Scuba vacation...not on a bike for over 2 weeks!

Been traveling the past 2 weeks to the Philippines. It's been over 2 years since I last went scuba diving. I thought this would be a great way to get back into it. It has been a lot of fun, getting back into a sport I love, refining a coexisting hobby, underwater photography, and hanging with friends. Good times. Can't wait to go diving again. In the meantime, I have a new mountain bike waiting for me to return! Can't wait to get back out riding some dirt. First race of the season, Big Frog 65, is only 4 weeks away!

A non biking vacation...

Here's to taking a break from reality, heading for 16 days in paradise. Scubadiving the Philippines! Sun, warm water, beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, refreshing beverages, great friends.... 

Spring is just around the corner

Sporting my new team gear and about to be riding my new team bike.

http://salsacycles.com/bikes/horsethief/2015_horsethief_carbon_xtr

Looking forward to racing with Grand Rapids  Bicycle Company this season. Primary focus is mountain biking with one gravel grinder, DK, and one road event thrown in for good measure. Been training hard. With one more week of consistent training before a 2 week hiatus or rest period. I was able to work my training schedule around other planned activities and travel with little impact on my overall fitness. I'm heading to the Philippines next Thursday for a two week scuba adventure. In addition to being a dive control specialist I am also an under water photographer. Currently I consider myself an ameture with a lot of natural talent. Just need to smoothen out the rough spots and further my editing skills. While scuba diving is peaceful or serene with some of the most beautiful scenery to encounter it is still a very active sport requiring a good level of fitness. In order to help maintain my fitness or conditioning I will incorporate TRX. I feel confident I will return relaxed but little to no loss of fitness. Then full steam ahead as its only 4 weeks after my return for my first race, Big Frog 65.

The price of the weekend get away to ride

Flight delays is putting it mildly. Didn't make it to work today because my first flight was delayed so long I missed my connector. And then my rescheduled flight got delayed. Hoping my next trip goes more smoothly.

I got out and rode on dirt today.

I was so excited to escape the Midwest for a weekend out west. Just what this mountain biking chic needed. Hit the trails of Bootleg canyon today and again tomorrow. I definitely felt the impact of winter on my training and condition. The trainer is just not the same as dirt. Add in a little altitude and a lot of climbing and you have an incredible training weekend. So psyched. Ready for the snow to melt back home so I can keep the momentum going. Race season starts in just 8 weeks! Oh, and I discovered a great new app!

Sunday, a long day on the trainer...

Sometimes I wish I had a better tolerance for cold. But the fact remains, I'm not just being a baby. Once temps get too low I literally start to go numb, quickly, then proceeding to frostbite. Not that anyone can afford to loose their fingers or toes, being an eye surgeon I kind of require my hand digits. And the tire come in handy as well when I want to walk or bike. So.... With the continued polar freeze I sucked up s big one and ride 5.5 hours on the trainer Sunday. Apple TV made some money off of me as I watched Gone Girl & Dumb & Dumber to. And wrapped it up with the Oscar Pre Show. BUT I DID IT!

and today, a Monday, I  took a recovery day. Still had to my day job and normal life stuff with shopping, errands and attending to the furry residents at my house. It's all good.

It's going to be a long training weekend

Well day 1 of one of my first more challenging weekends so far is under my belt. Fortunately the weather was kind enough to allow me to take it outside. Did ~4 hours on the fat bike. Still had to dress for winter being in the 20's, but balmy in comparison to the arctic freeze of sub zero temps we've been experiencing. Alas it was a brief reprieve as temps plummet into the single digits again. Looking like this cold front will last for a couple of weeks. Therefore, since I won't ride outside when temps drop below 20, I'll be on the trainer....for 5 1/2 hours if I do what I'm told. Apple TV to the rescue. 

Had 2 casualties. 1 flat fat bike tire for my friend. And a broken bladder for my osprey. Still a good day today. Had nice refreshments afterward.