This is what it's going to be like I'm afraid, and worse as winter sets in. One of the reasons I started this blog in the first place is because I knew it would get intimidating at times, and only my public pronouncements would keep me pushing forward. I have no problem getting out for a run in almost any conditions, because as long as you dress properly it can be quite comfortable. As well, in the winter months going to the pool can seem almost like a break. But out riding your bike is a different matter. Depending on the combination of wind, cold and precipitation it can be almost impossible. As long as it's still a few degrees above freezing(it was 5 today) you can still ride with some moisture, but once it dips close to zero, then you need clear days to ensure that the roads are dry. Apparently some people sit inside and ride on a trainer or rollers, but I can't possibly imagine spending even a half hour, let alone 5 or 6? They have these neat machines now called computrainers, where you put your bike on and then they can actually program a course into the machine, including Ironman Canada. There are places where you can go and buy time on them so I may try that once just to see what it's like. Just to ride the hills of the Okanagan valley.
Anyway I know that I will be riding outside all winter, and I know it's going to be a challenge. If I wasn't starting from scratch, it may not be so critical as I could focus on running, swimming and weights until early spring but I do not have that luxury. It is also somewhat challenging psychologically to ride in the winter because you simply can not go so fast when it's cold and windy, and you are all bundled up. So if anyone wants to come and keep me company for 5 or 6 hours on any given day, you know where I live.....free protein drinks after the ride!
Today I managed to get 45 km's in despite the weather, but it's just not near enough. I know it, and I will be trying to step it up. It is almost down to 10 months til race day. Tomorrow I plan on at least 25k running, and I will also get a long bike ride in before the end of this week. When I am at home I want to start alternating daily swimming with this little gym workout I mentioned, and I may even try to take an exercise ball on the road...that's if the TSA doesn't think its a potential weapon.
So thats about it. Give me a push please. I need some inspiration.
One thing that always makes me feel a little better is if I whine a little so here's a few things I really hate.
1) appointments....this week...dietitian, family doctor, massage therapist, family dentist, and the cancer dentist. Roo has a call in to reschedule the london dentist out a few weeks just to give me a break.
2) people who fart on airplanes. It makes me want to stand up and yell at the top of my lungs, "It wasn't me! And would the asshole that just did that stand up and admit it to the rest of us!"
3) drivers who would rather take a chance on killing another human being, than slow down for 10 seconds until the oncoming traffic clears.
4) Cold winds, wet roads, and numb fingers.
And to counter all that there are some things I really love. Here's just one of them.
I wish to dedicate day 40 to my brother Bill with whom I spent many great years as a young man.
"Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." ~Robert Byrne
and......
because I couldn't resist.....
"Cold is gods way of telling us to burn more catholics" from a Birtish sitcom called Blackadder
love
peter
4 comments:
I think first of all you need to just keep an exercise ball at Sonora...I'm sure you can store it somewhere. Second, I think you could try carrying every odd bit of exercise equipment with you on planes to see what they stop you for. They might even give you the opportunity to demonstrate it right there at the security gate with lots of people watching. You could inspire them all and become a new world wide phenomena!!
You inspire me to keep up my running that's for sure and just yesterday I was talking to a man that works in the same building as me. He is struggling with cancer right now and I told him your story and about your training. He was very inspired and seemed to be a little more optimistic to have heard it. Keep it up, you are awesome!! I love you!
What, only 45 Kms??? Just because of a little early Canadian winter? What kind of pussy are you? Did you not just finish telling us how you kicked your #1 sons ass?? ...Was that the kind of inspiration you wanted? Maybe not, eh?
I cry every day when I read your blog. I cry because there are things I want to believe in enough to be able to do them before I die. I want to believe in myself to be able to do those things for me. I see you doing those things for you and I celebrate that you are doing them. I'm hoping that spending time with people who believe will help me to get there too. If you crap out now, I'm going to have to find several new people to replace the motivation, inspiration and example.
So, keep at it, for you AND me.
love you always
I know how you feel about the weather. My ride is very short compared to yours but I must do it twice every day, 5 days a week regardless of the cold or rain and sometimes even sleet and snow. Okay, i guess "must" isn't really true as I have other options, they just aren't acceptable to me. Whenever I feel whiney about not being able to drive a care like everyone else I try to stop and appreciate that God has given me the health and strength to keep on riding my bicycle.
I know you won't give up Peter, you are strong and mighty and you will overcome any obstacles. Keep one eye and half your heart on the destination as you conquer the journey. I love you forever.
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