More Biking

Wool hat, Oakleys, helmet, wool chute, gloves, wool long sleeve, tech shirt, fleece jacket, thick running tights, thick running socks, ENDs. 

I bundled up for today's bike ride and, I'm excited to say, I did not freeze.  But that's still not the same as not being cold...  so I'll be bundling even more on my next ride!!  The picture in this post is of how much clothing I was wearing.  It probably didn't help that it was super windy out either.  The entire 'out' part of my ride was against the wind.  The paths were littered with pine cones and downed branches, too, as if I need MORE bike challenges!!

I still haven't figured out how to signal.  I don't know which arm I'm supposed to use but that's kind of okay because I'm really not ready to take a hand off my handlebars yet!  On Sunday, Ty commented that I'm the most cautious bike rider he's ever seen.  Although, it should be noted, that he was biking WITHOUT BRAKES.  So I guess that makes him the most reckless. 

I did pass two other bikers and they both gave me a wave which I really appreciated.  I'm still slow and wobbly but I'm getting better at using my gears.  And I feel like I'm getting faster...  and it's taking longer into my ride before my legs feel like they're just going to fall off. 

All in all, I'm really glad that I'm making myself bike for crosstraining. 

Daily Burn Tracker

Over the years, I have periodically used Daily Burn Tracker to track my calories, nutrition and weight.  It is a super nifty like program that has most standard foods that you might eat out OR make at home.  And it has a lot of organic brands...  which I really appreciate.  Since I started training again, I thought it would be a good time to check in with my nutrition and tweak it as needed. 

As you can see, I've actually GAINED weight this week.  Which is incredibly stupid but totally normal and predictable.  Since I used it last, they've added a handy 'dashboard' at the bottom.  You can toggle it between daily (where it lists how many exercise calories you've burned today) and weekly. 

Every single time I've gone through this exercise, I've found that I am heavy on daily calories and fat and always, always, always light on protein.  Since my New Seasons Market quit carrying my favorite brand of greek yogurt (milk is challenging for me so I'm super duper picky about these things or else I'll just gag), I've started eating organic instant oatmeal every morning instead.  I guess it's time to find another supplier of my yogurt (please, please let the new Zupan's going in mere blocks from my house carry it!!!). 

If you're looking for a tool like this, I totally recommend the Daily Burn Tracker! 

NEW Fingers

On the left, my well worn old fingers...  on the right, the SAME COLOR fingers brand new out of the box... 

Telecommuting

I'm working from home today which is something that I love and wish I could do more often.  I was at my desk at 5:45 this morning and worked away until 8.  Because I have a much better set up at home, including dual monitors, I am significantly more efficient.  At 8, I took a break to take the pup out for a quick 2 miler (gotta love the low mileage early in a training plan!!).  She was actually really well behaved and, if she's really lucky, she'll get a second 2 miler when her Papa gets home from work this evening. 



This is how you know it's time for a new pair of Fingers!!  My poor little toes were so cold this morning as they splashed through puddles and slipped in the mud.  Currently, at rei.com, you can get the slate/palm colored Sprint Fingers for only $55.93.  Combined with my dividend and free shipping, I should have a new pair by the 9th for less than $18 - YAY!!! 

Okay, enough with the blogging...  back to the grindstone!!