Summer is officially over. Actually, it was over on Monday but since it is "officially" off-season, I haven't updated my blog since last Friday. These past two days have been a pretty shocking dose of "summer is OVER" and "put away those sandals, break out the sweaters". I actually love this time of year because of the gorgeous colors and the lack of humidity. This past week (until it started raining yesterday) was just about perfect for me.
So, the ING Direct Capital Criterium was last Sunday - Click on that link and see the best finish-line shot ever ... with the US Capital in the background.
Since I've been off the bike for three weeks, I was not disappointed that I couldn't race. I found it kind of novel to be able to enjoy watching/helping out with the race without being stressed about being on my legs, what and when I should be eating and where I need to be for my warmup. Huge props to ING Direct and CycleLife, whose support made it all happen, Mark Sommers, who promoted the race, and the members of DC Velo (especially those guys that were up at 5am to work the race and still gave us something to cheer for during the big-boy race!). Joe Jefferson gave us some great color commentary during the early races and some fun interviews during/after the big-boy race. Everyone I talked to seemed to be having a great time and locals were genuinely impressed and curious about the race, the sport and what the heck was going on in their "backyard".
I had the pleasure and opportunity to have dinner with a few of the pro-guys over the weekend - I wasn't overly thrilled at the prospect as I don't do the star-struck-fan kind of thing but it turned out that they were totally cool, normal, down to earth and personable. Its funny - "real" pros are passionate about the sport but it doesn't define them. The pseudo pros that I have met during my limited career in cycling are completely over the top. Kudos to the real guys - it restored my enthusiasm in the sport.
Thanks to everyone that came out to support the race - It's not every day that you shut down Pennsylvania Avenue for a bunch of lycra-clad cyclists to play for a few hours. I ran into lots of guys and girls that I haven't seen in a while and I got nothing but good feedback ... I am looking forward to doing the race next year because everyone that did the race kept saying how great/fun the course was.
Speaking of restoring enthusiasm, I am happy to report that I got on my bike for the first time in 3 weeks on Saturday. With all the talk about the race and some interaction with some of the racers, I was inspired to get back in the saddle. Saturday was a beautiful day and the ride went well - much better than I thought considering that I've been running so much. I enjoyed it so much that I actually did my pre-work workout tuesday morning on my brand-spankin'-new e-motion rollers ... yes, you read that right - I got on the rollers/on the bike on purpose ! Look out, cycling world ... I'm back !
Well, kind of. I'm still running and doing other things, but I am looking forward to my bike workouts again. Except today because I'm pretty sure I'm coming down with a cold. Dammit. Two friggin' days of fall and I'm already coming down with a cold. At least it waited until it was cool and rainy - I won't feel so bad when I bundle up in bed with a good book and some hot tea tonight. Yeah, I know how to live it up.
Happy Friday !
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