Mid-Winter Assessment

It's time for a mid-winter assessment, even though I am fully aware that it's not quite mid-winter yet. The January warmup has me thinking about the upcoming road biking season, but I am no longer stressed about  keeping in shape. Back in November I was a bit worried about keeping up the level of aerobic fitness that I achieved over the 2009 cycling season, but fortunately the workout cocktail of indoor cycling with the trainer, daily workouts with EA Active for Wii, and downhill skiing is really working for me.

Back in February, when I separated my shoulder in a skiing accident, I weighed in at just under 220 pounds. For the last decade or so my weight has ranged between 220 and 230, and while I wasn't happy with my weight, I wasn't working very hard on weight loss. I don't believe in diet or exercise, and I still don't, but my stellar year of road biking changed my attitude about the importance of maintaining better aerobic fitness, and now that I have reaped the benefits of significant weight loss, I am fairly obsessed with keeping in good shape.

Starting in February, a daily regimen of Wii Fit and my regular visits to a physical therapist got me primed for the cycling season. My new road bike got me attacking the hills,  and between February and November I was able to lose over 30 pounds without really trying. I cut cheese out of my daily lunches, substituting sunbutter and jam sandwiches, and pretty much gave up alcohol and desserts. I wasn't aiming to diet—I just responded to my body, which was sending me some strong signals about what nutrition worked best for rides.

I've been off the roads for two months now, and I ride on the trainer two or three times a week. This may not seem like much, but a typical workout lasts between 35 minutes and an hour, and I can burn between 700 and 1000 calories, which turns out to be pretty significant. I don't love the workout bunker, but I think of it as an investment in another great cycling season from the get go.  The 1up USA trainer is absolutely fantastic! I can easily get my heart rate into the 160s and keep it there for a long stretch. The new Shimano 105 pedals and Louis Garneau road shoes are a substantial improvement to my drivetrain, and I feel more sure-footed.

After some predictable weight gain over the holidays, I started working out daily with EA Active for Wii. The 30 day challenge is really something, and while the attempts to motivate are beyond annoying, I have nothing but good things to say about the results. I have so much more energy than I ever remember having during the winter, and I have been able to keep my weight between 185 and 186 for the last several weeks. With only a few more days left in the 30 day challenge, I look forward now to the 60 day challenge. I don't even mind getting up at 5:30 any more!

The ski season has been tremendous thus far. Greek Peak has had some stellar conditions, and all of the lunges and squats demanded of me in my EA Active workouts has really improved my form.

The January thaw may last a while longer, but surely we'll be back to arctic conditions before too long. Fortunately the days will be getting longer, and I can start really getting ready the cycling season. My new brain bucket is on the way, and next up will be some new road tires. Suggestions, anyone? By the way, I chose the Giro Atmos (red and black), after finding it on eBay for $120. Good price for a helmet that routinely sells for $175. I guess I avoided the Lance tax, but I'll know for certain when I take delivery. Look for the Atmos review coming up soon.