looking to finish. It felt great and the legs felt spänky.

The down? I woke up a lot that night, felt achy and warm. Couldn't get out of be the next morning. I had to call in sick and slept a lot. Still not 100% but couldn't be out another day. My mental focus has been wandering a bit and I know I am feeling some tension in my neck and shoulders. But, today is a work Fun Day retreat so I hope to get past all that, into the weekend and do some Spin Class and riding.

Spin On

Nothing Much

Last decent training session was Saturday Spin Class. Felt really good after missing the week before. I typically go through a warm up nutrition bottle and then water during class. Those are preceded by a bowl of oatmeal, coffee and a banana. Since I didn't have the banana, I flipped the liquids -- water for warm up and Zym for class. I think it worked pretty well. I often have to force myself to eat oatmeal and a banana so I felt "lighter".

Easter was nice with the folks and good food.

Monday is scheduled rest day (sorry I have taken more than my share lately). Tonight the lawn needs much attention so I will be riding the John Deere instead of the Carbon Suppository.

Nifi and I have been in the deep throws of deciding on a Lab Rescue dog. She is great and great big. Emily is showing some joint discomfort so no major news yet... stay tuned.

Spin On

Revival

Okay, it has been a while since I posted anything. Simply because it has been a long time since I trained. Last night was my first foray back to the gym for a week. I went to Core Class feeling weak and of course he kicked our butts with added weight challenges. I was able to do the extra lifting (for the most part) and feel pretty good today. Tomorrow might be another story.

I have been longing to get on the bike but with all the company it was not an option. Dr.T kicked a** on our landscape project -- a tireless worker. It was fun to get so much family time in though. I learned that my sister used to be a very diligent rider in her day putting on mile after mile. I also learned my mom had a pet goat (no, not me).

As for pets, Spin might be missed again Saturday as we head out to possibly adopt a new "sister" for Emily. We are hopeful that this trip yields results -- my brown girl is blue.

My focus now is Mountain Mama in August and getting over the terrain and raising funds for LLRoF. I feel I have to work on my legs and my mind to better deal with the suffering and pain without giving myself a mental "out" of any sort. I hope to do some lifting to accomplish that. Thinking of the tremendous effort of Jill's Ididarod in an inspiration.

Spin On

Raisin In The Sun

Exercise, cycling in particular, have taken a bit of a back seat lately with work and company in town. That will not change either for the next few days. Dr. T and my sister ME come to town today. That required a run to Total Wine to stock up on some brews. I may have found a new fav . I cracked a bottle of the Raison D'Etre. Excellent. It is described as having Belgian beet sugars and green raisins in the brewing process which yields an 8% abv. Add on som extra pounds this weekend and get ready to begin training in earnest come next week!!

Summer heat is making a come-back, daylight is extended. My excuses are drying up.

Spin on

Forgive Me Father For I Have Spinned

It has been at least two weeks since my last outdoor ride. In that time I have viewed several hours of Bike Porn and coveted white Sidi shoes. I have blogged and consumed Belgian ale. I have missed Spin Class and Core Class replacing it with one indoor trainer ride and dog walks. And, I do not anticipate it getting better over the next couple week with the onset of siblings.

So Father, have you heard the one about...

Spin On

Funkin' Day

Yesterday was just one of those days -- I was in a real funk for no particular reason, just couldn't shake it. I feel a little burned at work, but not less than anyone else. Down a man I am putting out a few more fires. Underlying concerns about Emily's hips, surgery, another dog kind of pick away at me too.

So, that attitude had to change. I got home and readied the trainer. I put on the new Nashbar wheel stand with climbing blocks, locked in the Trek, got on the Nano and the readers so I could fuss with the Trek Incite ACH computer and instructions. I had a really decent spin - one hour. Poured out a lot of tension and sweat to some good tunes. I cannot for the life of me figure out the new cyclometer though, it just defies logic (and instructions). I am about to give up on it and look into the Garmin. Thoughtful gift -- just isn't giving back.

BTW on the thought of a tattoo -- my best bet is to get a Chia Pet so I can watch hair grow back through it -- yuck!

For some inspired reading and a VERY challenging ride on the Ididarod read this link.

Spin On