A pumpkin spice time of year!

Here we are at the end of October and I feel good! As I sit here writing for the month my Halloween themed cat, she’s orange, is chilling next to me. Honestly, I think it’s the sub 85 degree weather that is most invigorating. I am absolutely loving it! As an asia A C6 quad I do n0ot sweat so I have to plan my life around the weather here from May to the end of September, typically. The smart trainer gets a lot of attention in my workout room as does the industrial fan. Just writing that last sentence actually gives me a smile though. Let me tell you why in the next paragraph.

In a lesson I recently taught about motivation, integrity, goals, progression, and more, I use my personal story often to emphasize the importance of those topics. I also have been listening to podcasts my tenured professors, clinicians, and physicians on these very topics and all the factors that influence them. Most importantly, there is something that I reflect on that is a common theme taught from these professionals that helped them get to where they are today. They encourage doing, enduring, learning, serving, and upholding integrity and values, along the way. The struggle is real but my gosh what’s the other option? To not do, sit idle, lose out on opportunity, or regress? No thanks, I’ll avoid the words in the previous sentence. I’m grateful for a life where I’ve accomplished much, built great friendships, struggled, and chosen to grow. With Thanksgiving being month I will discuss some similar content in that post. Next month on the 27th is 28 years post-accident for me. I’ll write 28 things I’m grateful for.

Now, let’s talk about handcycling, training, and what’s coming up. First, with cooler weather there are many outdoor rides on the agenda. Looking forward to some rides in Tucson that will be 3-4 hour rides on the countless miles of bike trails. Second, strength training continues 2-3 x week. I have a list of 16 exercises I do. I split those exercise up between 3 days of strength. I have found this to be very helpful to not over train as I’m riding 1-2 hours 5 days/wk as well right now. Lots of easy/moderate miles with one day of intervals. The first race is not until February so plenty of time to prepare. Working on my racing bike a bit as well. Got to make sure all is dialed-in well before the season starts. No last minute changes! Health is wealth so manage your life/behaviors well. You can take a protein powder to get the right nutrients. As for me, I’m going out for a two-hour ride today. Note to self, put suncreen on nose!