Okay, I’ve tried everything that I can think of to ride my bike better, to no avail. So, I give up and am just going back to doing things that I don’t necessarily think make me ride faster, but enhances my general life.
So, after the cross race, I went MTB riding for a couple hours with some of my friends. A super cold front came through yesterday and the low was into the single digits, so yesterday I decided to go running. I haven’t run in a long time. I ran over to the park and did hill repeats. It is one of my favorite places because George, a very special dog, is buried at the top of the hill. It was his favorite place to roam in the world. So, I like it a lot too.
I thought I was going to cripple myself. The jury is still out on that, but I’m hoping for the best. The morning I spent 3 hours on my hand and knees doing a making a shower basin. This morning we’re going to screw up a bunch of cement board and finish the drywall. It’s an upstairs bathroom, so there is a lot of walking up and down stairs carrying a lot of weight. Should be great after the hill sprints yesterday.
I’m not sure why my hamstrings are so tight nowadays. That is mainly my problem. Especially the left. I’ve been doing a ton of stretching and some weird bridges that are supposed to help, but so far it hasn’t done a thing. Maybe the running will shock them back into cooperation.
It is supposed to be cold once more today and then a warming trend. I’m going to look for as many races as I can the next month. Obviously training isn’t working that great, so I guess I need to turn to racing to get race fit. It is kind of tricky using cyclo-x races to get fit. It’s a fine edged sword. I could sure use a nice stage race right about now.
PS-Don’t forgot you need to enter Cross Nationals today to avoid a $20 late fee. Click here to get to registration.
This is the shower liner that is covering a couple inches of cement, already laid with a slight slope and contour.
This is pretty much the finished product. It has a pretty good slope and it super smooth. Should be easy to lay tile on.
It just got cold and everyone is a little out of practice on dressing for the correct temperature. Here is the spectrum, Eric wearing a sleeveless jersey and arm warmers. And Catherine, wearing Assos thermal tights with neoprene booties for riding on single track. She’s already peeled off her jersey. And Eric was a runner/triathlete before he came to his senses and now rides his bike nearly exclusively.
My bikes is leaning against the biggest vine I’ve ever seen. I have no idea how this vine got there, but it goes to the very top of a super tall sycamore tree.
If you’re looking for a Christmas present for someone that has a Garmin computer, I’d highly recommend this Bar Fly mount. It is so much better than the Garmin mount. I didn’t think it would be any different, but I have a couple and love them. They can be bought here at Amazon or lots of other places online. It’s around $40 most places.
It holds the computer much better than the original mount and in a better position, freeing up some handlebar space.
Or if you’re looking to spend more money, $200-250, then this Nest Thermostat is super cool. It is made by some guys that used to work for Apple and does a lot of interesting things. It learns your temperature habits and then sets them. You can access the thermostat from your phone or computer to change it or see the temperature. They sell them at Lowes now, so they’re easy to come by.
I saw these brussel sprouts at Trader Joes the other day. Did you know they grew so close together on the stalks? I had no idea.
You need to start stretching your psoas. Stretching the hammy’s will only make them worse.
I’m a huge proponent of the sleeveless/arm warmer combo and was also taken aback by the Trader Joes brussel sprouts.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4R_Mxyw2SMU/TRx9v1iOGzI/AAAAAAAAEtE/ifcttnmf6fs/s400/predatorwilly4.jpg
you live in Kansas, what is up with all the gears and suspension? No rocks or elevation, a rigid 29er would do you right with nothing to break. Silent and deadly on the trail
It sounds like you’ve never ridden in Kansas. There are plenty of roots, rocks and short very steep hills; repressive heat and cold as well. It is also home to the first US mountain bike cross country national champ.
OUCH!!!
@cracker – Apply cold water to burned area. Dress wound in gauze and do not apply lotions of any kind.
I am fighting December, Cross racing for me is done and just enough snow has come to make MTB riding done. Waiting to ski, did lots of weight work last year and not enough yoga. Lack of daylight is kill me.
Ready ,,,to get my bikes cleaned up and start planing next season. Mixing it up? Skiing will be good.
And Cheering everyone on at CX Natz. Not going to fat bike .. Finding direction. Body Tired//\ Thanks for Motivation ..
I have gotten great results for my 55 year old piece of equipment thru rowing – both indoor and on the water.
Hamstrings in particular! Proper form and good training drills will improve your cycling factor almost immediately……………………….
Ron Boi (RRB – ya the same guy who was and still is building custom steel frames) taught me how to row and we know now have an all-ages club! It is a non-impact sport and hurts almost as bad as Skate Skiing up a hill in slow snow – it makes LT training more beneficial for the cycling factor. GOOD Stuff!!!!!
sounds like there are some effete and sensitive ATB’ers in Kansas. We are talking Kansas right? Somebody sprinkle a little gravel or something? Bring it to the East Coast, there you will find out what you’re all about
Steve
Most people don’t know what a Brussels sprouts grows like or lots of other vegetables grow.
It’s a sure sign of the disconnect about what people eat in this country.
I think you have A great shot at worlds. You’re fresh and not tired