A 2018 Closer

Having spent post of this year at the tremendous age of 29, I suppose the term "end of an era" comes to mind. Not that I can fully comprehend what my physical "peak" was or was not, I do know that, physiologically speaking, I am forever on the down-slope of my physical prowess. Be that as it may, I know my best days on the bike are still in front of me and I can hardly wait. No rush, though. I still have another year and a half of school. But I know I will have hard battles ahead of me for years to come once I hit the masters categories. Those are still years away, but I'll plant the seed now as I mentally begin my patient return to this sport I love. 

many cinnamon rolls were had this holiday season.

Today's ride was short, not so fast, and altogether painful. I still enjoy the pain even when there is no need for it. I do not believe I will have another month off for the rest of my professional-oriented life. I have ridden my bike 13/14 days so far - not to mention one of those days I did a 2-a-day workout while another I was without my Garmin!!! Again, there's no ascertainable reason for my riding except for just that - I want to ride. It's just one more blessing I want to appreciate as much as I can.

brr

These past few rides have afforded me the ability to do some exploration of trails right in my backyard. I haven't discovered them all on my own thanks to the fiance, but they are exciting to ride and explore further after so many years of managing road riding in this area. It must be said that these trails so far are incredibly flat, but at least there's usually a creek nearby.

taken with a very tight grip on the phone

I found this 200lb TV curb-side with a clear sign on it with big capital letters spelling "FREE." I did a number on my biceps transferring this hunk into my car's trunk, but it'll be well used before I'm done with it!

Sweet, sweet FREE! How lucky is that!!?!

This little guy was almost lost, but a vigorous hard-reset brought it back to life... do you see the indents from button mashing on my index finger!?!

Yeah, that was a weird moment. I almost lost my Garmin a few days ago. I turned it on as one does a few moments before heading out the door to ride, and the sucker decided to punch out. Determined to not let a little computer get in the way of me having a good ride, I set out without it and came to terms with its demise somewhere in those 1.5 hour jaunt. At some point the next day I looked up the hard-reset and it worked - though I had to hold it for longer than what the various instructions said to - nothing to lose I guess. Before resuscitating it, I did look up and weigh up replacements. I almost pulled the trigger too. Holding true to my non-impulsive nature during my 24 hours without a Garmin, I was of course reminded that I did not need a computer that tracks my every effort in order to ride. It's a nice thing to have, but there is no way I need it. Part of me finds it completely unnecessary to even train with. It's a coach's tool, but for me - I do not believe I actually need it to train. Anway, I don't actually have to be without it so I'll table this debate for another day... or never.

I had to replace my rear tire last week. This bump was unbecoming of the trainer rides I so diligently put myself through.

I usually have longer runs on my cheap tires

I think this is where I will leave this aimless post. I'm hungry and need to drink more water.

Thanks for reading.