snowed in

We had about 15-20" of snow here in Arlington this weekend, so I've been stuck inside for most of the weekend. Normally, I'd be bouncing off the walls, but I'm enjoying some quiet time to catch up on a few things. Plus I'm very much looking forward to going home to Florida in 3 days! Still, it's times like these when I wish I lived somewhere consistently warm! Oh well.

Here's my neighborhood while the snow fell yesterday:

As reported, I got a new bike! Here he is:

I think it's all set for spring and early summer training, with a computer, 3 water bottle cages and my favorite pedals (Speedplay Light Action). Upgraded race wheels are a possibility, but first things first, a name....When I took a good look at the frame, the blue reminded me of Grover (the blue monster on Sesame Street). And so, he is Grover.





I will go near and FAAAAAAAAR with Grover! Remember this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf-HBMq9ggg

Finally, the 2010 race season is starting to take shape. I'll be racing independently of the Team Z calendar quite a bit (Mooseman, Spirit of Morgantown, and of course Ironman FL), but luckily will have a lot of team races too (Shamrock Marathon, Rumpass, Kinetic, etc.).

I'm also in to run guide with Doug Powell, one of our sight-challenged athletes, as he tackles Ironman Wisconsin in Madison on Sept. 12. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to cross the finish line with him! Apparently the race officials have indicated that rules require guides to be the same gender as participants, which obviously presents a problem for Doug's run and swim (guided by Jen Baker), but Doug mentioned last week that he and Coach Ed are working with the officials for a waiver. So, until I'm told otherwise, I'm ready for 26.2 with Doug, and an awesome time in Madison with the team!

I happened to find a 5K in Ormond Beach, FL, where my parents live, the morning after Christmas. The race director is my old cross country coach at Stetson University. Should be fun race, and who knows, maybe a chance to take home hardware given the small field (only about 50 people registered so far).

Jingle and Bake and New Bike!!

I ran the "Jingle All the Way 10K" this morning and had a fun race despite the cold and rain. Finished in 49:47, which was right around where I've been hovering at for 10Ks in the past year or so. I'd like to return to the sub-48-minute-club at some point, but I'm okay with the fact that it may not happen anytime soon since my focus in 2010 will be on the long races. There were lots of festive holiday costumes, and lots of jingling.





Then I came home to bake for a cookie exchange later today. My efforts resulted in these unfortunate-looking Rugelach you see here:

I am thinking of rolling them in granulated sugar to mask their homely appearance. That's mixed-berry jam. Hopefully they will taste way better then they look.

In happier news....I bought a new bike! I got a Cervelo P2C triathlon-specific bike, and I cannot wait to ride it!! I almost wish I was driving to Florida for Christmas so I could take it with me to try out on the flats. Will post photos soon.

lessons learned from a time trial...

...in the snow today are as follows:



1) Before you leave the house for a bike ride in the snow, put on at least one more layer than you think you need.



2) Booties are much more useful over your cycling shoes than they are laying on your bed because you forgot them.



3) Snow will accumulate on your sunglasses (hahaha!), and it will become difficult to see.



4) Your brakes won't work so great.



5) Mark Cavendish's TT prowess is safe....for now.



6) I am thankful that, even though it's in the Panhandle, snow at Ironman Florida is highly unlikely.





So our team held a 23-mile time trial today as part of a series to measure our fitness, find our proper riding partners, etc. I gave it the ole' college try but packed it in after 7 miles. I'm not confident enough in my bike handling abilities, having never ridden in snow, and because I forgot my booties, my feet were completely numb. Finished the other 16 on the trainer at home, then put together this masterpiece:



As Linus said, "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love. "

Big thanks to Damon for leading the TT, to Sally/Kate/Nelson etc. for sagging, and big ups to everyone who rode today.


Happy Holidays all!