New Fit

So I went see Eric over at Austinbikes for a bike fit this week. Great experience, as usual everybody there is friendly and knowledgeable. I ended up much further forward than I had been (which I expected was going to occur). The fit finished up yesterday, and I decided what better way to try out than to go race a crit? Somewhat kidding.

Regardless, the crit went pretty well, I spent some time up near the front and that was exciting. So much better going through turns when you don’t have to slow down and worry about people going all crazypants on you. After chatting with Drew a bit after our strength workout on Wednesday (that I’m still sore from, thanks, Drew ;) ) I was looking for a few new things in an effort to try and move up and stay up. While I did get pushed back at some point, and then had to chase back on, I stayed in it and did move up a little towards the end. I had a bad side stitch, though, and that was making the stay put and rest vs. moving up battle a little bit harder. However, in the end I avoided the crash and finished up 18th. 

At least I’m being consistent. I don’t plan on racing next week right before our trip as a safety precaution and because I’m sure we’ll be busy. But I have two more crits after I get back and I intend to go all out. After I get back I believe my training is going into official “base season.” The first race is at the end of January, so now is the time to start getting down good long, steady miles in preparation for the intensity that will start to come around the new year.

Also, I might try and do cyclocross. There is that entire issue of needing a bike, however. This is still being investigated.

I am going to hit ATC tomorrow with one of my teammates. Hopefully Jacob and I can hang in longer than I did last time (2nd climb on Southwest Parkway, eesh). It is really a ride of attrition. I hope to get a good spin of the Dam Loop in after the inevitable drop, so it should be a solid 3 hours of quality riding.

I also need to start looking for jobs when I get back from the trip. I am trying not to think about it too much… job hunting is just one giant ball of stress. However, I am hoping when I get back the weather will have really turned a corner and it will really feel like Fall. 

The highs are going to be in the 40s in Norway. Yeah, that will be a shock.