Just a short note this week...
The build has begun. We're not building anything significant. No houses, or foundations of anything that will be around for a long time. However, we are now building towards a level of fitness that we will be thankful to have come June 28th. That said, no level of fitness will prepare any body for how cold Lake Coeur D'Alene can be.
It's called a build to reflect how much you are now building on your base. I like to think of it as the "see you in 12 weeks, honey" period. There's a small uptick in length of sessions during the week, but the real increase is in the bike lengths. It's time to reach for the butt paste and lay it on thick. 5 plus hour rides are becoming the norm. Long slogs through the ever improving weather, followed by short runs off the bike. Not the "runs", but an actual run, which could easily be followed by "those runs". Clear as....never mind :)
Tomorrow will host some such a ride. The first ride with Constitution for a couple of years. History dictates at least 3 jackets and 2 inner tubes per rider when he's around. Hopefully, the weather is as forecast and we can finish off the 70 miles without a call for help this time. It'll be good to get out with a fellow athlete for once. Been a lonely few years with many a long ride out on the country roads and trails.
The aches and pains and fatigue are the next things to "build". It takes an exceptional amount of free time to avoid such things. Those of us with time consuming professions struggle to squeeze in the increasing hours and with that the body will naturally begin to suffer. Calf muscles will become sore, immune systems will lag and spirits will occasionally fall. However, it's our family and friends around us who inevitably lift us back up on to our feet. The smile of a wife, baby, or girlfriend will do wonders to spur you on and get out the door when all you want to do is hit snooze (the devils invention :)). The selfish narcissist in all of us helps too!
Put a toe in the water this week. Quickly discovered we are some way off getting in the lakes. However, I smell the warming coming and hopefully our first swim with the fishes will be upon us. Despite my attitudes of years past, I can't wait to get in the water this year. I remained terrified of "what lies beneath", but have learnt to deal with those fears whilst out in the open. There will still be a high pitched, girlish shriek if I see a great white in the Minnesotan. Fortunately, I hear the chances are remote. No doubt Napoleon and Constitution will think of something.
I'm off to double order some shammy lube and butt paste. Here's hoping for a blister free year of outdoor riding!
Good luck to us all!
No comments:
Post a Comment