Kicking it up a notch

Spring is attempting to sneak it's way past winter and get a strong hold on the weather. It's trying it's best, but winter's beer belly is being a bully and not relinquishing it's hold just yet. Yet, spring did make a bit of an appearance this week and allowed the first outdoors ride of the season (not including England). The first ride of the season always results in a mandatory bike clean and some muddy, grit ridden bike clothes. It's the best part. No matter what, the smile won't leave the faces of those who venture out on this unrivaled day of the year. You may be soaked. You may be covered in grit and sand. your bike may well be completely sanded from back wheel to front. However, you keep on smiling and riding. It's infectious, at least until 20 inches of snow falls on Friday!

The training has suddenly ratcheted it up a notch. Two-a-days have smashed back on to the scene, reminding me how long it takes to get back to full race fitness. The schedule begins to get tighter and the inventiveness needs to be all that more, well, inventive.

The foot is almost back to normal. Managed one run and the ankle didn't seem to cry out too much. Although, as is common with the multitude of ankle injuries I have experienced in my life, the other muscles around the ankle tend to become a little cranky as a result. Induced by the warmer climate of Oklahoma, a run shall be the order of the day tomorrow. Can't pass up the chance of lapping up the warm rays of the south. Shall take it easy though. No need to send my ankle/foot back to the drawing board.

It's amazing that the first race of the season is sliding it's way up the forefront ever so quickly. June 7th is only a couple of months away. The first race of the year, Liberty Half Iron distance taking the honours. The excited feel of the butterflies in the stomach the morning of the race beckoning each athlete towards the month of June. Time to start having a look at the course and trying to look at what won't help an athlete like me just trying to hold on, but it's nice to imagine it would. I'll study the twists and turns, only to forget it all as soon as I emerge from the water! Here's hoping the nutrition is a little more dialed in this time around.


Here's to Spring!!!


Good luck to us all!