Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Opportunities

So I was back out on my bike today. I think this was my fourth ride since I started back last week and its so cool because every ride is just a little bit better than the one before... that makes me super motivated and leaves me wanting to ride more often! Last week when I was a bit concerned about how weak my legs felt, Lucho assured me that it would take about a week to get much of that muscular endurance back and of course he was right. I'm not as strong as I was in September but today I felt leaps and bounds stronger than I did last week. :)

I had the opportunity to practice changing a flat tire today. It's been quite a while since I've had a flat... seriously maybe August was the last one? Even though I've probably changed 50+ flat tires over the years, I always get nervous when it's time to load up that CO2 cartridge... I've screwed it up a couple times before and since usually I'm riding alone and only carry one tube/CO2, well, if I screw it up I'm stranded and looking to hitch a ride. I suppose I should carry two but I like just having the little saddle bag on my bike and only one spare tube fits in there... That's why I carry my phone I suppose. Two flat tires would = a phone call for a ride home.

Anyway, at one point when I was riding and drops of sweat started dripping down on my sunglasses I thought about how grateful I am that I have the opportunity to ride outside all year long without completely freezing my ass off. It was ridiculously windy today (that is really nothing new) yet I managed to keep a really positive attitude about it today (that is kind of something new). I was actually rather proud of myself for not getting all pissy... instead of bitching to myself under my breath (or actually swearing out loud) I thought about how grateful I am that I have access to this uninterrupted stretch of rather flat road that almost universally presents me with 15-20mph headwinds (for like an hour). What a super opportunity to do big gear strength intervals! So I popped it into my 53/11 and spent about an hour just grinding away (GGRRRRRRR) and building back my bike specific strength. Amazing how just framing it differently in my head made the whole ride a completely different experience from what it could have been.

Speaking of positive opportunities, Recovery e21 is taking applications for their 2012 Triathlon Team until Dec 15. I haven't talked a lot about this awesome all-natural electrolyte supplement lately but rest assured I still take them every time I have even a remotely key workout where I want my leg muscles to function. I still don't know exactly how this stuff works (maybe it's the magnesium?) but it's effects are black and white to me... when I take it I feel better than when I don't! I take it before, during, and after hard training and somehow my legs feel less pounded and sore than they otherwise would (or do if I forget to take it). Anyway, I'm proud to represent this company and this product and if you want to do so as well, get your application in this week. It's a great opportunity!

9 comments:

Living The Tri Life said...

I can't remember the last workout that I did without my E21!

mmmonyka said...

I used to carry a small pump but then I was introduced to CO2 and switched and although I carry two there roads are so bad than even two is not enough. And I don't carry cell phone because I have noone to call. I suppose I can try police but what am I going to tell them, "hi, I'm stuck 15miles from home with my bike. Could you come get me and give me a ride home? And yeah, I'm not really sure when I'm but I remember passing this big red house and later there was an intersection with traffic lights. And yes, there was a lake on my left not far from where I am". Yes, that would work:) Thanks God for random strangers giving me rides home.

Molly said...

<3 my e21!!! :)

Kiet said...

Alright, officially told my team I'm not racing with them next year because of the e21 habit you put me on Mama Simmons. Completely forgot to tell you the stuff saved me during my 50-miler. You would think it works like salt tablets but no, it's better for some damn reason, and this we gotta figure out. Am back on the bike as well, when is our next training camp?

Ange said...

glad you're feeling good!!!! And yes, you're lucky for your HI weatehr!!! I love Maine but...no riding out there for me for a long time now. That reminds me, do you live close to Honolulu? NO clue how big Oahu is... I MIGHT be there in March....

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

I hope I get my bike mojo back in January cause right now.. I'm just NOT feeling it! MUST GET NEW TT saddle.

Teresa said...

So great to hear you take advantage of all the great "opportunities" around you. Welcome back to riding...I need to try that E21 stuff too :)

Matt said...

Great stuff!! Training camp?? this time dont invite me a few days before ;)give me some notice

mtanner said...

Um, Okay FOMO. I am coming to camp wherever and whenever it is!