Geting back after it.

This time of year is tough, the urge to get outside on the bike is tough to balance with the reality of the conditions outside. There have been a couple mt bike rides that involved pushing the bike through snow, frozen toes, icy ruts, and less than ideal conditions. There have been the road rides that no amount of layers or embrocation can help. So what does one do when reality takes over. This year found me helping coach the nordic ski team at school, this meant twice weekly workouts in the weight room, plyometrics, and weekends at the races. I've thrown in plenty of tele skiing and some skating. I've been on the bike plenty too, but it's been a balance. Isn't that what it's all about, finding the balance? I love skiing, it's always been a passion. Last year as this time of year rolled around I began feeling guilty for not being on the bike as much and I skipped some great weekends of skiing to drive over the mountains and race my road bike in the rain. This year I told myself that it's going to be different. I can be on the bike and ski.

What I have already found is that I am that much stronger than I would be if I had focused solely on the bike. I did a road race a couple weeks ago that I wasn't sure how prepared I was for. It wasn't the longest, toughest, or fastest race, but it was a good test for me. A crash in front of me at the finish didn't help my position for the final sprint, but I was happy with how I felt and how I rode...and it was great to be out.

The weather the last couple days has been stellar. It's that time of year in Bend where everything seems possible. On Sunday we skied for a few hours in the morning went home for lunch, then it was off to horse ridge for a couple hours of mountain biking that couldn't have been better. I know Don was out there, I saw his car, and although I never ran into him, I smiled knowing that we shared an amazing afternoon out in the sun.

It looks like it's going to rain and snow the rest of the week. The skiing this weekend looks to be great!

On heavy rotation:
Local Natives - world news.mp3
Vampire Weekend - run.mp3
Monsters of Folk - say please.mp3