The alarm rings early

Now that I've made the work change, the schedule has changed as well. As I get into the office no later than six a.m., the alarm clock starts making noise quite early. 4:30-4:45. It was hard at first, but I'm an early riser by nature anyway...so I adapted pretty quickly. It's funny to see my normally rambunctious dog looking at me groggily as I head into the kitchen for a cup of manna from heaven (a.k.a. coffee). The neighborhood is abnormally quiet at this time of the morning. No one's out except Puddin' and I, as I take him for his morning walk. It's kind of nice to get a leg up on the rest of the world.

Of course this means I'm ready to crash starting around 9 p.m. most nights. Making me the exact opposite of the life of the party.

Good morning, all...

So...where have I been?

I've actually been training...I promise. This year I made the jump from sole proprietor back into a position with a "firm". I'm now the creative director at Habersham Enterprises. It's cool and the hours are flexible so I can get my training time in as I'd like. But making the transition has been hectic and I'm just glad to finally be back on an even keel where I can blog. I'm going to be inviting a few other endurance sport locals to join me here...so there will be more to read and more to love.

I'm on track for Baker's Dozen, my first endurance MTB event. The fantabulously fast and scarily fit Namrita gave me a huge compliment the other day saying she thinks I'll have a great endurance season. We'll see if I can live up to her belief in me.

I've also been roped into triathlon training with Amber. I can't say roped....really. She asked and I was interested. So I'm running and swimming now too. I've finally burst through the plateau that had held my weight hostage for the past three months and I'm about to have to buy all new pants again...so despite the expense, I'm thrilled.

Anyway, folks...I'm back on the blog and plan to keep you up to date as the months wind away and Baker's Dozen makes its to the top of the calendar.

Good Sore...

Hit the weights yesterday and it's good to feel that slight tightness and soreness that comes after a good workout. Hit arms, back & chest yesterday and legs will get it on Thursday. Hoping to enjoy some Thomson time midday, if it isn't underwater when I get there. It drains pretty well, so I'm hoping to ride much of it, skipping the quagmire that generally develops at the top of the climb leading to the expert section.

So far weather forecast is looking good for the beginner clinic on Sunday. Looks like we're going to get a decent turnout.

Back in the saddle, and on the healthy side

As most who've been reading the blog already know, I was really sick throughout much of the end of 2005. A cold at Christmas just added to the lack of training I managed to get done in '05. So now I'm having to ramp it up faster than I'd really like, so that I'm ready to do some riding a nd racing in '06. That means getting the post-holiday diet back on track as well as the riding. Jeff got me plenty of the good training stuff as Xmas giftage and two of these found their way into my stocking. 300 calories, tons of protein and good carbs, these oatmeal packs might be my savior for morning eating before a big training ride or even an event. I have trouble getting enough calories in at the beginning of the day, which slows your metabolism and makes it hard for me to keep moving later in the day. Oatmeal, always seems to go down smooth, so these bad boys might just do the trick for me. You can find info on many sites, but this is where el Jefe did the deed: http://www.a1nutritionproducts.com/buy/cytosport/muscle_milk_n_oats/single

He got me Maple & Brown Sugar and Cocoa. I'd like to try the Vanilla Bean, pictured above, but can't seem to find it in singles, and don't want to buy a 12 pack in case I don't like it. Can't imagine not liking it though...Vanilla's my favorite!

Trail Resolution

Spent the first day of the new year with my bike and a rake. Went out to Thomson and raked and rode the trails. 1.25 hours of raking cleared up a nice section of trail and it just reinforced the fact that if you ride the trails you should work the trails. It's not necessarily physically grueling. Raking and pruning don't have to take the whole day. Since it's a new year and I have some training and riding resolutions I'm trying to ensure come to fruition, I've decided to add in a trail resolution. I'd like to do at least 60 hours of trail maintenance in 2006. That's simply 5 hours a month. Quite doable and no hardship. If we could just get everyone who regularly rides to regularly do a little trail work...we'd be riding some of the best maintained trails in the SE.