Weekly update

Since I seem to only be posting weekly now, I figure this is my weekly update.

After doing a lot of thinking and thinking about my budget, I came to the conclusion that traveling (ie flying) to races is not going to happen this year.  I used to fly to 1-2 races a year, but things are different now.  I think it's easy to get caught up in the idea that since other people travel to races, I should too. I think with a lot of things it's easy to get caught up thinking that we need to train and race like others do, when really we just need to figure out what works for us. And while I certainly would like to get more experience racing off road, there are plenty of races within driving distance and I just need to be patient and wait an extra month to start racing.  I don't even like flying much anyway.  Not the flying part, just being on a plane crammed with people. And I hate lugging the bike around in a box when I travel and taking it apart and back together 2x.  And I always get migraines when I fly so really, I'm not sure what I was thinking.  Anyway, it is nice to know that I have a better idea of what I'll be doing this year in terms of races. 

We had pretty amazing weather 60+ degrees several days with other days in the 50's.  My legs felt especially tired on Friday.  Running and my Tuesday/Thursday trainer class, mostly the trainer class were probably the likely culprit. I was out running midday and it was darn right hot out. I was uncomfortably hot and my legs felt heavy.  I hadn't had a day off in a week and a half, which isn't a huge deal, but I definitely need one now after last week and this weekend!  The last few years I've had to take days off that were unplanned, so instead of planning rest into my schedule, I expect that it will happen eventually and if I go a couple weeks without a day off, then I take one even if there is nothing in my schedule that requires me to take one.

This weekend I rode around 2:45 and climbed 10 miles up Deer Creek Canyon. I saw Adam descending as I was heading up--he was finishing up a hard group ride--he turned around and rode up with me for a few minutes and then we headed back.  I thought about going the full 14 to the top, but was starting to feel a bit tired and decided not to push it too much. This is the longest ride I've done in awhile and once I got to the 2:20-2:30 mark I was glad I had made the decision to turn around.  I struggled to get home.  It was such a beautiful day though--sunny and 60's and there were more cyclists out than I have ever seen.

Today I focused on studying a lot before I headed out running.  I wanted to get in at least 3 hours of studying before I got to run.  Once that was up,  I went to Deer Creek Canyon Park and ran with Frito while Adam hiked with Cooper and Mickey.   I was surprised at how icy/snowy it was considering how warm it has been and considering that it gets a decent amount of sunlight.  The first 20 mins were very icy. Ever try running up a trail covered in ice and snow and hanging on to the leash of a dog that really wants to get up the mountain wearing just plain old running shoes?  Not easy.  Even though it was hard, I enjoyed being on the peaceful trail and being around trees.  One thing I really miss about all the other places I've lived is having lots of trees around.  Michigan, Oregon, North Carolina, and New Jersey--all lots of trees.  So when I do go on a trail that has a decent amount of trees, I enjoy it so much more. 

Once we got up higher the trail was clear and it was an awesome run with beautiful views as usual.  Frito was loving it.  His paws are healed up and he's had a bit of cabin fever.  He really is a great running buddy :)  As I was running I was thinking how sad it is that many people wouldn't go out and run trails like this--because it takes their heart rate out of their prescribed training zone, or because they are afraid of falling on the ice or breaking out of a normal perfectly calculated routine.  Sure, there are times for routine and I suppose even time to listen to the heart rate monitor and pay attention to pace, but I think sometimes athletes, especially triathletes get so caught up in the data and regimen that they forget to go out and enjoy running (or swimming or biking).  No i-pod, no hr monitor, no special watch that tells you calories and distance. Just the sound of your footsteps, breathing, sound of animals and the wind. Things aren't always meant to be measured, and I think doing so can take a lot of the fun out of it.  And fun is what it is supposed to be about. 

Winter is returning the next couple days. From 60's this weekend to snow and below zero temps.  We sure do get some major weather swings here.  I don't mind the cold so much.  It's easy to bear when it is not 3-4 months straight of cold and grey.  I don't know if I'd want to live somewhere that is always warm.  Having the cold reminds us how great the warmth and sunshine is.