2010 Year of the Tiger!

Yes, yes, it's been a while since I've written. Since the last post I have been continuing my commitment to my training identity crisis. It seems to be forming into something recognizable...but in truth I am not yet quite there. I believe I am suffering from wanting my pie and wanting to eat it too-itis. I want to dive into crossfit, continuing my education of the power lifts that elude me. I want to run with my friend Ronda: T-runs, M-Pace runs, track workouts, hills, strides...and Zoe gets exercise too...while we solve the world's and our own problems. I also want to nest. I want to fix our house up, organize the garage, put things in their proper place...okay first we need to figure out where that place is, but then I'm on it getting them there. I want to ride my new mountain bike in a confident and aggressive manner downhill...cautiously of course. I want to bring yoga and swimming back into my life. The flexibility, grounding and fluidity those pursuits bring are missing from my current perspective. I want to say, "Goodbye," happily and without regret to sugar in my life. I want to learn to knit! This Christmas, Chester's mother gave me the incredible gift of a knitting lesson.

Look what I've done. Without even realizing it, I've listed a pile of New Year's Resolutions. Ronda repeated some words to me during our last run together. Her friend Michael had shared them with her. After listening to my list of wishes and wants she said, "Kris, nothing changes if nothing changes." I really had no reply. There really are no words of response to that statement. It's all choice. But more importantly and effectively, it's all actions. You can want to change the world. You can have the best intentions, but if the action does not follow, nothing will change.

I will make the year 2010 the year of action. I will shift my energy from the analytical to the physical. I am going to stop worrying and wondering. I will act.

Today, Chester and I will ride with Chris in Forest Park. The 24 hour race at Old Pueblo is just around the corner- Feb 13. I'm excited to begin our two week adventure starting with this race and followed by our sailing trip in the BVI.


Chester's Training Update: Aside from a small cold that derailed training for three days, Chester has been his usual disciplined, nose to the grindstone self while training for Old Pueblo. He's had some low points, wondering why he didn't lean down like during his CreamPuff training- I reminded him that Creampuff was in the middle of summer and we are in the thick of the holiday season...oh and maybe we shouldn't have eaten that 12th cookie bar. But his hard work has also been rewarded with his lactate threshold jumping considerably. I am by no means an expert in these matters, but basically this means Chester will be able to work harder for a longer period of time before the build-up of lactic acid in his muscles renders him into a quivering mass of mountain-biking flesh on the trail. For those of you unfamiliar with the tests he takes to discover this increased capability and confused at my somewhat melodramatic verbage, allow me to explain. Chester will go out to the garage where his bike is set up on our bike trainer. He warms up for about 30 minutes pedaling hard enough to get the blood to his legs and a healthy sweat going. Then for 20 minutes he will pedal like his life depends on it- ALL OUT. The pain and exhaustion he endures, no continuously causes to happen, must seem to last for an hour.

I've completed similar tests on the track, running. There is nothing fun about them. Afterwards you can barely walk and feel like throwing up. You've used every last bit of energy and strength you had- if you did it correctly. You'll recall that test was NOT in my list of things I want to do this year. Chester has already completed this test four times. I've no doubt before his training for Old Pueblo ends he will complete at least one more test. Today, however, Chester is going to ride laps in Forest Park. The plan calls for 6 hours worth. He may do less having been sick all week. In short summary his training is going well from my outsider's view. If I can get him to sit down for 10 minutes I'll try and convince him to type some words himself. Until then I hope to see you out on the trails: running, riding, hiking or dog-walking! Happy New year.