Rain

Today was filled with water. 

First, a small drip coming from our vent in the bathroom, dripping into the toilet. Calls were made, it seems to be fixed. We’ll see.

Unfortunately, this put me in a rut for the rest of the day.

Despite the rain that started to fall, I headed out to the Driveway to race the 4/5 crit. All the weather forecasts said the rain would stop by race time, but as I was stuck in my truck on Airport Blvd. waiting in traffic in the rain, I started to accept the fact it was going to be a wet race. Then I started to wonder if I was even going to make it to the race. I did make. No warmup, barely got everything together and myself to the start line.

The first few laps my brain did not trust the fact that the tires were going to hold. There is something innately unsettling about having a puddle in the apex of a turn. I don’t know what surface they have out there, but man, it was impressive. I never felt any slipping whatsoever. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay attached to the “pack.” I think there 10 of us total in the race. The main group being 4 people. Oh well, with the season pass I wanted to get out there and take advantage of it. Better luck (and hopefully weather) next week.

I am working through the few pictures I took this past weekend in Baton Rouge. We had a wonderful, albeit short trip. Saw lots of people in the time there, so that’s always nice. I saw some of my cousins that I had not seen since my grandmother’s 90th birthday party. I even got in two bike rides. Heck of a weekend, I only wish Carrie could have stayed for the whole thing. But she and her coachee did great in the Cap 10k on Sunday morning, so hooray for that. :)

On the work front, it seems I finally broke through the mystery slowdown. I can now actually run the real experiments that I was hoping to run, what, two/three weeks ago? Sigh. But, progress is always good, so I think this paper is going to form up well over the next two weeks.

We have a workout with Drew tomorrow morning bright and early. I need to make up for tonight’s less than stellar showing and hit it out the park. Two 3 hour rides on tap this weekend, looking forward to it. I think I might go and get spit out the back of the ATC ride for the first time. I’ve always heard so much about this ride, so I figured I’d give it a go. Plus, it starts at 8:30 which will get me done nice and early.

Happy almost weekend!

Assorted Notes of Assorted Interests

1. Assos Chamois Crème is the real deal. I had never really used an official chamois cream before. I had heard good things, and with the higher volume of riding that I’ve taken up as of late, I decided, what the heck. Good stuff. Works as advertised.
2. I am hoping to take advantage of both the BSS and Mellow Johnny’s sales this weekends. Things I’m on the lookout for at a discount: cleats, tires, small and bright lighting system.
3. My Easton Circuit back wheel is currently awaiting a new spoke. It will be nice to finally have a matching set of wheels again.
4. Work is progressing. We decided to shoot for a deadline on May 3rd instead of this Thursday. In the bigger picture of things, it works out better.
5. I mentioned it on the twitter, but I really find organic dry beans to be a great staple. Carrie has been putting them in the crockpot on low for several hours just to get them cooked up, then we add them to a host of recipes. They are cheap, they are amazingly healthy, and they are tasty! It’s a win-win-win.
6. Carrie and I have another training session on Friday morning. Should be interesting to see what pain Drew pulls out. Last Friday I was beat down from the crits, so hopefully I feel a little better this week. Though, maybe getting a workout in early will energize me. I need to remember to eat a proper breakfast afterwards. I think I might have to walk across the street to Whole Foods.
7. It is Wednesday, have a good middle of the week!

First Strength Workout

Yesterday I met with the trainer at Pure Austin to go over the first strength workout set. Well, he has a name, I guess I should actually use it: Drew. Anyway, Drew and I went through all the different exercises. It’s basically three circuits of three exercises, all designed to keep your heart rate up.

It’s a lot of dynamic strength stuff, which I like. Lots of stabilizer work. It was fun, in that hard kind of way, and should provide many benefits off and on the bike. Looking at 2 to 3 times a week.

I have spent more time on the bike this week than I have in, seriously, I don’t remember when. The sun is supposed to come out this afternoon, so I plan on getting out on the road today and tomorrow. Sunday I’ll do the strength workout and then go to the restorative yoga class. That class is fantastic, by the way. Lots of stretching, very chill. It will be a good end to the fitness week, and get my body in a good place to start week two!