Friday, February 26, 2010

Balance and Moderation

It's been a rough week and it ain't over yet. I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, but at least I did manage to get on the bike a few times. On top of the lingering chest cold, there's also the general cold and clammy weather, the new dog, various bike club and sponsorship duties, race results to be posted and scored for LCCS (maybe next week!), the club training camp this weekend, and of course, work. It has been an exercise in balance. Cycling-wise, the week has been all about moderation and frustration, not necessarily in that order. Wednesday's morning ride got rained out, more or less. I got dressed and ready to go, but opened the door to cold, lots of wind, and a light falling mist. It was a combination that only Streptococcus pneumoniae would enjoy. I was sorry to disappoint them, but I was planning on using my lungs for breathing later that week, so I had to pass on the ride.

Thursday the weather was a bit better. Still fairly windy and cold, but at least it was dry. The group on the levee was on the small side, which kept the pace down considerably. Every now and then Rob would pop out of the paceline and zoom up the road for a bit, but for the most part we maintained a steady pace in the low 20s. In keeping with my goal of avoiding an opportunistic pulmonary infection, I was keeping my effort level fairly low. When we got within sight of the grain elevators I dropped off the back and rode easy until I saw the group coming back the other way. So far, so good. I can still feel some lung congestion when I cough, but it is gradually improving. Friday morning was a touch warmer with the wind shifting around to the East. Of course I over-dressed anyway. I think my body is still having a little trouble with its thermostat because I seem to get chilled a bit too easily. Anyway, it was just Scott and me this morning when we started out. Then, as we approached the playground, we saw Donald come up the ramp and start riding upriver. I knew it had to be he because who else would be riding in that temperature without even knee-warmers? We ever-so-gradually started to pursue him, taking a few miles to actually make contact.

So when I leave work today I need to stop at the grocery store and pick up some training camp essentials before departing for Percy Quinn. In this case, that would be wine, coffee and Powerbars. The weather promises to be, well, challenging. Damn, I sure am ready for some warm weather.

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