2015 Exercise Log/Challenge

[Crankin]

I rode 17 miles yesterday and 24.5 today. It was gusty, but 50 degrees yesterday. I did not think it would be so windy today, and we were heading into it for at least half the ride. DH was not feeling it, so our speed was exceedingly slow, even for us! However, we did pick it up near the end, before we got to our lunch stop, which is about 3 miles from home. Today was cooler out, but I've been dressed appropriately 2 days in a row, which is a miracle at this time of year.
Trying not to wimp out for tomorrow's club ride. We did it on Labor Day and DH had labeled it something "40 miles of hell and Nagog Hill." Thing is, once that hill is done, it's mostly flat or rolling. I also did the ride another time and I almost turned around, but it was because I was with a group of fast guys, who eventually went off on their own and then it was fine. We will not ride with the group, most likely, but be there at the start and let them go off, and then we will go.

[Catrin]

Usual KB training this morning, and I was allowed to try the three basic kettlebell sport lifts (Jerk, Snatch, Long Cycle). Things went fine! It was rather a long workout, they call it the "Calorie Burner" for good reason, but I went a bit slower than normal and really focused on how my biceps and shoulders felt. All was fine. I did end the last set 10 seconds early as one shoulder was starting to tighten and I called it good. I think things will be fine for my Feb 7 competition as long as I listen and don't re-injure. Part of me wants to do more work tomorrow after church, but since I've special KB training sessions already scheduled for both Monday and Tuesday I don't think I will. If I DO go tomorrow, then it will simply be all about mimicking a hamster on the ArcTrainer! No arm involvement at all.

[Crankin]

Just got back from an almost 36 mile ride, with lots of climbing. Again, we went exceedingly slow, but got it done. All I can say is I know colder weather slows you down, but this was nuts. Honestly, I am just glad I am out there. The past few days is the most riding I've done in a row, since I got back from Portugal.
Kind of want to rest or go on a hike tomorrow, if it doesn't rain, but now i only have 17 miles left to get to 2,700 miles. And, I also want to go to the art museum. I am becoming too one dimensional...

[Catrin]

Just got back from an almost 36 mile ride, with lots of climbing. Again, we went exceedingly slow, but got it done. All I can say is I know colder weather slows you down, but this was nuts. Honestly, I am just glad I am out there. The past few days is the most riding I've done in a row, since I got back from Portugal.
Kind of want to rest or go on a hike tomorrow, if it doesn't rain, but now i only have 17 miles left to get to 2,700 miles. And, I also want to go to the art museum. I am becoming too one dimensional...

You are a better woman than me, as I recall I got more and more of a temperature weenie as the winter progressed. Whatever you decide, have fun tomorrow! The art museum is a good idea, I might have to do that tomorrow as well, thanks for the idea!

[Crankin]

Well, I decided to go with my gut and take a complete rest day today (except for my daily back stretches). There was about a 2 hour window between 11 and 1 where the rain had stopped and the wind had not started, but we zipped into town and saw the Goya exhibit at the MFA. Then of course, it was lunch time, so we stopped on the way home, in my hometown, and had very healthy salads at a pub. I was pretty wiped out from yesterday's ride, and we went out for Italian food at my favorite very authentic restaurant in the North End last night, so I slept for 9 hours and I feel pretty good today. I, too, am learning not to overdo it. I will go to bootcamp tomorrow before work and then decide if I will do spin or not on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I am going to my club's New Year's event. There is a 30 mile ride and a hike before the lunch party. It's going to be about 25 degrees at ride time. Don't know if I can do that. I have the gear, let's see if I can challenge myself. My issue with hiking with this group, is that they walk kind of slowly for me to feel like it's a work out.