This week's bruises brought to you by Jumping Pound Loop

My new endeavour into mountain biking has gotten off to a rather bumpy/fall off the bike kind of start..... I'm now a full fledged member of Spin Sisters Mountain Bike Club.  I'm trying to get in at least one mtn bike ride each week, as I still have my 2 triathlons to do - June 10, Wasa Sprint; June 17, Victoria 1/2 Ironman.

First stop - Spin Sisters "bike skills" clinic.  They did a great job and had a large group of us - 51!  Beautiful sunny morning was spent on the grass at Bowness Park learning some basic skills.  Then off to the other side of the river (Bowmont Park) for uphill and downhill techniques.  OK so far, feeling rather confident....

Afternoon was actually out on the trails.  We're on a steep hill, the trail is only 12" wide at the most, then down to the river (no escape, no trees/bushes to impede falling into the river).  They keep referring to it as "single track", I'm thinking "death track".  Big hill, skinny trail, corners of trail eroding into river = I'm going to die today.  Through many heart rate spikes and adrenaline rushes of fear, I did survive the day.  I was very UNconfident as the afternoon carried on.

Mtn biking is so different than road biking....
Road biking - go faster, go farther; downhill = bigger gear, pedal, go faster, stay as aero as possible to transition up the hill and keep your speed/cadence up.
Mtn biking - pick your line, gearing has to be dead on, look where you want to go - yes, you will magically avoid the rocks and be able to ride over the roots!!  Stay alert, keep your eyes up the trail, so much concentration.

Mtn bike # 2 - Bowmont Park again.  Pretty much same outcome as 1st ride, except I fall off the bike and slide into the thorny bushes. I really need to shave my legs more often, would've been easier to distinguish the thorns from actual hair!  Picking thorns out of leg for rest of week b/c now they're red and oozing a bit - now I can distinguish hair from thorn quite easily!  Contemplating giving this up - scaring the hell out of me, how many bruises can one body take, I'm too old for this S*!t.  Oh wait, INDIA, ride on Spin Sister....

Mtn bike #3 - Fish Creek Park.  I've never actually been here.  OK, I may survive after all.  Only a little bit of the "death track" at the beginning of the ride.  Don't know if I'll ever gain confidence on that.  Then we are in amongst the trees, roots, up/down.  Still falling off bike regularly, but felt so much better this ride.  Still came home with new bruises, but long pants, prevent getting whacked by bushes and no thorns lodged in legs.

Mtn bike #4 - Jumping Pound Loop.  Really enjoyed this ride.  Confidence improving slightly.  Like that there's not much likelihood of getting lost, 1 trail = 1 loop.  Still lots of walking - 10 km in just over 2 hours.  We had a ride leader for this ride and she was great - thanks Michelle.  Since we're the "scooter" group (beginners) we have lots of stops and starts.  This trail had everything, EXCEPT death track, I continued to fall off the bike and collect a new set of bruises.  Even one on my abdomen.  Considering clipless pedals on the mountain bike.....

Mtn bike now at Speed Theory for major tune.  Next stop Wasa.

Ciao, Cindy

Perseverance

So proud of my brother, Steve!  After 10 years of studying part time he received his degree in Justice and Corrections in Lethbridge on Friday.  Maintaining a life balance with his wife and 2 busy kids, a full time job, and taking 2 courses per semester has brought him to the finish line!!  After Convocation, family and friends went out for a lovely lunch to celebrate a great day!   I wonder if he's going to go for his Master's???  Maybe won't say say that aloud in close proximity to his wife....

In my efforts of perseverance I continue to work on my running.  I think I have to revert back to 10/1 intervals for my long runs and on race day.  I'm falling apart after an hour, so I need a new strategy to get through a half marathon....  I'll see how it goes tomorrow on my long run.  I have been steadily adding time each week, so I'm moving in the right direction.

I'm very happy with my swimming at the moment.  I finally have my "right arm back".  I bought a training snorkel to focus on my stroke and it seems to be helping - 44 seconds faster on my most recent 500 m time trial.  That's more like it...

Biking is slowly moving outside.  Brought my road bike back to Speed Matrix and Adam improved my  position further, as I finally bought a new saddle.  He also adjusted my new Sidi cycling shoes and they feel better with relief of  numb feet.  Next step, find the route to ride to work, so I can counter sitting at the computer and have a more pleasant commute.  I can't understand why Calgary cannot synchronize lights, riding will be much less aggravating than driving....

OK, happy training,


Ciao, Cindy

The Build Continues.....

My oh my, I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted anything. Sometimes life just hums along with progress, obstacles, and changes.

I've have had a lot of life changes in the last 3 months. I'm still training, but have also decided to pursue another goal in the process, still related to training. It started with a visit with my RRSP guy - I'm about to leave his office when I see his Financial Planner designation on the wall and I ask him if he can get me to India to ride my bike for 3 months with Tour d'Afrique and how can I save "x" amount of dollars on the money I'm making now?

This leads to another appointment where he shows me the math.... In my own defence, I am aware of this and have been working full time hours for a few months already. The plot thickens as I see a job posting at work that might help things along. The timing is right, I can keep my present activities - Talisman Tri-Club, save for India and buy 1 more bike (for India).... Apparently, I don't have to be old and poor and let my estate settle my debt, as has been my long term financial plan - who knew??

I applied for this new job and accepted the position as Clinical Lead for the Homecare Physiotherapists. I have only been in my new position for a month and I'm settling in slowly - my "arch nemesis" - the computer, is now where I spend most of my days.

That took up most of Feb and March. My Doc has helped me with my sleepless nights - what a relief, pre-menopause sucks! I continue to train pretty consistently, although swimming is making me crazy at the moment. I spent a great Easter weekend cycling in Penticton with 4 friends from Tri-Club, in the sunshine, almost green grass, but still in long sleeves and long pants - really enjoyed it. My biking is coming along. Kind of depressing in Penticton when it became evident how slow I am. Not to worry - 3 of my 4 buddies trained for Ironman last year and they've gained in leaps and bounds, whereas I had an easy year. That's OK, this will be my year to get going again. Running is coming along nicely and I'm adding some variety to include a progressively longer Sunday run, some hills/stairs and intervals.

And to keep me focused on my new long term goal of India and upcoming Half Ironman Victoria, I've joined Spin Sisters Mountain Biking Club. I need to be prepared for anything in India and thought this will expand my bike handling skills. We'll see how this goes. I actually have a mountain bike, but I'm sure by the end of the outdoor season this year I'll be wanting a new one.... and so it goes.

Happy trianing,

Ciao, Cindy

AND LET'S BEGIN.... (again)

Well, I survived the cold/sinus crap that was almost a "man cold". Back to my regular training schedule of triclub classes and work on my own.

I've really noticed my body responding well to recovery rides/runs and just the right amount of intensity. That was a hard lesson learned last spring with way too much intensity.

Had a little chat with Jon in regard to running. He suggested getting more, shorter runs in and not struggling to get in a long run on Sundays as much as just getting time on my feet. I'm going to take his advice and make my longest run 50 - 60 minutes, then keep the other 2 or 3 ~30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Need to get my Garmin heart rate monitor sorted as I replaced the battery, but couldn't get it to work - apparently it has to be resynched with the computer. Why are electronics such a challenge for me? Honestly, all companies should idiot proof their stuff through me first! So that will be my next little project.....

Settling into the 3 hour Sat bike class slowly. Managed not to die and complete a time trial this morning. Said yes to it, with great trepidation, as Grant went around the room to see who was in and who was out. I was so excited with my results from Dec, that I didn't want to spoil that feeling. Thought ok, maybe 5 watts more, and not count it at all if it was worse than Dec. I surprised myself and had another personal best!! 3 watts up (not quite 5W), but still the right direction. So happy with that.

All that after a nice evening out for the Triclub Social at Speed Theory Friday night. Good turn out and nice to meet some new members. Can't wait for the floatables in Feb!

Ciao, Cindy

PS: Almost died laughing watching the video link on Grant's blog this week - I had a very serious conversation about "carbon bells" with Cam and Darcy at Speed Theory when I bought my Argon 18... until they clued me in. They are so patient with me, thanks guys....

SCREEECCCHHH!!!!

Oh man, it might be bad enough to be called a "man cold".....

OK, let's not get carried away, but I haven't left the house since Sunday, when I didn't get my hot tub after the track workout b/c I forgot my bathing suit.

Some observations:

• 3 days without work isn't too stressful, but having to get up to call in sick disturbs my rest and recovery.
• The weather hasn't enticed me to go out, so it's been a "drug free" cold. Maybe that's the issue. I'm definitely a druggie when it comes to the sniffles. The more the better and in combination. (hmmm, should I be admitting to that and putting it in writing - obviously I'm delusional b/c I've had no drugs!)
• Amazing how often the phone rings with stupid telemarketers when you're home during the day.
• You can never underestimate the power of a nap or even 2!
• Being home to allow the guy in to fix my lack of heat wasn't part of the plan, but having heat when it's been -30'C many days in a row has been helpful.

May have to leave the house tomorrow as I'm almost out of kleenex.

Needless to say, no gym workouts this week. Hope to get back at it on Sat. Not doing a time trial though, I'll still be recovering.... (glad I have good numbers from Dec.)

Happy training,

Ciao, Cindy

ALL SYSTEMS GO

Wow, it's mid-January.... and I've been back at it for 2 weeks now. I seem to be carrying the same enthusiasm as I started the fall with. That's a good sign that I'm not overdoing it in regard to Tri Club and ETS classes. Had a strong finish to my swimming and biking in December. Jury is still out on the running ;)

I'm signed up for the same classes this term with a few minor changes. ETS bike on Tues night with Paul, Thurs swim/run with Jon, and Sat 3 hour bike/brick with Grant. I was thrilled to hear that Jon was coming back along with the added bonus of new Tri Club coaches - Heather and Ed. I'll get to know Heather on Thurs with Jon. I'll have to wait and see where Ed and I cross paths. I'm sure it'll be in the spring sometime as Jon and Grant ramp up for their respective race seasons.

Trying to get in a brick, 2 swims, and a longer run on my own. Since I haven't signed up for a comprehensive coaching package in a couple of years I'll have to pick the coaches brain on a regular basis to keep myself focused.

I'm even signed up for my races - Wasa (sprint) and Victoria Half Ironman. Chose to do the sprint at Wasa since Victoria is the weekend after. Excited to travel to do a race. Not sure if I'll fly or drive. I hate driving long distances unless I'm the passenger with my pillow in the back seat. Still considering a later summer race out east, we'll see what the finances dictate.

All that's missing now is some cross training on Sundays in the form of snow shoeing. Felix, Tushar and I did get out Dec 28, but the conditions were not great. Just not enough snow - we went to Upper Kananaskis Lk. The only thing to come out of that trip was a little "gift" in the mail from Calgary Police.... I'm sure our current, lovely weather will help remedy this..... at least we're getting some snow with the wicked cold.

Survived Grant's crazy, hard 3 hour bike class on Sat. Man, was that really necessary? I hope he didn't scare off any of the new people. Maybe they were lulled into an illusion of it not being too bad since a lot of them probably didn't have any training zones yet? Crap, I did - and I was able to hold them and they were my "new and improved" zones from Dec. Take that Grant!

OK, just to frustrate me, I have come down with a stupid cold. Walked on the track for 90 minutes on Sunday and had to miss my hot tub since I forgot my bathing suit. My head was still muddled after Sat bike....

So good to see everyone after the break. Happy training.

Ciao, CIndy

Seeking Inspiration

The fall has flown by and I've been busy at the gym, but not crazy busy at the gym - some lessons have been hard to learn, but worthwhile in the big picture. Sticking to 3 coached workouts in a week and then doing workouts on my own has been great this fall.

To add to this success I had a new personal best in my 500 m swim time trial and my biking 3 minute / 20 minute time trial. Haven't hit my magic number of 200 watts yet, but I'm getting close. So rewarding to do the work and get positive results. Running is improving, but still up and down. I just seem to take forever to get going, but continue to push myself.

My other favourite thing this fall, getting my braces off!! Only 4 years, 2 months and 6 days..... Celery and Turtles never tasted so good (but not together, that would just be wrong). Four years without raw celery was odd, but I hadn't really thought much about it until I had a yummy Caesar the other night and ate the celery, instead of giving it away.

The pajama factory has been up and running for another Christmas season. I think it's the last year for the big boys (22 & 19 y/o) as I'm running out of ideas - but I think they'll like the onesies' with the matching blankets this year (Superheroes rock). I'll carry on for the 5 -> 10 year olds.

Looking forward to some time away from work over the holidays and hopefully getting in some cross training in the snow. Inspiration for the holiday season has been slow this year, but I have much to be thankful for and I'm definitely looking forward to what 2012 has to offer. Great to hear that Grant is still with us, Jon is back with us, and we have 2 new coaches, Ed and Heather, at Talisman Triclub.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Ciao, Cindy