FALLing

Hmm, not much going on... I finally got some breathing room today at work. I actually took a deep breath and enjoyed the feeling of having gotten my life caught up.  I think the recession is over... seriously, people are starting to feel comfortable about spending money again, and this means I am busier, and eventually richer.  I really do think the economic situation was caused by the gas prices shooting up to $4.00 a few years ago.  It just took awhile to have its effect.  People drove just as much, only had less money because they were spending $80 at the pump.

Anyway, everytime I have gotten some free time, I start considering training for cyclocross.  I have been merely maintaining my an active and healthy fitness lifestyle, not improving my cycling specific efficiencies. Feels like my cycling motivation is 'falling'.

Maybe it is wierd, but I love indoor training.  I am in the process of ordering a top of the line treadmill and exrercise bike.   I can't really justify training inside right now because it is too nice out.

I really do wonder if I am going to race anymore on my bike this year.  My cross bike sucks... I am sure of it.  The frame geometry is odd, the tires are too thin (28mm, while everyone else seems to be rolling on 32 or 35mm), the wheels aren't true, the brakes squeak, the power transfer is suspect...  maybe it is just the guy riding it.  I hop on other people's cross bikes from time to time, and they ride more like road bikes.  Mine seems to ride like a cross-trainer bike that my grandma would appreciate. I've seen pictures of me in races, I look goofy on that bike.  I raise the seat but it always lowers after a ride or two.

All for now... now back to enjoying my Fall.

Ego Defense Mechanisms

It was the father of psychology, Sir Sigmund Freud who originally coined the phrase 'Ego Defense Mechanisms'. Such concepts as projection, minimization, denial, sublimation, etc. are used to describe processes that have become a component of human behavior when an individual struggles to resolve the confilct between their perception of themselves and the apparent reality.

What?  Well, I guess this phenomenon just seemed relevant because my ego took a bit of a hit this weekend, and I have been utilizing ego-defense mechanisms to keep my motivations in check (the rest of this blog entry is text book ego-defense).  While I am still in good shape, my priorities have shifted away from bike racing(ego defense mechanism = rationalization) , yet I continue to race... basically setting myself perform below my potential.

So what?  Not having the time to train during the week lately (ego defense mechanism = distortion), what better way to keep in shape by entering races despite having concerns about readiness.

HARVEST HAMMER DUATHLON
So, I entered the Harvest Hammer Duathlon on Saturday.  I was very impressed with my 5k time of just over 19 minutes.  I had a great lead over most of the duathletes.  Yes, I have been running more, out of a desperate attempt to continue to execute training workouts that can be done in less time.  I felt way better than last year(ego defense mechanism = distortion).  However, duathlons aren't won with great runs, especially this one, because it only has one running segement, so it favors the strong cyclist. I took advantage of this last year to win the event(ego defense mechanism = compensation)  This year, however, my time was a full 3 minutes slower than last.  I have let my cycling power/strength slip, while my running specific cardio-vascular strength is very prominant(ego defense mechanism = delusional projection). 

Bryce Mead, a very accomplished racer was able to pass me about 11 miles into the 21 mile bike segment.  I couldn't catch up.  In fact, I suffered from the same exact cramp of my left calve muscle that I did last year.  This knocked about 30 seconds off of my time, as I soft-pedalled(ego defense mechanism = dissociation).  .  I felt disappointed with my result, since it was so much slower than last year, but inspired by how good the run felt(ego defense mechanism = distortion).

BOBBERS CX
On Sunday, I decided to enter a cyclocross race.  I am not fully comitted to racing cross this year, however, I suspect that I may get more interested in competing as my schedule gradually opens up a bit(ego defense mechanism = denial).   To that end, I didn't want to fall too far behind, so I decided to drive up to Corallville Lake to enter the Masters event.

The day was a bit cold, dreary and wet... but seemed quite fitting for a cyclocross race.  The whole race seemed to go in slow motion.  Slogging through the grass, mud and sand, racers were gradually slipping off  behind me or gaining ground on me up the road.  No attacking, just pedal at your limit and see where you end up.

I came in 5th, just shy of the money.  Really didn't feel that great about how the race went for me, but glad I participated, because I feel a little more prepared for future competitions(ego defense mechanism = delusion).   I guess it is all relative, as the guys who finished ahead of me are well respected and accomplished cyclists, so I really can't feel that bad about finishing behind them (ego defense mechanism = rationalization).

Doing the Running Man

Left: Post race group photo featuring Muscatine runners.  Right: Time Trialing w/o a bike... time check right at the finish.

I have never been so busy as I have been the last several weeks.  I have been trying to hang on to my fitness, but it has been a struggle.  Regrouping for the fall season, however was ultimately in my best interest.  I read an article about cyclocross peaking that mentioned how a lot of roadies start the fall season in great shape, then burn out by mid october because they don't take enough time off between seasons... well, inadvertantly, I did take some time off... maybe a good thing as I am starting to slowly get my life back in order and can realistically see myself being somewhat competitive.

Training for cyclocross is very confusing for me... some workout plans suggest to add running to your weekly routine... ok, so I did.  I even entered a couple local 5k running events and was rewarded with getting a couple of 1st place medals (ok, they were age-grouper style, but still noteworthy).  I tried riding around in a park near my house to simulate a cyclocross race... I got a flat... maybe a sign?

I am seriously looking into doing an indoor triathlon this winter to give me a goal event. I will be able to look forward to adding swimming to my workout options this winter.  I am also in the begining stages of organizing a duathlon that will take place at Wild Cat Den State Park (between Muscatine and Quad Cities) next May.  This will be a great experience, and will motivate my early season fitness.

I think I will try and do about 5 or 6 of the Eastern Iowa Cyclocross Series events and see if I can finish in the top 4. 

If all goes according to plan, I will have some race reports/photos from some of the cyclocross races this season, and maybe some of the other events (running, indoor tri, duathlon, misc.).  I will maintain the right to totally skip cyclocross this year, but really can't see that happening, as I have a bit of an addiction to competitive cycling... Of course, my apologies in advance for any posts that get a little funky... I am a bit out of sorts in the fall and winter, so my mind ventures in some odd places.

Bobbers Cross in North Liberty, and the Harvest Hammer Duathlon in Morrison, Il are racing options this weekend,  so  I might write a report or two next week.