Random bits

Getting close to the Wisconsin Marathon. Ran a 16 miler at race pace last weekend on the Des Plaines River Trail...need to slow down for the last two long runs, but it felt good to run fast. This was a recovery week, so I just ran 10 miles on Friday at a little above race pace on asphalt. Starting to think I can set a new PR. We'll see.

Great to see Jens Voigt win the Criterium Internaional again. Also good to see Danny Pate on the podium. The American teams are pretty tough this year. Would love to see Christian Vande Velde on the podium in July.

Gotta find a bike tour for this year. Thinking about Montana or Colorado. Really need to get out of the Midwest and see some scenery. I am going to back off the cycling some this year. Last year I averaged about 100 miles per ride and it really took a toll on my body by the end of the season. Think I'll try to paddle and hike some more this year.

Back in the saddle

But still gotta run. After a couple of months off the bike, its time to start getting ready for the spring brevet season. First ride will be the 200km on April 25. What is going to be tricky is that the Wisconsin Marathon is the following weekend, so I better not work to hard on the 200k.

One positive of winter training, is you still get to eat! Nothing like Steak Frites after a hard weekend of training.

Long run training plan calls for 14, 16, 10, 18, 20, and finally 8 mile race pace run on Saturdays. Sundays will be bike day, with 2-3 hour indoor sessions until the weather breaks enough for outdoor riding. Just a little taste of what the Iron Man training routine will be like.