Finally the temps broke. As I've said countless times before, it's been a rough winter. Today the temps broke and the sun came out and I smiled for the first time on a bike ride in a LONG time. I actually rode WITHOUT gloves and nothing on my legs but knee warmers. Riding today really made me appreciate the good weather. I can't imagine how I've ever NOT felt like training in nice weather.
I got out for a couple hours this afternoon simply to enjoy the weather and pedal under the sun. I've been battling some sort of nasal thing, and I wasn't feeling the best, so I just kept things uber-simple. Easy pedaling, nothing hard, and just enjoyed the ride. In the end I was soaked with salty, sandy water and my hands ached from absorbing all the shock from our pot-holed roads (which, by the way, look like they've been bombed they're so bad), but I was happy nonetheless.
The forecast says the weather's going to be nice for the next 10 days and I plan on taking advantage of every one. Hopefully my Epic HD cam will come in the next couple days and I can start documenting the awesomeness:). It would also be nice if the trails were ridable by this weekend, but I don't want to push things. Riding on the road in the warm weather, even if it does involve terrible, Paris-Roubaix inspired roads and chemical saturated road-water, is fine by me for now. Give it a couple more weeks without seeing dirt and my mind might change, but that's where I'm at right now. Looking forward to that camera!
This is our new blog detailing our daily adventures, mountain bike racing, endurance sports, and maybe even some cooking (that's Anne's domain!). We will share our experiences with life, training, and most importantly, being a team-both in marriage and in our sport.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sick Sucks
I had big big plans for this weekend. After weeks and weeks of snow and having to deal with cold winds and sub-motivating training weather, the forecast told that the weather was finally going to break and warm temps were on the way. Well, the warm temps came, and so did my coughing and weezing. Granted, I've had some kind of chesty, throaty, coughy thing since Anne was here, and I certainly didn't do my best in getting rid of it. I've slept 10 hours each of the last 3 nights, and I thought that would get rid of it, but trying to train through it didn't do me any good in the end.
I think my major frustration comes through the weather, and I try to push through sickness in order to get my head straight. I'm not happy when I'm not training, and training through the weather we've had this winter has been a test in mental fortitude. All in all, training through bad weather, being depressed because Anne's not here, and now getting sick has really f*cked with me in the last week. With the warm temps I'm happy to think that I'm surely going to be cured of at least some of the things that have been getting me down lately.
Anyway, I did the smart thing today and rode easy for an hour. Not exactly the workout I wanted to spend today doing, but I realize that it was probably best for my mind and body to get out only a little today. Being in the fresh air made my head right, and the small amount of physical exersion gave me enough endorphins to look forward to another day.
Now I've just got to wait until the warm temps melt the snow so I can ride my mtb again. Really looking forward to those first, long days on the mountain bike again!
I think my major frustration comes through the weather, and I try to push through sickness in order to get my head straight. I'm not happy when I'm not training, and training through the weather we've had this winter has been a test in mental fortitude. All in all, training through bad weather, being depressed because Anne's not here, and now getting sick has really f*cked with me in the last week. With the warm temps I'm happy to think that I'm surely going to be cured of at least some of the things that have been getting me down lately.
Anyway, I did the smart thing today and rode easy for an hour. Not exactly the workout I wanted to spend today doing, but I realize that it was probably best for my mind and body to get out only a little today. Being in the fresh air made my head right, and the small amount of physical exersion gave me enough endorphins to look forward to another day.
Now I've just got to wait until the warm temps melt the snow so I can ride my mtb again. Really looking forward to those first, long days on the mountain bike again!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Winter Woes
As I've mentioned before, this has been a terrible winter. Skiiers I'm sure love it, but not me. Winter is what you make of it, and I'm into all that positive thinking, but at the end of the day, I'm ready for warmer temps to start. Maybe I'm complaining a bit (I'm sure I am), but I really feel like my fitness is non existant, and it's going to take A LOT of hard work to get it back. Maybe I'm where I'm suppossed to be at right now, but mentally this is really hard.
Even though I didn't have my best season results-wise last summer, I'd have to say that I'd never been fitter. Finishing the season with a super strong showing at the 6 hour mountain bike race had me feeling like Superman heading into the offseason, only to be sacked by all the snow and freezing temps that have made training damn near impossible. There's making excuses and there's gritting your teeth and bearing it, and I've done plenty of both, but all in all I'm ready for Spring.
So.... There are some super warm temps on the way and perhaps an early, February thaw that will see me outside much much more, and perhaps even on the trails again by the end of next week. It'll be sloppy and muddy for sure, but I'd rather have that over snow and ice any day. Now all we need is some good rain to wash away all that salt and chemical crap they put all over the roads.
I'm also battling some sort of cold right now as well. Been coughing up a lung the last few days after having a terrible sore throat in the middle of the week. Going to wind down early tonight and hopefully get in a full nights sleep. I'm not one to resort quickly to medicine, but if this thing isn't getting better soon, I'm going to have to. Rest and nutrition will most likely do the trick though!
And still waiting on the camera! I'm sure it won't be here in the next couple days, but I can't wait!
Even though I didn't have my best season results-wise last summer, I'd have to say that I'd never been fitter. Finishing the season with a super strong showing at the 6 hour mountain bike race had me feeling like Superman heading into the offseason, only to be sacked by all the snow and freezing temps that have made training damn near impossible. There's making excuses and there's gritting your teeth and bearing it, and I've done plenty of both, but all in all I'm ready for Spring.
So.... There are some super warm temps on the way and perhaps an early, February thaw that will see me outside much much more, and perhaps even on the trails again by the end of next week. It'll be sloppy and muddy for sure, but I'd rather have that over snow and ice any day. Now all we need is some good rain to wash away all that salt and chemical crap they put all over the roads.
I'm also battling some sort of cold right now as well. Been coughing up a lung the last few days after having a terrible sore throat in the middle of the week. Going to wind down early tonight and hopefully get in a full nights sleep. I'm not one to resort quickly to medicine, but if this thing isn't getting better soon, I'm going to have to. Rest and nutrition will most likely do the trick though!
And still waiting on the camera! I'm sure it won't be here in the next couple days, but I can't wait!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
New toy on the way!!!
Just ordered an Epic HD video camera to document my bike adventures!:) Ok, I know it's kinda cheesy, and who the hell wants to watch vids from my helmet and handlebars when I ride, but I have to admit that since I started mountain biking I've been really wanting one of these things. Watching vids of people ripping singletrack gets me every time, and what better way to be completely self indulgent than to get one of my own and put up vids on this here blog!!! I know, awesome right!?
I was really conflicted about not only getting the cam, but also which one to get. I couldn't justify buying one myself, but when someone insisted on buying me one for my bday, I pulled the trigger. As far as which one to get, I was down to the Epic HD and the GoPro HD. The one thing, in my opinion, that the Epic has over the GoPro is it's sleek design. The GoPro is probably a bit tougher and better known, but I really like the fact that the Epic is small and easily mounted. Also, the mounting options for the Epic seemed better. Time will tell!
I'm really looking forward to getting some cool shots, especially when the snow finally melts and I can get out on the trails again. The road is starting to get kinda boring, not to mention cold as....well, cold. Much of the snow has melted recently, and I'm guessing with this weekend's predicted warm temps, the trails might just be ridable by the end of next week! Muddy and mucky, but ridable nonetheless! If so, it'll be my first ride on the mtb in well over a month, and close to two! That's waaaay too much time between mtb rides!!!
Anyway, when the trails do become ridable, I'll be out there and I'll have some vids to put up! I'm hoping to be able to do some sweet editing and add some cool tunes. Can't promise anything though!
I was really conflicted about not only getting the cam, but also which one to get. I couldn't justify buying one myself, but when someone insisted on buying me one for my bday, I pulled the trigger. As far as which one to get, I was down to the Epic HD and the GoPro HD. The one thing, in my opinion, that the Epic has over the GoPro is it's sleek design. The GoPro is probably a bit tougher and better known, but I really like the fact that the Epic is small and easily mounted. Also, the mounting options for the Epic seemed better. Time will tell!
I'm really looking forward to getting some cool shots, especially when the snow finally melts and I can get out on the trails again. The road is starting to get kinda boring, not to mention cold as....well, cold. Much of the snow has melted recently, and I'm guessing with this weekend's predicted warm temps, the trails might just be ridable by the end of next week! Muddy and mucky, but ridable nonetheless! If so, it'll be my first ride on the mtb in well over a month, and close to two! That's waaaay too much time between mtb rides!!!
Anyway, when the trails do become ridable, I'll be out there and I'll have some vids to put up! I'm hoping to be able to do some sweet editing and add some cool tunes. Can't promise anything though!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Had to pinch myself...
The last two weeks were awesome. Anne and I got to have a ton of fun and spend some great time together. I realize I'm just a much happier dude when she's around. I'm more motivated, have a better attitude, and generally she just brings out the best in me! (OK, enough of the mushy stuff!) :)
Anne left yesterday and for now we'll be away from one another for a bit. There are some real cool potential plans for the future, but no matter what, it won't be long before we're together again.
For me it's back to the normal grind of work and training for the rest of this week. Back to hermit mode... On the positive side of things, the weather looks like it's starting to break a bit. We've had a few warm days and after the next few colder ones, it looks like we're gonna stay above freezing for the next week. The temp change combined with some rain we got last week melted A LOT of the snow that's been dumped on us all winter. Looks like it might be time to get back in the dirt on the mtb soon! I can't believe it's been nearly 2 and a half months since my last ride on the trails. Quite depressing!
Also looks like I'm going to have a new toy to play with during training as a gift for my 30th birthday! A friend of the family wanted to do something nice for my birthday and totally insisted on getting me something I wanted. I've really wanted a helmet cam to have during my rides, but could never justify buying it for myself. Anyway, it was in the price-range she wanted to spend, so POOF!, looks like I'm getting my wish!
Vids to follow.....
Anne left yesterday and for now we'll be away from one another for a bit. There are some real cool potential plans for the future, but no matter what, it won't be long before we're together again.
For me it's back to the normal grind of work and training for the rest of this week. Back to hermit mode... On the positive side of things, the weather looks like it's starting to break a bit. We've had a few warm days and after the next few colder ones, it looks like we're gonna stay above freezing for the next week. The temp change combined with some rain we got last week melted A LOT of the snow that's been dumped on us all winter. Looks like it might be time to get back in the dirt on the mtb soon! I can't believe it's been nearly 2 and a half months since my last ride on the trails. Quite depressing!
Also looks like I'm going to have a new toy to play with during training as a gift for my 30th birthday! A friend of the family wanted to do something nice for my birthday and totally insisted on getting me something I wanted. I've really wanted a helmet cam to have during my rides, but could never justify buying it for myself. Anyway, it was in the price-range she wanted to spend, so POOF!, looks like I'm getting my wish!
Vids to follow.....
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Big Thirty!
Here we go... Turning 30 today. Seems like I would never get here. As a matter of fact, I never thought I WOULD get here when I was a kid. It's funny how through the eyes of a 10 year old 30 seems "old", but now that I'm here, I honestly feel like I'm still 10 years old (and probably still have the same mindset!).
Anyway, after a couple nights in Vermont, Anne and I headed back to good 'ole Long Island to celebrate my birthday last night with a few friends and fam. It was a SUPER late night (we didn't get home until after midnight!-can't remember the last time that happened!), and I'm feeling like a bloated, soggy mess today. Not really because I had too many drinks, but just from the sheer amount of food that went down my trap last night. Must have easily had well over 2000 cals between 5 and 7pm... not to mention the drinks that followed. Ugh....
Vermont was a blast, especially watching Anne kick my ass in XC skiing-a sport that I know have a huge amount of respect for. I had no idea how freakin' hard it is! From a fitness standpoint it was easy, but the amount of technique (like anything else I guess) involved was off the charts. It's easy to "go", but to "go fast" is a different story. Either way I had a blast and wouldn't mind owning a pair of my own since this snow looks like it's never going to end.
On the training side of things it's been sporadic. Managed to get in a few runs here and there, and of course there was the XC skiing, but no bike time and nothing really all that formal. That's ok, though, because once Anne leaves :( I'm sure I'll go back into training-monk mode. For now all I want to do is enjoy the time I've got with her and forget about bikes, training, and everything else....unless she want's to ride or run:).
I'll post some pics of Vermont whenever I get them...
Anyway, after a couple nights in Vermont, Anne and I headed back to good 'ole Long Island to celebrate my birthday last night with a few friends and fam. It was a SUPER late night (we didn't get home until after midnight!-can't remember the last time that happened!), and I'm feeling like a bloated, soggy mess today. Not really because I had too many drinks, but just from the sheer amount of food that went down my trap last night. Must have easily had well over 2000 cals between 5 and 7pm... not to mention the drinks that followed. Ugh....
Vermont was a blast, especially watching Anne kick my ass in XC skiing-a sport that I know have a huge amount of respect for. I had no idea how freakin' hard it is! From a fitness standpoint it was easy, but the amount of technique (like anything else I guess) involved was off the charts. It's easy to "go", but to "go fast" is a different story. Either way I had a blast and wouldn't mind owning a pair of my own since this snow looks like it's never going to end.
On the training side of things it's been sporadic. Managed to get in a few runs here and there, and of course there was the XC skiing, but no bike time and nothing really all that formal. That's ok, though, because once Anne leaves :( I'm sure I'll go back into training-monk mode. For now all I want to do is enjoy the time I've got with her and forget about bikes, training, and everything else....unless she want's to ride or run:).
I'll post some pics of Vermont whenever I get them...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
One more week of the 20's
Basically I suck at blogging when Anne's around. Really it's not because I have nothing to say, it's just that I'd rather devote a ton of time to spending with her rather than putting down all my crap here:). Also, I have her to share all the cool things that happen in my day with, so I don't need to do it here so much.
Anyway, the past week has been full of fun, from snowshoeing, to ice skating, to walks around the neighborhood with the dog. All things I really really miss out on when she's not here. It's no shocker to realize I'm a much happier person when I'm around her.
Structured training has taken a backseat for the time she's here and been replaced with more improptu sessions of walks, rides (if the weather makes it happen), and gym sessions. Again, the focus is to spend time together being together, not necessarrily spending it training.
Otherwise it's my 30th birthday Saturday and I'm pretty excited about the new decade. It's a little odd not being in my 20's anymore, and I guess this means I have to "grow up" (whatever that means), but I still feel like the same kid I've always been. I hope I can say the same at 80!-provided I get there!
Tomorrow we'll be heading up to Vermont, unless this sudden "worst storm in 40 years" prevents us. We were meant to be traveling as I write this, but the weather forced us to postpone the trip for about 15 hours. Funny thing is, it hasn't even started to rain/snow/sleet/fart from the sky at all. I'm hoping that the worst isn't ahead and that this whole thing will just blow over! Even better, if the temps would warm up and we'd get some torrential rain to wash away all this snow I'd be forever greatful!
Anyway, that's it for now. More fun up ahead for the next few days! Can't wait!
Anyway, the past week has been full of fun, from snowshoeing, to ice skating, to walks around the neighborhood with the dog. All things I really really miss out on when she's not here. It's no shocker to realize I'm a much happier person when I'm around her.
Structured training has taken a backseat for the time she's here and been replaced with more improptu sessions of walks, rides (if the weather makes it happen), and gym sessions. Again, the focus is to spend time together being together, not necessarrily spending it training.
Otherwise it's my 30th birthday Saturday and I'm pretty excited about the new decade. It's a little odd not being in my 20's anymore, and I guess this means I have to "grow up" (whatever that means), but I still feel like the same kid I've always been. I hope I can say the same at 80!-provided I get there!
Tomorrow we'll be heading up to Vermont, unless this sudden "worst storm in 40 years" prevents us. We were meant to be traveling as I write this, but the weather forced us to postpone the trip for about 15 hours. Funny thing is, it hasn't even started to rain/snow/sleet/fart from the sky at all. I'm hoping that the worst isn't ahead and that this whole thing will just blow over! Even better, if the temps would warm up and we'd get some torrential rain to wash away all this snow I'd be forever greatful!
Anyway, that's it for now. More fun up ahead for the next few days! Can't wait!
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