It's been a little while since I've posted anything, but don't worry, I've been keeping plenty busy. There's been work, training, sickness, injury, sickness, work, and just hanging out with my family. So life has been keeping me plenty full of things to do. The actual triathlon season is dwindling down and it is starting to give way to the cyclocross and running season. Not so great to be swimming in open water in the midwest anymore. Let alone getting in the water at a decent time.
One really cool thing about working for Trek Bikes at the bike store is that I actually get paid to commute by bike (or run or walk). It's one thing to be self-motivated to use it as a means to save the planet, save money, and/or get some good exercise. But when a company puts some money behind it, I say why not get on your bike and make some money doing it. So this month I have been extremely dedicated to making it happen. I've put in over 100 miles of commuting miles so far, and there's a week of work left for me.
Beyond the fact that I get paid, I actually use it as some solid training. My route is about 6 miles one way, which isn't short, but it isn't long either. It actually takes some work. The ride there is predominately up hill, so getting there on time, trying to get lights is always a battle. And to add insult to injury, I've added my own segments on Strava for a few places to really push myself. There is one spot that has a helix leading to a bike bridge that is a fun push up, and coming home, it works on my handling skills since it's not a perfect helix coming down, it curves, straightens, curves again then drops right into a busy street. Needless to say it's a fun white-knuckle section if you push it.
Commuting on your bike is a different state of mind. There are some days this month I've really wanted to just drive because I'm feeling lazy, but I push that out of my head as quickly as possible, because once I'm out on the road and can feel the air rushing by me, I'm in my element. The hardest part is just getting started. And also figuring out what to bring to eat that fits easily in my backpack.
If you live within a reasonable distance from work, why not give it a try? Especially in the dwindling season we have. Or even if you're still racing, it's a good way to pack on some extra miles on the bike. No mileage goes wasted, whether they're in zone 1 or zone 5, miles are miles.
-Dave
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