stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL (Page 22)

2009-02-18 8:14 PM

in reply to: #1896958

Expert

745

Bethesda, MD/Northern NJ

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

Thanks Lisa! That looks amazing and the price can't be beat - I'm definitely going to make a big effort to be there! It might be tough though - that weekend is my GRADUATION from law school. Graduation is actually the 24th (Sunday), so I have no excuses for missing the Saturday clinic, but we'll see what my parents plans are for coming down

Also, we'll definitely have to meet up after Cherry Blossom! Though I guess you'll be easy to find if you're running barefoot I'm probably going to be doing it slow because I don't really feel like disrupting the HIM training schedule too too much to work up to it. By early April, the HIM plan only has me doing a few 90 minute runs, and mostly 60 minute runs. If I was really racing, I could probably get 10 miles in at/around 90 minutes, but I'll probably be somewhere between 90 - 100 minutes (i.e. 9:30 pace?) We shall see as the day approaches!

Thanks for the Chasing Bubbles tips Steve! I actually got KICKED by a swimmer today when I was at the pool! The guy was in the lane next to me doing a wacky breast-stroke, and he kicked out so far to the side that he kicked me in the hip! My first taste of swimming as a contact sport

Today I did my longest ever continuous swim! The plan called for 2000 yards continuous as the main set, with 1700 as the alternative if you weren't ready for 2000. I was planning on 1700, but I got to 1700 and felt good, so I went for it, and finished the 2000 in 36:33! The first time I did 1500 continuous, it took like 31 minutes, so I think I'm speeding up slightly Most of the 100's were around 1:58, with a few faster ones at the end! Wooo for fun in the pool

2009-02-18 8:22 PM

in reply to: #1896958

Expert

745

Bethesda, MD/Northern NJ

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

Woooo- page 22 winner

Forgot to say - yes to Steve! The trainer workout yesterday was good - I really like having some structure and getting to use my timer on things (i.e. I love track workouts because you push yourself hard for a set period of time). My trainer actually came with a DVD called "Race Day" that kind of lets you follow a 'helmet cam' of a race and tells you when to speed up and slow down which is kind of fun! But yes, I have heard of Spinnervals, and would love to get one of those DVDs. Sounds like something that would be totally up my alley! Unfortunately, I'm trying to keep a tight hold on my wallet because I was hemorrhaging money getting myself all set up "Race Day" will have to do for now!

2009-02-18 8:35 PM

in reply to: #1896958

Expert

745

Bethesda, MD/Northern NJ

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

Oh, and my very 'newbie-esque' thoughts on my race nutrition situation:

Up until this point, I've really never gotten too big into race-nutrition. I've tried some different gels, but found that I like SportBeans the best. In my marathons, I usually wore a fuel belt (re: me in heat), and would bring along 3 packets of SportBeans - I have one at mile 6, one at half-way point, and one around mile 18-19. It seems to work out ok - I've never hit a complete 'wall' (knock on wood!) and I even managed a negative split this year at Chicago (2:16 and 2:13!)

My problem, and concern for triathlon, is with drinks - I don't know if this makes sense, but I don't think I can tolerate 'mixed' drinks that come from powder. The two times I've vomited during races, it was after drinking 'mixed' gatorade from powder/water that was at aid stations. Both races (short- one was a 10k and one was a 5-miler) it was really hot and I probably pushed too hard (again - me and heat don't mix), but since those two times I've really started to avoid taking mixed drinks at aid stations. So during Chicago this year, I carried all my own Gatorade (that came from a bottle) and took water at the aid stations.

Is it possible that I'm making this up and the aversion to powdered/mixed drinks is all in my head? Probably. I should give some another try, especially under lower stress conditions with less heat. Are there any drinks that you guys would particularly recommend for me now that I'm trying to make my transition to 'powdered' mix drinks?

All this talk probably makes me sound like I'm coming from crazy town But I swear, there is something about the powder-mix that I can taste that just doesn't sit well with me! Though, both times it was Gatorade, so maybe it would work out better with another product.

elindquist

2009-02-18 8:47 PM

in reply to: #1896958

Member

Subject: More times...

MALE AGE GROUP: 50 - 54
1 39 MIKE MERRA 50 AMHERST NH 1:30:08
2 55 MICHAEL TEIXEIRA 50 READING MA 1:32:24
3 59 STEVE PIPER 53 HOLLIS NH 1:32:49
FEMALE AGE GROUP: 50 - 54
1 142 SUE FOWLER-FINN 54 MEDFORD MA 1:40:56
2 285 LISA WOOD 50 BAR HARBOR ME 1:48:50
3 304 CINDY HEBERT 54 CLINTON MA 1:50:17
MALE AGE GROUP: 55 - 59
1 30 LEN HALL 55 ENFIELD NH 1:28:58
2 78 PERRY SEAGROVES 56 CONCORD NH 1:34:34
3 89 GREGORY CULLEN 56 WESTFORD MA 1:36:35
FEMALE AGE GROUP: 55 - 59
1 162 LINDA PARRISH 55 CONWAY NH 1:42:39
2 289 JANET PARKINSON 57 PORTSMOUTH NH 1:49:20
3 333 ANN JOHNSON 57 BRIDGTON ME 1:51:53
MALE AGE GROUP: 60 - 64
1 61 TOM WALTON 60 CONTOOCOOK NH 1:33:03
2 88 DAVID REIN 60 BEVERLY MA 1:36:27
3 117 MARTYN RICHARDS 60 GEORGETOWN MA 1:38:40
FEMALE AGE GROUP: 60 - 64
1 507 ALINE KENNEY 60 NASHUA NH 2:00:43
2 659 MARY ULINSKI 64 DOVER NH 2:10:51
3 708 MARY CIAMPA 61 SAUGUS MA 2:14:36

2009-02-18 8:49 PM

in reply to: #1969660

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

JESS -

Holy jumpin' catfish, Jess, that time for the 2000 is terrific! So, there's your benchmark swim for Moosey, giving you a very, very solid time to work around between now and June 7. I am very envious of your for your swimming ability, as I have NEVER done 2000 in 36 minutes; 37 might be my best.

Now, for Moosey you'll be in a wetsuit, and that will only help your time, what with added buoyancy and all. Moreover, you have 3+ months to work on refinements to your technique, endurance, and confidence, and so I think you should be feeling very fondly towards the pool!

I've done a race swim at Newfound Lake six times, and the water has never been choppy. That's not to say that it can't happen, but the lake must be aligned in a way that protects it to a fair degree. Anyhow, I say that just to let you start thinking about it being a reasonable swim course. Plus, the RD, Keith Jordan, is NOT an advocate of large swim waves, so you won't be going out with a hundred or so other women; 50-60 is more likely.

Welcome to contact swimming! I always find it disconcerting when the contact is initiated from the adjacent lane -- although I think I have been guilty (once? twice? thrice?) of a long, gangly arm sweeping a bit too wide on my somewaht awkward breaststroke!

I support the approach you are planning to take at Cherry Blossom, which is both wise and mature. As much as many people can identify "A"-priority races in their schedule, they all too often are unable to approach lead-up races as "B"- or "C"-priority races. (I speak from vast experience in this matter, consistently putting way too much effort into races that I either shouldn't be doing, or should only do as a "training" race, given their proximity to an "A" race.)

One idea to think about at Cherry Blossom is, if you are feeling good, to "negative-split" it -- doing the second half faster than the first half. So, you could start off at your steady pace (say, the 9:30 you mention), and then as you cruise into the second half of it, pick up the pace if it suits you. There is a lot to be said for negative-splitting any run (this is another topic), and just the act of working on your pacing is valuable.

Fine swimmin' today!

2009-02-18 8:51 PM

in reply to: #1969710

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10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

JESS -

Arg! I just found your other two, after I posted mine to you. I'll get back to those others later!

2009-02-18 8:58 PM

in reply to: #1969708

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: More times...

ERIC -

Thank you for those!

My guesses were pretty bang-on for the 55-59 and 60-64 groups, but that top time for 50-54 really surprises me. That is usually a killer group, especially the guys right at the bottom of it.

Those times for the top three 60-64 are really impressive - even if all three are "only" 60! I couldn't come at all close to those times nowadays, alas and woe!

The three winning female times were significantly faster than the three runner-up times. Discrepancies such as those aren't too common.

Neat data! They make me feel all itchy to be competing! Thanks again.

2009-02-18 9:06 PM

in reply to: #1969689

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10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

JESS -

No, no, no, you're not from crazy town at all! The big caveat about any nutrition discussion is that there is no porduct out there that works for everyone. As one germane example, I can't tolerate SportBeans and Sharkies and the like, and yet they're gold for you. The best-formulated stuff in the world - be it gels, bars, drinks, whatever - is useless if it's unplatable.

(Digression - Big discussion at Slowtwitch recently, with people talking about what all they add to Perpetuem to make it palatable. The list of mad-mixing suggestions was wild, and all I could think was that if it doesn't work, it doesn't work --- go on to another product.)

Oops! Lynn just got home and I should get upstairs and be with her. can I hold these thoughts for a bit longer? Bye for now!

2009-02-18 9:48 PM

in reply to: #1969710

Expert

745

Bethesda, MD/Northern NJ

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

stevebradley - 2009-02-18 9:49 PM JESS - Holy jumpin' catfish, Jess, that time for the 2000 is terrific! So, there's your benchmark swim for Moosey, giving you a very, very solid time to work around between now and June 7. I am very envious of your for your swimming ability, as I have NEVER done 2000 in 36 minutes; 37 might be my best.

Steve- Ok, so you're making me question myself! I went back and did the math, knowing that most of my splits were between 1:52-1:57, and there is no way I did 2000 in 36:33 (i.e. 36x60+33 = 2,193 seconds spent swimming, divided by 20 laps - i.e. 20 laps of 100 = 109.65 or 1:49.65). So since I know I didn't average 1:49, I must have messed something up! So I went back into my watch (yay for 50 lap recall) and I saw that I double clicked at lap 16!!!F)(@*#$ - apparently I only spent .25 seconds on that lap, haha.

I hate my watch - apparently I only did 1900. I am definitely a 'dot the i's and cross the t's' person, and I feel like I need to go back to the pool and do that last 100. Too bad its almost 11 and they're closed!

So I guess add about 1:55 to that 36:33 and we have a baseline. It's also more in line with what I did when I did 31 for the 1500 So apparently I didn't grow fins in the last week!

2009-02-18 9:49 PM

in reply to: #1969710

Expert

745

Bethesda, MD/Northern NJ

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

So I guess add about 1:55 to that 36:33 and we have a baseline. It's also more in line with what I did when I did 31 for the 1500 So apparently I didn't grow fins in the last week!

2009-02-18 10:00 PM

in reply to: #1896958

Expert

745

Bethesda, MD/Northern NJ

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

Apparently I double click often, as I just made the same post twice!!

2009-02-18 10:05 PM

in reply to: #1969783

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

JESS -

Just a quick hit-and-run -----

1900....2000....pretty darn close, I'd say! So even if you add two minutes onto your time, that's still great for so early in the season. And think about this - many of the longer swim course are mismeasured, so think that you just did one of those slightly mismeasured HIM corses today - 1900 instead of 2000. Voila!

And good night. I'll return about the other one tomorrow, okay?

2009-02-19 7:53 AM

in reply to: #1969689

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

JESS -

I'm baaaaack!

Okay, where was I? Um....you're not from crazy towm....you've got a good thing going with the SportsBeans....if something doesn't work, it doesn't work.....is that about it?

Moving on, then, my first new comment is that people who wear fuel belts have vastly more control over their nutrition than those who don't. I am one of the latter, and as much as I fully support the statement I just made, I can't get on board with the fuel belt concept. I think I tried one once (maybe twice), and just didn't like it. That's not giving the thing much of a chance, is it?

If you are comfortable with a fuel belt, as you seem to habe been with the marathons, then in a sense you are buying yourself some time to experiment with all of the nutritionals that are out there. For now, go with what works - both in your body and within the confines of the belt. Between now and whenever (and I mean that literally, as the nutritional quest is never-ending), you can refine your nutritional plan, and in all likelihood you'll find yourself five years from now with a different array of race-edibles than you currently have.

I would not give up on powdered drinks; maybe approach them cautiously, but don't reject them outright. My quick thought is two-fold: (1) that the ones that offended you were poorly mixed, and (2) that your two vomiting episodes may well have had more to do with the heat and your intensity than with the drink itself.

Heat is really tough on me, and it sounds like you don't do all that well with it, either. If I looked back on all the times I felt really awful (nauseous -- although I have yet to actually vomit; dry heaves is more common for me), they would all be in hot conditions. My system - and maybe yours also - seems to shut down in its ability to tolerate ingestibles that normally are tolerable, and maybe even desirable. (Some hot races I have done well in, but anytime it is hot I am very leery of how my stomach will respond.)

Many people find Gatorade too tough on their system, due to the very high sugar content, and this of course can be exacerbated by a mix that is made too strong. That is what I expect happened to you, and it's maybe why you can tolerate bottled Gatorade, but not aid station Gatorade. (I've seen volunteers at aid stations scrambling madly to keep up with demand, and they sure aren't being precise with their measurements!)

If you have the money, try another product or two. I use HEED (High Energy Electrolyte Drink) from Hammer Nutrition (www.hammernutrition.com), and this is tasty, mild, and effective. They now have several varieties - Mandarin Orange, Lemon-Lime, Subtle Melon, Subtle Strawberry, and Unflavored; maybe another - and these all work for me. Each tub runs about $18, I think, so that's pricey -- BUT I'm sure they sell single-serving packets, maybe just $2 each, so with just a small outlay of cash you could do some minimal experimenting and maybe come up with one or two that work. HEED has a solid electrolyte profile, and another bonus is that it is made with maltodextrin, which is a complex carbohydrate. HEED also contains a few amino acids, so that is good for recovery-after-the-fact, as well as energy during the event.

Another product to look at is Infinit (www.infinitnutrition.com, I think), which tastes GREAT and works well - but those aren't the only highlights. Infinit can come two ways - pre-formulated and personalized. When you go to their website, you'll have the chance to do a questionnaire wherein you'll answer what your needs are. These include desired amounts of carbs, proteins, and electrolytes, planned race distances, and also how you prefer your drink to taste. (There are 7 or 8 categories, so I'm missing some here.) Do this survey, as it's a very nifty thing! There are "sliders" (you'll see what I mean), and these adjust according to your preferences. What comes up is what shoud be an ideal drink for your needs, and Infinit charges nothing more for mixing this drink than they do for one of the pre-formulated ones. And as for those, there are several different "styles" available - including one for hot weather. I will poke around and see how that one differs from the one for sprints and the one for irons and the one for clydesdales.

Infinit also sells single packs, so that is another way to try something without investing in a big old tub. Infinit works great for me on the bike, and as much as I really like the taste of the various HEEDs, I LOVE the taste of the fruit punch Infinit (it also comes in orange and lemon). The drawback for me, being fuelbeltless, is that once I'm off the bike I can't use it. For you, though, it could be carried in your belt -- but then again, so could anything, ranging from Infinit to Gatorade to iced mocha frappuchinos to a 400-year-old Benedictine wine from a cellar in the south of France.

Check out the Infinit website! It's neat stuff! And also go to their info section where they have an explanation of osmality. Osmality is a big concept for the Infinit people, and although I'm too fuzzy about it now to try to explain it, I think it might have some pertinence to your aversion to powdered drinks, or, as I suspect, your aversion to drinks that are poorly-mixed.

Final options would be for me to get some stuff to you, either by mail or hand-delivered at Bassman - if I actually make it there! (My head is 100% behind the thought, but the Achilles are not even 30% "game" right now!). I would be happy to fill a bunch of baggies with different stuff, as I have at home here three different flavors of HEED, some Infinit, and some Accelerade; maybe Cytomax, too! Anyhow, if sending stuff to you sounds workable, let me know. It's just one of those services I provide as a Full Service Mentor!!

GO TO THE INFINIT WEBSITE AND PLAY WITH THEIR SLIDERS!!!!

2009-02-19 8:03 AM

in reply to: #1970029

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

JESS again, AND ALL -

The system at Infinit for creating one's own drink formula is based on seven criteria:

--- Flavor (weak to strong)
--- Carbohydrate Blend (sprint tri to iron distance tri)
--- Calories (low to high)
--- Electrolyte Blend (low to high)
--- Protein (none to high)
--- Amino Acid Blend (none to high)
--- Caffeine (none to high)

For each of these there is a wide "gradation" -- if that's the word I want. The "sliders" run along a scale, which is divided into ten units, each divided in half, so you have a wide range of choice for each of the seven categories.

The other benefit of doing the survey (www.infinitnutrition.com) that "sets" the sliders is that it gets you thinking about your race goals, your expected nutritional needs, and your various tolerances. (See some of the comments I made to Jess in the post above.)

Have fun with this. Wheeeeeee!

2009-02-19 8:14 AM

in reply to: #1970029

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

JESS once more -

I dug out my single-serving packets of Infinit's pre-formulation for "Hot Weather" and "Going Long" formulas. Here's how they stack up:

Calories -- 241 for HW, 297 for GL
Sodium -- 500mg for HW, 400mg for GL
Potassium -- 145g for HW, 116g for GL
Total Carb -- 58.3g for HW, 70.3g for GL
Sugars -- 26.3g for HW, 22.3g for GL
Protein -- 2g for HW, 4g for GL
Calcium -- 40mg for HW, 32mg for GL
Magnesium -- 30mg for HW, 24mg for GL
Amino Acids - each has four AA, each with the same levels

To complete the comparison, the serving size for the HW packet is 65.2g, and for the GL it is 76.7g, so the values for HW can be adjusted upward by ?? to compare accurately with GL.

Is any of this really useful to you?? I apologize if this is boring you silly!!

Edited by stevebradley 2009-02-19 8:16 AM

gracetaBitha

2009-02-19 9:06 AM

in reply to: #1969430

Regular

111

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

stevebradley - 2009-02-18 5:59 PM "ROLLDOWN" FOR THE GEL SAMPLER (almost like rolldown for Kona spots!)....ROLLDOWN ORDER: - LISA (has turned down the award, partly in shame -she sounds almost like A-Rod! - and partly because she seems content with the glory ---- such as it is) - GRACE - MINDY - TREVOR Grace, what do you say??

STEVE (and Lisa)

What an honor hehe. I am in two minds about this receiving this prize.

I feel I am unworthy of it.

I have followed all the nutrition posts avidly, and have been discussing with Spencer what would be the best route for me to take. I have tried some gu and gels before (Spencer's), including during the Eco X sprint adventure race last year. I didn't really like them, and wonder what your thoughts are on alternative foods: During that 6 hr race, I ate five (5) hard boiled (& peeled) eggs washed down with water. I'm thinking I should have at least had some electrolyte drink, but have yet to find one that I like the taste of.

I don't know why I am picky about electrolyte drinks and energy bars, since I don't give a second thought to eating frogs, monitor lizards, pig intestines, tongue, ears (you get the picture). There must be something wrong with my tastebuds heh. On long hikes I chew on home made deer jerky and dried fruit that I make with my dehydrator.

So I think it will be a challenge for me to figure out what to eat during a race. Spencer and I joked about me sucking down raw eggs 'rocky style' while other racers suck down their gu. (Rocky style eggs are had by breaking a small hole at one end of the egg and sucking its contents out). I think it would be too risky to try to eat raw eggs.... because if they get smashed during the race I would be left hungry!

I guess Mindy should have The Award. Unless everyone really wants me to eat those gels !!

gracetaBitha

2009-02-19 9:10 AM

in reply to: #1969457

Regular

111

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

STEVE

Thanks for your post on Chasing Bubbles. I do find it unnerving sharing a lane with Spencer because he generates a lot of turbulence. I lift my head to take a breath and if we are passing each other then likely I get a mouthful of water instead. Rather than shying away from it now, I will try to swim more in these conditions.

gracetaBitha

2009-02-19 9:21 AM

in reply to: #1969660

Regular

111

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

ThatGirl - 2009-02-18 9:14 PM Today I did my longest ever continuous swim!... and finished the 2000 in 36:33! The first time I did 1500 continuous, it took like 31 minutes, so I think I'm speeding up slightly

Most of the 100's were around 1:58, with a few faster ones at the end! Wooo for fun in the pool

JESS, wow that is awesome! I feel like such a slowpoke when I am swimming with Spencer, or anyone else for that matter. I did 600 m in 17 minutes yesterday which was a minute better than last week. But the 9 y/o kids blast right by me, they put me to shame! Even my daughter is faster than me. She does 50m in 44 s, while I am a pokey 51 s. Ah woe... At least I'm having fun .

Oh, I just reread the posts and, JESS, that is still awesome! How do you all keep track of your laps? I have to just keep thinking of the lap no i'm on or else I'll forget!

Edited by gracetaBitha 2009-02-19 9:32 AM

2009-02-19 3:22 PM

in reply to: #1970183

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

GRACE -

Just quickly for now.

You ARE worthy of it, but it's just that gels score too high on your gaggilicious scale. Okay, we'll roll down to Mindy then.

As for alternative race-appropriate edibles, there are options, about which I will return shortly.

2009-02-19 3:27 PM

in reply to: #1970183

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

MINDYMINDYMINDYMINDYMINDY!!!! --

Based on you page 18 toptitude, you qualify for Lisa's 500th post award! She didn't feel she deserved it (being a weasel and all), and Grace, who was next in line, prefers viscera of lower vertebrates and higher invertebrates to gels.

So.......D'ya want a thoughtfully selected assortment of gels -- various flavors, various brands?

Just one of the services I provide as a Full Service Mentor!

And, how goes the swimming? Swimmingly, I hope?

2009-02-19 3:36 PM

in reply to: #1970183

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

"I think it would be too risky to try to eat raw eggs.....because if they get smashed during the race I would be left hungry!"
- gracetaBitha

CREATIVE CHALLENGE FOR ALL --

Let's continue to construct a truly unique racing creature. So far we have one that runs barefoot, sucking 'rocky-style' eggs in the process.

What next?

2009-02-19 3:44 PM

in reply to: #1970222

Champion

10618

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

GRACE -

My take on your swim is focused on the one minute improvement over last week. ONE MINUTE is a HUGE jump in just a week! And I don't think for a single moment that you have hit your peak. That is a superb leap forward, and you should be incredibly pleased with your progress.

As for the 9-year olds blasting past you......hey, they're just punks, is all. Kids -- y'know?

As for your daughter, that 44s/50m is pretty darn good! But just let her know that you're closing in on her, and she'd better diabuse herself of any daughter/mom superiority complex she might be harboring!

elindquist

2009-02-19 3:51 PM

in reply to: #1971494

Member

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

I was thinking of bringing a tube of raw cookie dough, and drinking only Absinthe while training.

TGrayPDX

2009-02-19 4:12 PM

in reply to: #1896958

Veteran

135

Portland

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

Now we're talking hard core!

Absinthe would go great with a big cigar, I think.

mindymcc

2009-02-19 4:47 PM

in reply to: #1971470

Veteran

481

Subject: RE: stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL

I have not yet tried any of the gels. The thought of them seems sickening although I guess they do the job for a lot of people. Anything is better than viscera! Maybe I need a sampler to try them out??

The swimming is going well. I'm no speed demon, but my goal is really to finish the swim with plenty of energy for the bike and run, so I think that will be doable now. I tried the bi-lateral breathing one more time and decided it's not worth the effort. Every 4th stroke is doing just fine for me, thank-you very much!

I did not get to do my mountain valley ride last weekend, which was disappointing. But we will be back up there in early March so I will have another opportunity soon. This weekend iss supposed to include a bike ride on the Silver Comet Trail, an excellent paved trail system that goes from Atlanta all the way to Alabama!. I have never ridden there but hear good things (other than the unfortunate random murder there a few years back!) The weather this weekend is not looking promising though so I'll have to keep my fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, I keep plodding along on the treadmill and stationery bike. Weather should start improving soon. This is the south after all!