« November 2007 | Main | January 2008 »
December 26, 2007
Another snowy ride
So some how, my friend Kris was able to sneak out on Christmas morning to accompany me on a ride. We met at his house and headed out on the roads. The temps were warmer and the roads were a bit slushy. Being it Christmas morning though, there was no traffic.
We headed down to the Minnehaha Parkway and made our way around Lake Harriet and Calhoun. All in all we probably road about 15 miles or so in an hour. My legs felt a bit like toast as they had been pounded pretty well for the last four days between running and biking.
After I got home, we suited up the family for some fun sledding at the local hill. It was G's first time on the sled and she had a good time. Some neighbor friends joined us and it was great to see the kids playing in the snow. Though, walking up and down the hill definitely added to the stress on my legs.
Posted by kermisch at 9:46 AM
December 24, 2007
Snow Trails...
I headed up my door yesterday and hopped on my cross bike for a ride. When I left it was about 10 below zero with heavy winds out of the west. I stuffed my riding shoes with toe warmers which made all the difference as my feet were warm for almost the whole ride. I planned to ride the trails from my house out to Elm Creek and stop at the xc-ski lodge to warm up.
The smartest thing I wore yesterday were my ski goggles, which kept the wind off my face and the snow out of my eyes. The trails were packed pretty hard with snow, which made the ride feel like Paris-Roubaix. I muscled my way up to Elm Creek in about an hour. There was not a soul out on the trails and I got some pretty interesting stares from drivers passing by. Once I got to the park, I tried to ride the trails, but found myself standing in 2 feet of snow instead. I headed back to the roads and snaked my way up to another set of trails that had been groomed and packed. I was pretty close to the lodge when the trails pretty much disappeared from beneath me. I could hardly see and ended up doing and endo over my handle bars. A couple of skiers applauded my efforts as they glided past me. I finally was able to find my way to the lodge so I could warm up a bit.
After about 20 minutes warming up I headed back out. I knew I was going to be riding into the winds most of the way home. I put my head down and pretty much just grunted it out. My legs started to feel the effort about 1/2 home. Riding in the snow is like riding on a trainer, there is never a break and you can't really spin at all. After two hours of ride time, I finally pulled into my house.
Later on I headed out to run errands with my family and decided that I had been nuts to try and ride in those conditions. I do believe that yesterday was the cold day I have ever ridden on.
I heard the 318 ride got a handful of riders out. I applaud their efforts and have to shout to Painman for riding solo from the west.
Posted by kermisch at 8:44 AM
December 7, 2007
Gracie Dancing
Posted by kermisch at 8:19 PM
December 3, 2007
Still Cranking
I have been pretty consistent over the past month with my running. My weekly Yoga class has been extremely beneficial as well. I have even broken out the trainer and gotten a few rides -- though I quickly remembered why I hate the trainer so much. The largest challenge has been my diet. Even before Thanksgiving I was out of control. I have started to revamp my calories with the quality of my food. More veggies and fruit, less sweets and empty calories.
Yoga has been awesome. I have gotten so much more awareness of my muscle imbalances and have seen a noticeable difference in my core strength as well as my upper back. I am hoping to see less stiffness and soreness in my back/neck areas during long rides next season.
I am starting to get into my base training for cycling. My goal is to get 2 - 3 rides in during the week. I want to spend some time on strength and pedal stroke, and then at least one hard session (intervals/spinervals or something). If I am not too focused, in December I am o.k. with that. I would be happy just getting in some miles.
Posted by kermisch at 9:32 PM