It is bloody cold outside. Not sure how this may affect riding plans. The back didn't get any better last week, so I followed the advice of my better half and saw the doc. And then I was off to Physical Therapy. So the riding didn't pick up last week like it was supposed to. Such is life. On the upside, the back is doing better. Second session of PT yesterday. Progress is a good thing.

I hit a 35 mile gravel ride over Fox Mtn with Russel and Ramsey on Sunday in the wee hours of the morning on a cross bike. Back felt good that day. Didn't quite expect the heart to be in the 180s, but with only 9 gears, I didn't have a choice.

I also got the trainer set up, so any day now I may set about punishing myself with some nasty interval nonsense. 54 days to Hilbert 1. 7 long rides. Doesn't seem like much time.

I am a crappy blogger. And I am sorry for that. I'd say I'll do better, but the odds aren't good.

XMas and New Years was great. Lots of Family. Lots or relaxing. A bit chaotic, but it was good to see everybody. I work for a new company as of September08, and they give me lots of leave and a flexible working environment, and I love that.

Race season ended about two months ago. I finished up 3rd in my last endurance race, and wrapped up 3rd in the VA Off Road Series in the singlespeed category. Only other notable achievement was taking the Enduro crown at the Camp Hilbert series. Since the season wrapped up, I've exercised haphazardly and eaten a lot. As of Sunday, I was officially ten pounds up from where I should be come race time. Also note that my back has been a mess for several weeks. Maybe it was the cleans in the gym, maybe the weighted back raises. Maybe I slept funny. I can't say what caused it, but I can say that I have continually aggravated it ever since.

So Sunday started my comeback. 43 miles of gravel and pavement with DT. It hurt, and my back didn't love it, but it had to be done. Today I decided to see how trail running felt. Probably did 30 minutes or so of out-and-back on the RTF (Barracks to 250). I didn't have my GPS, but I did have some Gangstagrass to keep me moving. I'll run it again after work someday and record the mileage. The upside is that by back isn't any worse. Sleeping on the floor tonight to see if that helps.

So my plan is to try and keep this blog updated as I return to race shape. If you see me slacking, feel free to give me hell for it. The weather is about to go south, so it looks like gym and trainer for a few days. Note: I have yet to set up the trainer. I'm putting that off in a big way. Wish me luck...