Getting anal-lytical

I have an unusual Monday off from work this week because the good folks who run the company decided to make Good Friday a paid holiday for us this year. I would rather be out riding but due to the rain I am keeping it indoors and driving myself stir crazy trying to anal-yze the last couple of weeks worth of workouts.

The past two weeks have been really productive riding weeks for me. The first I logged just short of 10 hours of saddle time and about 7 and a quarter hours worth last week. Both weeks have seen me riding home from work a couple days a week and then on my days off I have tried to get in a longer ride and then something in the 30-40 mile range. Total mileage for the two weeks were 174 and 137 respectively.

Last week for my longer ride, I decided to head through the city to extend my usual Riverside route. It was intended to add some more elevation change at the same time which it certainly did. Despite the wind and terrible road conditions in the city, I was extremely excited about the pace especially considering the small tantrum my legs decided to throw at the base of Old Gun.

Elevation profile for the Home-Riverside Complete route

This past weekend I had to switch hats over to the support hat as Jenn took part in her first triathlon in Smithfield. I didn't think this was going to be hard for me to do as I cannot swim "well" and really do not like running. What I do like though is competition. I have always been the one competing with others supporting me. So I thought to myself, W.W.D.D (What Would Dad Do) as he has always made sure I was were I needed to be and had what I needed at the correct times.

Jenn did an amazing job and didn't show much nerves at all despite her saying she was extremely nervous. Once she was in the water she looked completely focused on the task at hand. She had pretty quick transitions for her first ever attempt at one (she hadn't even practiced one prior). Coming off the bike her hands were extremely cold to the point which they didn't work which slowed her ability to get her running shoes on. She finished strong and is extremely excited to continue to doing more in the future. She has definitely caught the bug! Pics here!

Jenn finishing her first tri

Met up with Travis for the first half of the last of the pre-Cranky two-a-days. Put in a little short of 50 miles in on the road mostly on my favorite Riverside route. Afterwards went home for a few short hours to grab some grub watch part of the Cubs game and then grab the mtb and head out to PSP for a spin with Chris. Have to say, the pace was a relaxed one full of great conversation and it is great to have you back on the bike again.

Alarm went off for work this morning but totally do not remember turning it off. Made it to work just a few minutes before scheduled. For the rest of the day I have been fighting heavy eyelids. This is not good considering there are a bunch of Marines waiting to Spank my monkey on Sunday. The good news though is it feels as if I have plenty of energy and was actually itching to go for a short spin this evening. Knowing that I need rest more than anything now I talked myself out of it and instead gave the BUSS a look-see and a bath. It's all clean now and looking as Butt Ugly as ever!

Heading up for a pre-ride tomorrow afternoon then meeting up with JB to reserve a couple of pit stalls next to each other. Race on Sunday!

Riverside to PSP

Made it out for a ride on Tuesday. Decided to take an easy spin through the city and come back via the Riverside. All went well for the first 25 miles. Then the tightness in my right knee came back which is what I was trying to avoid by taking it "easy". Made a short stop at the Hugenout Flatlands and got off the bike. Magically when I got back onto the bike the tightness was gone. Decided not to cut the ride short and heading up Old Gun and back to the casa.


Took the BUSS over to the shop yesterday. My man Dave changed the oil in the fork. Have to give up to that fork. 6 years old and just getting its first oil change. Only reason I even had it down was because it had developed a squeak. Squeak is now gone!

And here is something you don't see to much anymore.

Headed over to PSP today for a quick spin. Enjoyed every minute of it. I might start to spend more time playing in the dirt and possibly less on the road. Hard decision though as I have fallen for both! Its like picking between two hot ladies. Seriously how does one choose?!