40 days

Got an email from TCSD yesterday offering a comp entry to the Seal Sprint. I emailed back and was the first to respond. Entry = mine. Nothing like a free race to put a little jump in your step. I didn't even know the date of the race - checked out the website; 40 days. So here it goes. (No, I don't have plans to visit the desert, and yes I'll be drinking water and eating along the way - I ain't no saint).

new shoes and capris

Today I laced up those new shoes I bought a while ago. And put on those "compression" tights Kyle gave me for my birthday and the bright pink socks from my mom. And finished it with a red tank and pink visor - I look like Valentines Day threw up on me. And I ran. (and I may have just enjoyed it)

I kept myself in check - it has been a while and I really don't want to overdo it. But I had to do it. And so it is - my little 40 day challenge. I'm writing a little training plan for myself - trying to be conservative (because injuries suck) but consistent, and setting some goals along the way.

In other news, I road last week with some ladies who actually trained over the off season. This was promised to be "an easy ride" on the GWL. Right, I'll believe that when I see it. Anyway, in the alone time I had off the back, I put together the bio's of my riding partners.

The Three "Bears"

Not really bears, but they each have "animals" inside. First we have the she-devil. The instigator. The lady who will keep inviting you, and then threaten your life if you don't make it out. Don't be fooled by her appearance; she has a devil inside - and her drive for the sport is amazing.

Second, is the energizer bunny. If you read her blog, you wonder where she's storing all this energy between juggling kids, job and hubby. She and the she-devil are on serious instructions to stay at 190 watts. I'm just barely hanging on and I'll put in my peep "hey ladies, what are you at?" (both respond 215, oops!) - yeah I know who you report to, and I'm telling. Reel in the lines.

Lastly, the Mountain Lion. Haven't seen this lady in months, primarily because she's been on the back country mountain trails or skiing at some exotic resort. Her husband won't let her go alone, and he was out of town. So she traded in her mountain steed for the skinny tire road version. She claims she "doesn't have her street legs" but we all know of what's to come as she's darting ahead on the first hill with the ipod jammin'. We didn't see her the rest of the day.   

I had been on the GWL twice this winter. Once, when I forgot my right shoe, and another time with the MCS racers. I miss it. It was hard, and I went on their "easy" day, but it was a good day of suffering as the ladies in front kept it chatty.

Clockwise it was, not usually my way of choice, but we took the skyline truck trail on the way down, and wow - what a much nicer and easier descent. How have I not done that before?

Tea and conversation with the devil. Always a great time. Look out for these ladies this season.

Random News:

1) MCS Racing is in full stride. Boulevard was tough and last weekend Kyle, Lynne and I raced at the V-Day crit in Brea - rough go on both races - crashes and junior blockers ruined our chances at glory. Pictures and race reports may come later.

took a picture of my scrapbook - bought jack in 2005 before the age of digital cameras

2) Sold Jack the Jeep. Kind of a sad day for me. He was the first car I purchased; he brought me to CA. He's in a good home now, where the owner is going to replace that bad rear end.

3) Work has been crazy busy. Went to the wind tunnel on my day off today to help with bike positioning and swapping of parts in between trials for this Brazilian dude. Did a Bike Fit clinic last week and our fitting appointments have been booked solid.

40 days though - Kermit vs Cookie Monster - a dual for Rachel's time in these upcoming weeks.