Winter

Off-season training is difficult this year. Every wish I made as a kid for snow cancellations is finally being answered. The roads are slushy and the trails are pulling double-duty as a beautiful winter wonderland. I’ve been spending some quality time in the toasty gym – working on swimming and strength while putting in time on the treadmill and in spinning classes. But I really want to hit the trails.

The National Duathon Championship is just around the corner and nothing can prepare me like riding and running on the trails. Conditioning in spinning class is great, but it doesn’t get me ready for the tough, technical climbs or the subtleties of the course. I won’t feel ready until I can ride the actual course on my actual bike with ease – without the motivating music, 5-minute cool-down and hot instructor. But, for now, I’m at the mercy of this crazy winter weather. Maybe I can improvise a hill training program workout using a sled for the downhills.