Getting Used to Numb Hands and Feet

Managed two 50-mile rides last weekend. On Saturday, got to the LIE within minutes of this crash and saw the full devastation on my way back. Did the same route on Sunday, and amazingly, the LIE seemed to be back to normal.

Would have been great to do another couple of 50-milers this weekend too, but woke up to 17F temperatures and wind this morning (2F windchill). I managed to get out for 25 miles. Hands just got TOO cold! Will probably try again tomorrow, depending on the weather.

Thought about running but I'm sticking to my 2-week recovery from my hamstring injury. Going to try and run again on Monday morning (fingers crossed!).

Monkey Wrench

Had to change the workout plans this week. I've been alternating between cycling and running this winter. Was looking forward to a nice long run last Sunday, despite temperatures in the teens. I had a goal of 10 miles. The run started out fine and I headed to the Jones Beach bike path, listening to my iPod and waiting for Nike+ to tell me when I reached the halfway point. At 5 miles, felt pretty good and turned back. Around this time, hamstring in my left leg started to get painful. I tried to run through it but by mile 6.8 it was too tender to run. I walked home the final 3.2 miles. Been unable to run since then.

So...back to full-time bike rider! Did the usual pre-dawn bike path loop before work Monday through Thursday. On Friday, I decided to test the running legs. Nope, still too sore. I'm signed up for the LI Marathon on May 2nd and really need to get some miles under my belt but I feel like if I push the running too soon it will just mean another injury and more weeks of training lost.

A warmish 40F this morning, perfect for a long bike ride. My start was delayed by 15 minutes when I found I had a flat rear-tire on the Specialized. I changed the tube but in my haste to get moving, I didn't seat the tube properly and popped it while pumping up to pressure. Off with the tire again, installed another tube more carefully this time and finally got going by 7:45 AM.

Rode my usual 50-mile training route, from Wantagh, up to Round Swamp Rd., LIE Service Rd. to Crooked Hill Rd., back to Round Swamp, North through West Hills Preserve, then home. Felt okay on the ride, didn't expect much since my last 50-mile ride was December 13th! No speed records today but nice to ride in the sunshine.

2009 Year in Review

Had a great year cycling in 2009 and picked up a new activity, running, which I hope to improve upon in 2010. I met my overall goals in terms of mileage on the bike (7,700 outdoor miles, goal was 6,000). This year I leaned more to long distance rides (did 15 centuries) and less emphasis on racing (only 3 races this year).

Still loving the bike but looking for some new challenges and alternatives, for instance its easier to travel with a pair of sneakers and some running shorts instead of the bike and everything that goes with it. I'm still working on striking the best balance between running and cycling, but I don't think I can really go wrong as long as I enjoy doing both.

Some of this year's highlights:

1. My 200-mile solo ride from Middletown to Corning

2. My 5th Highlander Cycle Tour

3. Being part of the Brand's 55th Anniversary Ride

4. Picturesque TOSREC Century

5. East Island Ride with Mike

Looking forward to more in 2010!