Wednesday, April 16, 2008

This week

This week hasn't really worked out as planned (well at least in my mind). Plans were for Jeff to ride from PECO on Monday. Monday morning he decided he would be better off in the water for his knees. I walked my 5+ mile loop.

Tuesday we had bounced some ideas around. I didn't want to wait until evening and then not to get to do anything so I walked after dropping AJ off at preschool. Jeff called to see if I want to walk at the Falls, which I did consider walking a 2nd time. As the day progressed, I decided if I did something else it would be an easy spin. Jeff did go out to the Falls. He said the first lap his legs were a little tight, second loop everything was working really well.

Wednesday? The "plan" is a brick for both of us. With Jeff's race on Saturday, he felt a brick would be better than a Ramble. So the plan is for him to run (me walk) and then come home and ride. If it late, we plan on riding Hillacious to save time. But of course this is all subject to change when Jeff calls today (lol)

Monday, April 14, 2008

Sunday Ride

Sunday started out a little slow for us. Goose is normally up at 7 - today he rolled out of bed at 9! Obviously he was really tired or he would not have slept that long. Since we were riding in the morning - time was short.

Craig agreed to come up and ride with us on Sunday. As usual, the main topic of discussion was the weather - would it be warm enough - would the rain hold off so they could steal a ride - for me, would the winds be light enough to not defeat myself. Well, I can say the weather was a little overcast, rain at times, no wind and a great ride!

Craig led us off with a nice long climb, small talk along the way (ok lots of talk for me) - pace was nice for about 20 minutes. THEN the follers (not rollers, but similar) hit. Craig kept us going with his great coaching and encouragement. After the second follor Goose developed cramps - only thing we can think is he didn't let his breakfast settle. Goose has to cut his ride short leaving Craig and I the last 2 follors. Making it through them I knew we had sprints to finish. Craig rode easy through 3 of them and the last one - it was like a sling shot - he was gone. Only thing I could do was yell A@@hole!

When we were done, Craig had a little time before he needed to be home. We shared laughs, R.B. for Craig and talked about the trip. I think everyone is tired of this weather and looking for a place that might promise sunshine and riding.

OK - so maybe the ride was exactly as I saw it. It was crappy outside, but there was no rain, wind or cold in our Family Room. I have learned if I daydream riding the trainer it doesn't make it seem so boring.

But we did have fun riding Hillacious (and I call them follers not rollers on the trainer) ---- and hopefully all DVDs will be retired until winter.

Thanks for the help Craig.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Our Boring Day

Today was a Ramble day and Goose decided to run in the water. More rehab on the knee - and today was better. Seems like the old pains are back as the main "pains" - which actually is good. He still has bruising and open sores - but he can walk somewhat normal (for him - lol). Me - first thought about taking my bike off the trainer and riding outside, but decided I was not comfortable with that yet. So I walked almost 5 miles and rode the trainer. Now I understand what Jeff has said about the trainer - only when necessary. The outdoors is so much nicer, the trainer can be boring when you know the weather is nice.

I have decided that next year I will take the trainers outside, face them into the wind and ride Tough Love - them maybe I will be ready to ride outside and think that wind is my friend.

Checked the weather forecast for Helen in 15 days - it is looking good at this point. It really is time to get out of Dodge!

"Y" Tuesday

Jeff and I had already decided to work out at the Y Tuesday evening. So I dropped AJ off at preschool and decided to walk my 3 mile loop. About half way through I had this feeling that Jeff would call and say what a beautiful day - let's ride. My legs weren't sore, just a little tired. I finished my walk, and you guessed it, he called and wanted to know if I wanted to ride - Nope not tonight.

When he got home from work, I had dozed off watching TV. He woke me up and I could tell he wasn't sure if he wanted to workout. I was dressed and we were going (I have to admit, I really didn't want to). All in all, we had a decent workout. Hardly anybody there, but there are till a few people that insist on sitting on the bench between sets - I know they can feel you staring at them, maybe convincing them to move, but no - they just sit there. Some are really good about asking if you want to work in.

Came home and had an easy dinner and THEN I decided to show Jeff how to log onto the blogs. He left Egg a message - so look out - another computer skill for Jeff! :P

He is running in the water Wed (no ramble for him) His knee is much better, just need to get the scrapes healed. - me? hopefully a good recovery spin on the trainer.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Beautiful Monday

Wow what a beautiful day! Sun was shining, winds from the SW (yes I am paying more attention of the direction of the wind). Jeff called early in the morning to see if my legs were sore and was I up to another ride. My very quick answer was no my legs were not sore and NO I didn't want to ride. I felt like the wind had mentally destroyed me on Sunday. After looking at the forecast for the week, knowing I wanted to ride again this week outside, I called him back and said I wanted to ride.

Jeff had his wheels back and wanted to try them out and he also wanted to see how his knee felt since falling. He got home from work, switched out his wheels and we headed out on the same route we did on Sunday. Of course this route is 99.99% southwest. I know, how can that be? Well it felt like it. Heading out Peters face to the wind, I really did keep saying "eventually the wind will be my friend". We had climbed the tiny mole hill that felt like a big hill to me before I knew it. Jeff has lots of patience with me on the bike, and I am glad. I mumbled to myself and just kept going. Next thing we were at the farm and no cows in the field. (Sunday I really struggled at that point and the cows in the field thought"love is in the air" which made me lose total concentration) We finally hit Michaels Road which I just knew we would get a good push from the wind to make it home -- NOT.

Since I am not really into time or speed at this point, I was happy with Monday's ride - I felt my tempo was a little more consistent, mentally the wind did not kill me and I had a blast. I still have a few issues to work on - drinking was a lot easier but I still put my breaks on to turn corners (then I have to work harder to catch back up). That will correct itself as I become more comfortable on the road.

Jeff's limp is almost gone, he said the slow spin helped his knee and getting out of the saddle didn't hurt as much. Guess riding slow with me has some advantages.

For all that know that I have "bellied ached" over the years about eating after 8 on ride nights, will be happy to hear we didn't eat until 8:30. After riding and taking a shower, I really wasn't hungry. I think I finally understand.

It will be a workout at the Y for us on Tuesday. Weather doesn't look like riding will happen outside on Wed (but ya never know)

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Sunday Fun

After Goose's tri day yesterday I was a little concerned over him riding today. After much debate (on my part) we decided to head out on his 17 mile venture. It has been a LONG time since I have been on the road, the trainer and I have become best friends. Heading out of out plat I knew I was in trouble. It didn't matter which direction we were headed -- nothing but head wind (well at least that is what I am calling it as this point).

Goose''s knee didn't seem to really both him seated (of course it was like he was sitting still riding with me!) I felt fairly comfortable, I tried to remember all the tips everyone gave through the winter. I felt fairly smooth, tried to keep my shoulders and arms loose and not grip the handle bars AND try to take a drink of water! There were times we were going 22 mph and other times 10. I finally just got down in my drops and decided the faster we ride - the sooner I get done.

Goose seems to be walking better now, still has swelling and pain, which will take a couple of days to go away. Me - had a blast - can't wait until the next time I can ride. Just learned a couple of very valuable lessons today with my asthma and will know what to do next time. But I am going on record - I HATE WIND!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Tri day for Goose and Race for Crilli

What a beautiful day (finally). Goose decided to head to the Dam to trail run and try out his legs. He said no pain and was actually smiling. Little did he know that he would create his on little triathlon ----- run - slip - fall. He came limping back into the house bleeding and very sore knee. Cleaned him up - iced knee and headed out for Yellow Springs to watch Crilli race.

Met up with Crilli's Mom, Dad and brother Jon. Dobo found us on a curve waiting for Crilli to pass. The organizers changed the finish point and dropped a lap (maybe a miscalculation on mileage on their part). Tried out my new camera, got some decent shots, I think Dobo got a really good one of Crilli and watched him finish 3rd. On my most of my photos Crilli was in 2nd on the climbs.

Goose actually enjoyed being a spectator! Way to go Crilli!!!!! We had fun with your family and watching the race.