Fall and still 113 degrees

Hi, I was trying to think of a creative title for this month’s blog post and that is what I came up with. It really s supposed to hit 113 on Saturday Just a couple days before October. The weather here in the Phoenix area is brutal. I think exhausting is a much better word choice though. I began riding 3 weeks ago after taking 2 months off and thank goodness for an industrial sized fan to keep me cool. I only have to teach 9 months and really need to consider leaving ore often during the summer. I was hoping to be in Spain, France, and Switzerland with Team USA but time was spent here.

I have been feeling really good with strength training and riding. I have only been on my bike every other day and then 2 days of strength on days I am not riding. I take Sunday off as I try to keep that day to me, The Lord, and family. I am gradually increasing the intensity of my rides but keeping them to an hour. Zone 2 has been my primary focus with some increases fora few minutes at a time to zone 3 and 4. For example, today was 2×15 minute at tempo with the lighter side of zone 2 between for 15 minutes. Zone 1 warm-up and cool-down. It feels really good with less distraction from the stress of a strict schedule with training now. Rowing, lat pulls, hammer and regular biceps curls, and lateral raises are the most important strength exercises I do. I need to add some chest press and rickshaw though. Although my season ended early this year the season would have ended yesterday. Self-care is a very good thing.

I found out that I am receiving an award for my cycling pre and post accident, in addition to my desire to keep pushing forward with respect to adversity. I cannot announce what it is yet but hopefully next month. I went home last month and was inaugurated into my high school’s athletic hall of fame. Grateful to be recognized and see friends from back home. Port Angeles was the best place to grow up. Coming back to Arizona was tough. The weather was perfect in the northwest.

I’m looking forward to next racing season. I truly enjoy the possAbilities team and staff. I have been thinking about what to focus on next season. It is early but still a lot to look forward to. In addition, I’m staying on top of the classes I teach. Although, one section of students are a buzz-kill this semester. For real, they are like zombies. It can be fun to call them out to participate when they’re not paying attention. I start teaching nutrition again in a couple weeks and it’s my favorite.

I’, looking forward to some Tucson rides in the near future on my ebike. Ebike’s are for fun and definitely a different view than lying on my back pedaling. My ebike is a game changer when it comes to base miles, even easy miles during the season. 70 miles on the ebike….. Psssst, no problem! Until next month, remember, HEALTH IS WEALTH!!!