Let the races (and disease) begin.

So I had my first collegiate bicycle race last weekend and it was a lot of fun. It was in Lubbock, Texas tech hosted. It was very well organized, and everything but the road race was extremely technical. That included a time trial and criterium. I have to say Oklahoma is not flat! I don't care what anyone from the west says, we have constant rollers out here. If it weren't for the canyons in the Texas panhandle we would have been racing inside a skillet. Luckily those canyons afforded us an epic zig-zaging climb and a gradual straight one, both of which we covered twice. I placed midfield in everything, which is fine with me. I'm still young in the sport so it's all learning experience. I used to think I was slow, but after a 30 minute, 20mph+ solo chase effort I realized that I only lack the acceleration power I need to keep up with the attacks. I had a good discussion with our team captain about what kind of training I need to fix that. He won everything except the crit, which he placed third in. So he was the GC guy for the whole weekend. OU got a buttload of conference championship points for that. By the way we really need more riders in order to get lots of university support, so if anyone's interested in a fun, healthy lifestyle I've got a sport for you.

I worked really hard this week so I wouldn't have any homework this weekend, and then my wife and I both came down with strep. Now I'm procrastinating homework. I haven't gone to class since thurday and it's been hard to study when I feel so crummy. I had to miss the Tunis-Roubaix race too. It has some sections of hard-pack gravel roads that I was really looking forward to. Epic. For some reason cycling is a sport that has always found glory in masochism. Despite this, I haven't found it in myself to be masochistic enough to race while I can't swallow very easily. Oh well. I'll look forward to next weekend's race in Dallas. Victoria and I are traveling down together. I post what happens.

Acclimating

Being a cyclist can be very lonely, but it never stays that way. I always feel so inside myself when it gets dark so early. This Friday I was stuck in the gym doing weightlifting. It's still lonely with all the people. Victoria had appointments until late at night and I had only seen her for about half an hour that day. Encouraging.

After I finished I rode home and tried to thaw out. Inertia is very prevelant in my life, and I had to push past it just to get in the shower. Then I was starving. This seems to be some of the reoccuring themes in my life: study, exercise, shower, eat...needless to say I was very excited to see Victoria.

Non-Cyclists often see it as a solitary sport, but it's really one of the most team-oriented sports there is. We suffer for each other constantly. It's easy to forget when you're training, because so much of it is alone, but I like to catch a group ride at least once a week. We usually have one every Saturday here. I struggled this week, there was wind coming from the south at up to 30 miles an hour, and with a small group I get seperated a lot because there aren't many people to draft. I got home and got to see Victoria for a few minutes, then cleaned up the house and the inlaws came over. Victoria came back, then my mom with a new dog. A beautiful, black lab setter mix.

I guess most people would write more about the dog and such. Pros always say that cycling is just their job, but I guess when you're not pro in becomes an insatiable passion.
Victoria and I got to spend alot of time together today, which was very nice. Needed even. Tomorrow I look forward to another long, cold week. Somehow I have to prepare for to summarize and compare 10,000 years of mesopotamian history. Oh, the passions I chose.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was decent today. Went to the in-laws with my brother and my dad, and then other inlaws. I know people always complain out their inlaws, but I like mine.

Victoria and I did a really cardio intensive circuit workout, then she showed me some really good core stuff. I think this is really foundational to basic riding strength. Besides the legs of course.

I thought it would make me hungry, but it mostly made me sore. Not that I didn't eat two days worth of food in one sitting. Oh my stomach hurt at first, but by the time we got to said "other inlaws" I was ready for more pie. Turkey's okay, you need stuffing, and who doesn't love cranberries, but it's all designed to prime you for pie.

okay so it's after 1 am and I've been unable to sleep for awhile. I've been watching a mythbuster's marathon, but I think I'm finally falling asleep.

My first one

Well, I've started a blog. I used to think this was lame, but I'm more often finding it an interesting personal outlet. I'd like if people read it, but I think it will mostly be a good place for me to think out loud.