Back at it!

It's been awhile since I've put anything of any importance up here. After my race at the beginning of February, I put cycling on a backburner for awhile. Actually, I think I went about 5 months without putting in 100 miles on the bike. First time a year and a half or so.

I tried to start running sometime in Feb, March, but just couldn't get comfortable with different shoes, custom orthotics, stretching, etc. So I gave up on that and just went idle for about 4 months. Ouch.

I've been back on my bike for the last month. It's pretty eye opening. I was in really good shape around January 1, 2010. During the month prior to the Boulevard Race, I wasn't able to keep up my training regiment, due to work constraints. I was blown away on race day, literally! I didn't warm up at all, it was pouring rain and windy. I finished 2/3's the way through the field. Pretty disturbing after all the training. I had set my sights too high and had them beat down pretty hard. I learned a lot from that ordeal. I think I was within the top 10% of my fitness on January 1. Knowing how long it took to get to that, I don't think I will be able to achieve the same fitness level by Jan 1 2011, but the race isn't until Feb, so my goal is to go back next year. I'm not gonna win, but I'm going to get back to my training, that's what keeps me in shape and competetive.

I've put on a few pounds during the off time. After all, it's river season and I've been down to our place atleast 10 times since April. Relaxing, partying, boating. Pretty much everything you wouldn't do as an athlete. My river season weight gain is complete, and I'm back on the bike. Trying to get in 120 miles/week for the next month, then step it back up to 200 miles/week.

The same routes that I used to ride are exhausting, even at a slow pace now. I'm making small improvements and will get back to a good shape soon enough. Until then, it's like towing around the back markers of my old group ride. I'm going back to NCCC tomorrow for the first time in almost 6 months. Should be painful. Talk soon.

The pic below is from my morning ride yesterday up into Ramona. Cheers!!!!