028: like a glove

Last night Monkey and I snuck off to one of our favorite crossy spots to ride. Although we were on our mountainbikes, we both had interval workouts to do, and as we bombed around the spot that we lovingly call, "the fatcave" we were giddy thinking about cross.

This was Monk's first "workout" since recovering from her injury. It went well.

I was playing mental games with myself all week. Not having raced since April, looking at the cranky monkey this weekend I have been a ball a nerves all week. I sneeze, and equate that with "I must be coming down with a cold..." I feel every pang, every tightness in the legs, and wonder if my legs are right. Getting out and opening it up, chasing Monkey around the "fatcave" and it's all gone now. I felt great. It was awesome.

I've been hard on training partners over the years. Buddy, Peaches and I kinda chased each other out of mountainbike racing. After a couple of years of being my number one training partner, E-town went back to law school. Jan had a couple of years, and now he's back on the west coast. Seriously, I think it must be my deodorant or something.

But Monkey, monkey has always been there. In recent years, as we have both focused in on cross, she's been my best partner. No offence to anyone above, but chasing her around the course, is always the most fun. Even on a hard interval day. (sorry Etown, you have a nice ass, but Monk's is much better...)

After last night's ride, I felt pretty peaceful. It was great training with Diane. Things were very good. The efforts went well for me. Any nervousness that I may have had, has past. Gonna be a fun weekend for sure.

thanks for reading.

respect

fm