Setting goals, switching things up, and 30 DAYS OF BIKING

Farewell March and winter.... hello April!

I am soooo excited for what's ahead this Spring/Summer/Fall...

I took a loooong necessary break from training after getting back from 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo, and the time off the bike helped me set some objectives for the year and re-evaluate my approach towards meeting my goals. In some respects I'm taking a few steps backwards -- returning to what has worked for me in the past and letting go of what no longer does.

I'm back with trainers Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe -- the dynamic duo for muscle conditioning and cardio fitness. Christine and Keli hold me accountable when I start to slack off, motivate me when I need a boost, and care about my successes and failures. (I've missed that!) I'm looking forward to new workouts with both of them... (although I'm not looking forward to the pain).

I'm also excited for the rides I have planned this summer, including

• Harpoon Point to Point with Chip, Rich, and some of the girls
• Farm to Fork Fondo in Maine (with Alison)
• EOD Ride in California (although, that's a soft commitment. Still TBD)
• Krempels King of the Road Challenge
• and several MTB adventures. (Really, it's the mountain biking I'm most excited about!)

First up, though, is 30 Days of Biking... the annual challenge to ride your bike every day in April, rain or shine, near or far, wherever the inspiration takes you. I'm starting the challenge with a week of dismal, wet, cold weather predicted here in New England, but eh, that's how April often goes. I'll still get it done. It's year three for me... I've got this.

This year's 30 Days of Biking challenge raises awareness and funds for the advocacy organization World Bicycle Relief. For every 2 riders pledged, $1 is donated to the cause -- a pretty cool deal.

Hooray for SPRING!

Spring Melt, Finally

Aw geez, I feel weak! I'm back to doing weights and core work with Keli and Christine, but arm and shoulder soreness is holding me back. (It's been persistant since I landed on the pavement a few weeks ago.) This week I got out on the bike mid-week, (on the MTB), and also headed to the Y for a few workouts, but I took it kinda slow all week. A friend sent me an article about the inevitable decline in athletic performance after a certain age... and I'm at that age... so that was depressing.

On the plus side, we had spring-like weather early in the week and I got in a ride that didn't require bundling up like the kid in A Christmas Story. It was wet and messy, and the melting snow has uncovered massive potholes, (and I caught a glimpse of a curb!), but it was good to get out for a spin. Cold air is back, but at least we've had the promise of Spring.

The 5k I signed up for, The Nutty Irish 5K Cocoa Run, (which all of my girlfriends are ditching), is just 8 days away. I have not been running -- which is actually the least of my concerns, because I can always run/walk and that's fine -- but the race is on a golf course currently buried in snow. It's going to be a muddy mess and... OMG... I don't want to ruin my new running shoes!!! (For real.)

Gotta think long and hard about this one.

Almost there...

Well, it's easier to say I'm getting back on track than it is to actually get there. This week, I returned to my fitness routine a little too quickly, with spin on Monday (followed by P2 homework), Christine's conditioning class on Tuesday, (where she really laid on the cardio), and coach Shayne's Pure Power Cycling workout, (P2), on Wednesday, which was soooo much harder than I expected. I can barely walk today. Yesterday, my calf muscles kept seizing up and I was dying. It feels like someone took a sledge hammer to the back of my calves. Painful.

The numbers on the scale have been creeping up since I stopped riding every day. Total bummer. I'm hoping my muscles recover in time for tomorrow's frostbite ride out of Salem. (Temps are expected to start in the lower 30's). Last year at this time, I pushed through the cold and was riding more... I don't know why I'm having a harder time getting motivated this month.

SpiderOne, Fit Werx, and Tabatas

My video analysis at Fitwerx2

The last few days have been busy! On Monday night, I skipped Christine's conditioning class to join Shayne and SpiderOne Racing for a few loops around Marblehead Neck. It was a terrific night for a ride and despite my weak state, (seriously, jelly-for-muscles), I still managed to keep up. (Unfortunately, I now face the wrath of Christine for skipping her class -- and brutal tabatas on Thursday when she subs for Keli.) Was it worth it? Hell Ya. I had a fun time with the spiders.

Today, I took advantage of my rest day from the bike and had a 3 hour bike fitting at Fit Werx 2 in Peabody. I learned a lot about my riding position and the changes I need to make to improve my ride -- (soften those arms!) -- and I now know why I experience pain in my shoulders and neck. (Thanks, Fit Werx!!) I've picked out a sexy new bike that fit the specifications that Geoff/Fit Werx prescribed and I'm quite excited about it. (Of course, I'll have to survive Christine's tabata class on Thursday if I ever hope to ride that new bike.)

Jelly for Muscles

We had a mixed-weather-weekend with a lot of rain -- which was good for the garden but not so great for long rides. Still, I managed to log in over 50 miles on the weekend, (with Keli's killer spin class hitting just under 20 miles -- too many hills!) I'm totally beat today. (I think transplanting daisies are what really did me in.) Unfortunately, I'm planning to ride with Shayne & S1 tonight so he can assess my training. I'm not sure my muscles will recover by 6 tonight... I'm feeling very much like Spongebob today.

Was it the TRX?

It's been a full week since I tested with Shayne at SpiderOne and started a new workout plan. Between that and the circuits I did with Christine on Monday night, (which included a killer TRX rep), I'm really, really, really sore. As I walked up the stairs to the fitness floor at the Y today, I could feel my muscles begging for mercy... and I kinda fluffed my workout today. Some days are just not meant to be.

April Comes in Like a Lion

We've had a cold blast this week and most of my riding has been indoors. On Monday night, I worked out with heavier weights, which I'm still feeling today, (Thursday), in my shoulders and neck. Maybe I overdid it a little on my overhead presses? I slogged through my workout on the bike yesterday and didn't really pay attention to what I was doing. Hopefully, the soreness will ease up and temps will be warmer for Saturday's group ride, which I'm really looking forward to. Except for a few rides with Ethan and Ed, it's been a lonely winter...

Snowboarding at Nashoba Valley

More snow/rain is expected tonight! Wow. We're really having a winter this year! Today I had my last snowboarding lesson at Nashoba Valley with my instructor, Joe, and I was a little sad to see my Tuesday morning routine come to an end! (Sniff, sniff.) I had a great day on the slopes today, despite a tragic second run. I don't know what was going on with me! The sign of a good instructor, though, is to get inside his student's head, and that's exactly what Joe did on the chairlift back to the top. He really snapped me out of whatever doubts I was having on that second run, and I had a great day after that. Thanks, Joe! Best instructor ever.

I have a mix of spin and muscle conditioning classes lined up for the rest of the week. (Double Keli, since she teaches both.) Not sure when I'll be able to get out on the road. After getting a late start, winter just keeps rolling along.  (Lego Mini Figure given to me from one of my students! So sweet!)

Winter is still inching along... Hello, February.

Last week I managed to chalk up a lot of indoor miles due to the MLK holiday, bitter temperatures, and a broken furnace that drove me to the gym. As the week ended, I logged in 118 miles on the trainer/spin bikes. This week, however, my training log consists of a lot of cross-training; muscle conditioning with Christine & Keli (Mon & Thurs.), snowboarding on Tuesday, and a couple of spin classes -- nothing like last week.

Snowboarding has been awesome. Everything just "clicked' for me this week and I mastered tighter turns with more control. (Love my instructor, Joe. Such a cutie.) The snow we had at the beginning of the week, (which was great for snowboarding), melted from a huge shift in temperature on Wednesday, clearing the roads for a ride tomorrow. Temps are chilly again -- in the 30s with a brisk wind -- but I think we're riding! (Wahoo!) Snow is expected to hit us again Sunday, so it'll be good to get out on the roads while we can. We still have February and March to get through before Spring arrives...

Snowboarding in Vermont

Cycling took a back seat to the holidays and snowboarding this week as we headed up to Stratton Mountain in Vermont. My workouts with Keli and Christine paid off, as I barely have any muscle soreness to speak of after two days of snowboarding lessons. Wahoo! (The same can't be said for Mike, however. Sorry, honey!) I have just 3 miles of running left to complete the Tri Inside the Y, and unless I get in a run before we head to the Patriots game on Sunday, it looks like I'll be finishing up my Tri challenge on the final day, December 31st. Not a bad way to close out the year!

UPDATE 12/30: Ran 3 miles today on the treadmill. I have officially completed the Tri Inside the Y! Awe-some! Time to celebrate! Happy New Year, Everyone!

The Finish Line to 2012

Just 1 week to go before 2012 comes to a close -- It's that time of year when folks start thinking about setting new goals and making resolutions for the new year.

This year has really gone fast, although in reality it was no faster than any other year. I had a lot of support this year in my 2012 goal to get stronger, fitter and healthier. I owe a lot to 5 amazing women who encouraged me throughout the year and kept me on track to seize each day. Leslie, Kim, Elena, Pam and Deb... Thank you. (I'm looking forward to setting new goals and reaching for higher stars with you in 2013.)

I'm also indebted to Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe for helping me reach my fitness goals. (I still haven't figured out the correct way to do a burpee, but I'm working on it).

And I'd be remiss without saying how grateful I am to ride with my dear friends of the North Shore Cyclopaths. The last 2 years have been tough for us -- and my crash this summer didn't help matters. I guess, though, in hindsight it's given us something to laugh about. (I'm not too thrilled about being nicknamed "Crash Cronin", however. That's a little harsh.)

There are still 10 days left to 2012. I'm still riding our Saturday morning Cyclopath rides, although my fellow frostbiters are wimping out. (Is it still a Cyclopath ride if I'm riding alone?) I'm also working hard to complete the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge. I'm glad there are still ten days left because I have a lot of running and rowing to do. This challenge has helped me make better choices this holiday season... I've been ignoring the carton of egg nog that stares at me every time I open the fridge.

I can see the finish line to 2012 -- I intend to finish strong.

Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge

I'm participating in the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge this month at the LVO YMCA. I've committed to bike 112 miles, run/walk 26.2 miles and row 50,000 meters between now and December 31st. (I chose the rowing option over swimming.) I have 5 weeks to complete the challenge, which started Monday. It should keep me focused on fitness through the holidays... and maybe I'll earn a few butter spritz cookies along the way. (My favorite Christmas cookie in addition to gingerbread.) Unfortunately, my workout with Christine last night didn't include anything that would count towards my tri, but I'm on the bike today in spin class and will try and get that rowing started. 50,000 meters?!

UPDATE 11/30: Tracking the progress of my Ironman Challenge in the right-hand column, below the photo of Will. So far, so good.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Fitness Challenge... done. I adjusted my plans slightly this morning to accommodate a pie that still needed to be baked... so instead of looping Marblehead Neck and the perimeter, I rode the indoor trainer for 10 miles. (Of course as I popped the pie in the oven, I saw my neighbor, Lynn, heading out for a ride. Damn. If I had only set my alarm earlier!) Bike and cardio at the Y followed by the 1 hour muscle conditioning class. I was surprised (and happy) to find Christine Hopkins joining me in the class. Loved it! I had a great workout, which left me feeling guilt-free when I enjoyed the pumpkin cheesecake later in the day.

Much to be thankful for this year. All three boys and I are doing well and are happy and healthy, (despite my ups and downs with anemia/fatigue and, of course, the bike crash in July.) We're thankful that all in our family and extended family are doing well, and grateful for our dear friends, old and new. We've shared our deepest sorrows and a few challenges this year, but remained strong together. I'm thankful for that.

We're grateful, too, for the boy's sweet cousin, Mike, deployed overseas again during the holidays. (Thankful he's in neither Iraq nor Afghanistan this time around.) I'm sure it's especially difficult for him to be away at this time of year. We wish him and all of the troops a safe and happy holiday. Many blessings to you all -- I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

No Snow. Cycling Season Continues.

I thought after last Saturday's bitter ride, I'd retire the bike for the winter and bring my riding indoors. (Everyone knows I'm a wimp in the cold.) But, the predicted snow never arrived from Hurricane Sandy, and a friend really shamed me about calling it quits for the season. (Something about "When the going gets tough...") She noted that I'm probably the fittest I've been all year and I'm going to lose all my progress by ending the season now. I guess she's right -- but between muscle conditioning a few nights a week with Keli and Christine, and my plan to snowboard on Tuesdays, I'm o.k. with hanging up the bike for the winter. Still, we're 6 weeks away from the slopes opening, so I guess I'll keep riding for a little while longer. (You know I'm not someone who can back down from a challenge!) Cowboy up, right?

I'm actually ill prepared for winter riding. Since I usually end the season in late September, I've never invested in thermal gear. I picked up some lobster claw gloves yesterday to at least give my hands a little more warmth, and attempted to hunt down the toe covers I started the year with. Hard to believe my first ride of 2012 was in February, just a few weeks before our Shamrock Ride on March 17th. It's been a long riding season for me. (I think I might be more like Sprocket Girl than I thought!) It will still be pitch dark at 7 am this Saturday -- DST is Sunday. Unless I can find the nifty light that Cape Cod Mike gave me, I might head out at 8 and try to catch the gang at breakfast.

Inspiration

Will is in a bit of a funk today. His football team lost their 5th straight game last night while Chip's team likely made the playoffs. It's not always easy when one boy has more success than the other. I tend to become a walking Nike ad, trying to spin their negative thoughts into positive inspiration. Of course they think I'm crazy.

I'm feeling sore today after working intervals with Christine on Monday. She hit all the muscles the bike doesn't touch. I hurt all over. Guess I need to start quoting those Nike ads to myself.

And speaking of Nike... I just learned that they dropped Lance Armstrong from their stable of endorsements, claiming Armstrong "misled" Nike for more than a decade. Really? In a sport rife with doping, Nike was in the dark?. Ummm... o.k... whatever. I'm not defending Armstrong by any means, but we all know there wasn't any juice left to squeeze out of that endorsement deal... the guy retired 2 years ago. But claiming the moral high ground here, while standing behind other embattled athletes including Kobe Bryant, Ben Roethlisberger, Marion Jones and Alex Rodriguez (who admitted to taking PEDs), seems rather bogus, don't you think?

I wrote this post when Armstrong announced that he wasn't planning to fight the USADA charges against him. Absent of actual proof that he cheated, I felt he deserved the benefit of the doubt. (Especially since Nike supported other athletes with questionable morals.) Armstrong has since admitted to doping. Another hero bites the dust.

Weather Woes

Frigid temps on Saturday and a cold rain on Sunday cancelled our rides for the weekend. Ethan hopes to reschedule the Sea Glass Ride to next weekend, though the boys have away games that Sunday. I don't expect to be riding. Hopefully we'll get in a good ride on Saturday, though.

New workouts begin this Monday and Thursday with Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe. I expect I'll be sore for most of the week. Those ladies are tough!

Pre-Season Prep, Conditioning Class

Getting ready for cycling season and determined to be stronger this year. There's not much more I can do about my anemia, (short of removing my spleen), so I'm working hard to push through the fatigue and focus on getting my muscles stronger. I signed up for a conditioning class 2 days a week with Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe that started tonight. I've been home for an hour now and I'm already SORE!! Geez, it's not going to be easy.

The winter seems to have returned for a little while, with cold temps keeping us off the roads. I need to spend some time with Will to help him figure out the gearing on his new bike, so I'm hoping it warms up soon! Last weekend, 25 Cyclopaths gathered for a pre-season breakfast -- it was great to see everyone and catch up. Everyone is anxious to start riding again.