The air is out of the tires.

The title sums up how my last 3 rides have been.  Pretty flat.  After months of intense training and racing cyclocross, I decided I was for all purposes done for the season.  I started riding “for fun.”  And that was–I thought–a good plan.

It should have been a good plan.  I started mountain biking.  Lower mileage, because mileage no longer matters.  I passed my goal of 2000 miles a couple of weeks ago so I really laid off the gas and transitioned into riding for pleasure.  The problem is, it hasn’t been.

Of course that isn’t ALL true.  But there is something missing.

I wonder if it’s just the natural low following the high of my freshman ‘cross season.  Although I admit, I needed the break.  My muscles felt frayed and tight.  Overtraining was mentioned as a possible problem.  The weather hasn’t been ideal either.  I’m riding in temps that flirt with freezing, and the days are so very short.

I’ve even tried changing up locations.  Today I went to Hatfield to ride. A picturesque farming community.  I liked the stately homes in the middle of the small town.  The road followed the Connecticut river. A fine mist was falling and it was about 40 degrees.  12.2 miles, a short ride, and my only elevation gain was 36 feet.  Dreadfully flat…..just like my mood after these rides.

Pausing to rest. The light is fading on the season.

I’m not sure what to do about this.  Should I take a real break?  Stop riding altogether for a couple of months?  Enter the one last cyclocross race offered in New England on the weekend of the 15-16th of December?  I already feel my fitness slipping.  And lets face it, snow is almost certainly on the way. The idea of isolating my workouts to the trainer is a bit soul-crushing.

Suggestions?  I’m all ears.

-Karen

 

Cyclocross Photos

I’ve been down & out from the bike world these days: Work, school, parenting have consumed every last minute of my days.  I have been attempting to stay fit by running: a sport I’ve often had a hate/hate relationship with.  Somehow though, it’s growing on me.  I like the fact that I can get a workout in for 30 minutes and still feel great the rest of the day.  I can tolerate the cold better on runs too.  I’ve been making it outside to run even when temps dip to the 20′s.  This would never happen on the bike (at least not when I’m riding!).  Also, I’m starting to actually go faster.  Who would have thunk?

But even though I’m filling the gap with running these last couple of months, I still pine for the saddle.  Here are a few photos to whip up love & nostalgia.  –Karen

Love the scarf!

 

Wall of shouldered wheels.

 

Looking forward to getting back on the bike in 2011!!