Off season...

By the time September rolls around, many cyclists who have been racing all year are ready for some time way from the bike, taking full advantage of being at home to visit with friends and family, do some cross training, and actually unpack their bags.

As I earned a spot on the Worlds team by winning the Geelong World Cup, my season was extended through the end of September. This was my third trip to Worlds with the US National Team and despite having a bad day on the bike, wearing the red, white and blue jersey was an honor.

My husband, James, and I spent some time in Italy afterward, visiting Madonna de Ghisallo to sprinkle some of my friends ashes, Florence, Cinque Terra, and many fine gelatarias around where we were staying in Lucca. Although we did do some riding, it was with the purpose of site seeing, not fitness.

I have now been back in CA for two weeks and already packed in a lot. Despite it being the "off season" the only thing I have been "off" is my road bike. I have aquajogged for 2 hours with my close friend Allie who is planning on running in the NYC marathon but is recovering from a stress fracture in her foot; been to a birthday party for a 3 year old, complete with a homemade Thomas the Train cake; taken a 2.5 hour walk/hike with a friend who is 9+months pregnant and a friend with a broken arm; done 3 mountain bike rides; held a PJ party where we served breakfast for dinner; gone to San Diego for one of James's teammate's wedding; attempted to run but it is more like shuffling; and am now planning a 10 day trip back East to visit with my family in CT and then watch my friends run in the NYC marathon. Whew, when does the training start?!?! Seriously, I have really done my best to embrace the off season and catch up with friends/family.

As I meantioned, I have dusted off my mountain bike as along with being a wonderful area to train on the road bike, where I live is also a great place to hit the dirt roads and trails. I find it mentally stimulating and peaceful at the same time - no way to allow the brain to drift as you careen downhill at breakneck speeds but the views of the Pacific Ocean that I am greated with at times is breathtaking. I started my racing career mountain bike racing back East in Vermont and although the trails out here are nothing like back East, I love not having to fight aggressive drivers (only the possible mountain lion!).

I get back to training on the 3rd of November after I return from NYC. I am hoping by then I will have the hunger to get back on the road bike and rest needed to get to work. 2009 looks to be a great season.

Thanks for reading.