New Socks

OK, this clearly shows that some of us either need to get a life or a new hobby. These are the new team socks for this year. After much debate (by who I'm not sure since I wanted white), we went with this color. Actually, it was Wayne that went with orange since he was the one putting this deal together. Now we have 120 pairs due to arrive in a few weeks. Looks like I know what the rest of the family will be getting for gifts this year.

Weekly Training Stats - Jan 18 - 24, 2010

Here are my weekly training stats for last week. It was another good week even though I'm not getting in 25 hours like some others (see Rondo's Rage). Last week ended the Base 3 phase of my training. After an easy week this week, the Build 1 phase will begin next week. Only a little more than 5 weeks until the Bethel series begins...yeah boy!!!

Total # Workouts: 6
Total Time: 12:36
Total KCals: 10,622
Average Heart Rate: 133
Maximum Heart Rate: 169

Now That's Embarrassing!!!

I cannot stop laughing about this. Enjoy...

Weekly Training Stats - Jan 11 - 17, 2010

Last week was another good training week. Right now I'm in the middle week of the Base 3 phase of my training. My health is also holding out, so keep your fingers crossed. Basically, I'm treating myself like an old car that you just drive until it breaks down. I just hope I don't break down. ;)

Total # of Workouts: 6
Total Time: 12:40
Total KCals: 10,192

Average HR: 132
Maximum HR: 171
(Sorry for not providing the same detail as last week)

Worse Team Kit Ever?

ProTour team Footon-Servetto-Fuji has unveiled their team kit for 2010. Are these things hideous or what? They describe the color as "gold", but it looks more like a flesh-tone or light brown. Can you imagine what these will be like in the wet? These guys probably just hope that they don't become transparent. I hope they are paid well. Is any salary worth this?

Weekly Training Stats - Jan 4 - 10, 2010

He are my total stats for the week of January 4 - 10. I had a pretty good week despite the VERY cold temps. Anything more than 10 hours is a good week for me. I started the BASE 3 phase of my training, so I added more intensity. This included adding "cruise-type" intervals (6 minute efforts @ zone 4 - 5a) on Tuesdays and hills (~4 minutes @ zone 5a) on Saturday. For those you that train based on Joe Friel's program, you will understand what I'm talking about.

Total # Workouts: 6
Total Time: 11:33
KCals: 7,903

Total Time in each zone:
Zone 1 - 42.9%
Zone 2 - 12.4%
Zone 3 - 14.7%
Zone 4 - 27.4%
Zone 5a - 2.5%
Zone 5b - 0.0%
Zone 5c - 0.0%

Ever have this conversation?

"I have to go now and put on my race wheels and dig up my aero helmet."

"I feel a sinus infection coming on."

Funny stuff...

Jens Factor

This has to be one of the funniest cycling related things I've ever seen. As I get older, my Jens Factor seems to be dropping. I'd be lucky to reach Jens Factor 4. Now if only they could find a way to factor in snow and rain. I have to thank Cyclocosm.com for this one.

Today's Workout

Thanks to Mother Nature, we had a couple inches of white stuff dumped on us yesterday and last night. Well, at least it wasn't a total loss. Ian and I spent part of the day putting this handsome fellow together. Looks like it'll be cold for the rest of the weekend, so this guy should be around for a few more days. Ian suggested that we should use him for snowball target practice later this weekend.

Good-bye Old Friend

For health reasons, I've tried to stop eating sugar. I've read a few articles that have linked excess sugar intake with UC. I'm not sure what "excess sugar" means since it can be found in pretty much everything we eat. I do have a sweet tooth and do tend to eat too much candy, cookies, and pastries.

Unfortunately, the first victim of my dietary change is probably the greatest food ever invented - Peanut M&M's. I've been known to finish bag after bag of these colorful, wonderful little candies with the hard shell (my God, I'm starting to sound like an addict!!!). All the chipped teeth they have caused me over the last few years have all been completely worth it. My visit to Costco yesterday was extremely difficult since I had to pass by the aisle with the 3.5 lbs bags!!! After hard work and therapy, I will recover. If it helps me to stay healthy, it will all be worth it in the end despite all the pain it will cause me.

Anyway...good-bye old friend. You will be missed...

2010 Race Schedule

Since it's New Years day, I think it's time to think about the season to come.

The two spring series - Plainville and Bethel - begin the 1st week of March, which means there are only about two months before the fun begins.

Here is my tentative schedule for the 1st half of the season. This is assuming that I do the Bethel series rather than Plainville. The changes to Plainville will most likely chase me away. I just hope nothing gets in the way - such as my health or family obligations.

3/7 - Bethel Spring Series
3/14 - Bethel Spring Series
3/21 - Bethel Spring Series
3/28 - Bethel Spring Series
4/11 - Bethel Spring Series (tentative)
4/18 - Bethel Spring Series (tentative)
4/25 - Quabbin RR
5/1 - Jiminy Peak RR
5/8 - Sterling RR
5/29-31 - Killington Stage Race (tentative)
6/20 - Housatonic Hills RR

I'm sure there will also be some local crits in there as well, but those races are not a priority to me.