Is This Really January?

With the new year I guess it is customary to reflect on what has been accomplished and in turn, make goals for the future. Ask those who know me, I'm not big on new years resolutions but I do have some specific goals for this coming year. My big cycling goal for the year is to ride Lotoja 2012. I'm currently fascinated with the idea. When I first heard of the race I couldn't believe people road for over 200 miles in 1 day. Now that I've ridden over the year I can see myself totally doing it. I can see myself doing it, but at the same time, there is that lingering doubt whether or not I've got what it takes. I think that is what is so fascinating. Is it possible for me? There is a lottery to get in but I'm totally committed until they tell me I can't. As part of this commitment I have the goal to improve my fitness. Since finding my bike last spring I've lost about 13 pounds so far. A lot less than I thought I would have by now. But I feel great and I only think I want to lose about 10 to 15 pounds more. I currently weigh 180 lbs. and I think I want to be around 165 to 170. It's funny to me because before I was married I couldn't tip the scales over 150 no matter how I tried. Now I'm trying to go the other direction. I've cut sugar out of my diet and we'll see if that helps. We'll also see how long that lasts. So far I've gone a total of 3 days.

Yesterday, the day after new years, was such a beautiful day for riding our bikes. Mid-40's, no to little wind, and sunny. I felt guilty that I was enjoying it so much when normally I would be skiing. I guess you just do what you can with what mother nature gives you. It was so warm that I could comfortably wear just my arm and leg warmers without any jacket or additional layers. This gave me the chance to sport my new jersey that I had made up for my company. Say hello to the new Hidden Peak Cycling Team. Currently membership is only 2 people. It's very exclusive. :)

We road our old Daybreak route along with a ride up Rose Canyon. So much fun. My legs felt good and my bike felt fast. We got to thinking after the ride that we should have ridden Butterfield Canyon as I think the road is closed to traffic and with the weather as warm as it is, it should be clear of snow. We would have our own personal road up the canyon. We'll try to ride it sometime this week since it doesn't look to be stormy for a while yet. One thing that was interesting was how much warmer the air was as we climbed up the canyon. It's not like it climbs that much in elevation but just that little bit made a real difference. Looks like another inversion setting in.

There were lots of people riding yesterday too. You could tell everyone was glad to be out. Now it's back to the grind of work and school and normal life. Until next holiday!