the road so far as of 2/1/09

I've tried to refrain from complaining about my winter training for Aprils marathon because last time I checked it was I who decided to run in the midwest winter climate. HOWEVER, I've recently seen stories that this years winter has been the snowiest coldest in the last 15+ years! I guess the inner complaints are justifiable :) This weekend we've been blessed with mild weather. Sun shining and temperatures in the mid to upper 30s. The plans called for 17 miles and I did it yesterday on the hilliest course I could. It was actually on a portion of my killer loop time trial course. I finished quicker than anticipated, and this morning I'm feeling good. Real good actually. I've made it a habit of having a MET-RX shake within an hour of finishing the long runs, and that seems to be working very well in recovery. I had a group of riders (some were triathletes) on the Archer climb, and a shout out of ALLEZ brought a wave. YEAH, I would have prefered to be out on the ride (as always) but nevertheless. Glad I didn't make a deal with the devil to gain the fitness I am feeling, cuz I would be going straight to hell if that were the case LOL. Like I said I'm feeling real good physically. Weight is down to about 169, and I can tell.
ALLEZ

Sunday morning art

for your (and my) viewing pleasure on a fine sunny Sunday morning...

for the love of the bike

Today is a special day for me. I have worked VERY hard this past year in an attempt to get hold of what I consider the most beautiful, and magical ride there is. A number of years ago I sold off the one I owned because my kids were at an age that I needed to be around a significant amount of time for all the wonderful activities that come with having little ones. There was simply no time to race/train, and I walked away - COMPLETELY by choice. I don't regret it. I still am active with my boys but the time commitments have changed. I had also become ill around 2004 and the last thing I ever thought was that I would need to even have a bike. The ill years were scary beyond belief. I can't even describe it.I thank God that I managed to get thru those dark scary times. Fast forward to August of this year. I spent the summer riding again and managed to find very good legs as the season progressed, I managed to ride EXTREMELY well when I had the opportunity to ride with racing friends. By the end of summer I managed to ride time trial tests equalling my best times from the late 90's. One thing led to another and I stumbled upon "the ride" in the most beautiful paint scheme I could imagine; WHITE with the world champion rainbow stripes. The cost of the bike was a steal compared to what it retails for. Still costly to say the least. I made a deal that I would buy it and NOT touch it until I had the money to cover the $$$$ I spent on it. It has sat in the basement since August. My goal was to cover the cost with hard earned bonus money at the end of the year, and today I finally can say that it is mine. I'm OH SO GREATFUL to own one again, and as I have been adding parts to it, it looks like this will be my greatest ride. I was true to my word and did not touch it, I'm proud of myself for remaining commited to what I promised. It's VERY close to being completed, it looks beautiful, and my winter conditioning program has me feeling VERY VERY good from a fitness standpoint. I thank GOD for this blessing and look forward to the roads in so many ways. Look for pictures very soon
Allez!

gratitude

The one thing I thought of today while out running is THANK GOD that I am an athlete. Based on all the stress in my life (THANKS WORK...), I'm willing to bet I'd be a mess without the positive outlet that the pursuit of fitness provides. I was a case earlier today, and here I sit after a very good quality 8 mile run, and my frame of mind is MUCH better. I just wish this mindset would stay with me more often, because realistically I can't be exercising all day to stay grounded....

soon very soon

Tonight I added a few more parts to my new ride. The thing is truly MAJESTIC! I am SO greatful to have this bike. It sat in storage since I found it this summer (seemed like an eternity!), and now circumstances have allowed me to claim it as my own, and put it together. Here's a tease...

nice...

Just watched Lance flex his muscles and catch the breakaway on the last stage of the Tour Down Under. Very cool.

a room full of women and flexible poses...

Yoga is BACK! Today I returned to my Saturday morning routine of yoga at the local club. I totally dig it. I love the flexibility benefits that will show up after a few weeks of being back in a yoga routine. The running is going well. After watching the weather Thursday evening, I made the late night decision to run home from work Friday. The temps were in the high 20s low 30s and the forecast was for COLD weather this weekend. Since I was scheduled to run 16 Sat or Sunday I decided to take advantage of the "warmerish" Friday. It went well, I felt pretty good the whole run. Stopped by Mom and Dads about midway home and as always they offered a ride home LOL That would totally defeat the purpose but they ARE my parents :) So the goal for the marathon has changed a bit. I'm now wanting to do it 4 hours.It looks doable on paper at least.