Fitness

I think I need some help. I've been through a rough patch with work lately, and finally getting back into a happy place. With all the crap that went on though, I lost all motivation. I was seriously depressed. The sad part was, that when I forced myself out for a ride, I felt worlds away, and all the worry and stress melted away. The catch 22 of the matter was, that most of the time, I was too down and couldn't motivate myself to get out there.

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Love 'em or hate 'em? There are those of us who spin bike and those who don't. When it comes to my philosophy, I'm pro spin bike, but not really pro spin bike class.

What's your opinion? Does a packed room full of sweating businessmen sound good to you? OK, so it really isn't businessmen. You get the suffering stuffed-in-a-room-with-all-types-of-bodies-and-ages image though, right?

It really is a simple question: yes or no. Yes, to an hour of spinning fun? Or, no, I'd rather keep to 15 minutes of hard jumping jacks, three times a day near the elementary school?

Let me illustrate my Thanksgiving-day plate for you; I imagine it closely resembles yours. To start: two helpings of dark meat and one of white, stuffing, mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. To finish: one order of pecan pie closely connected to the already finished slice of pumpkin pie. And, this was just round one.

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According to a recent report by the UN, Americans work shorter hours than most of the world. Yeah, that's right, the report says most of the world works 48 hours a week and yet we complain about, on average, 40 hours a week. If you're interested in hearing the report on National Public Radio, click here.

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So my history with the Cowbell Challenge is unfortunately quite short. I’ve been looking at getting into various kinds of endurance racing for the past two years or so, but the “if I only had time”s have gotten the best of me. My girlfriend as I finally signed on for a sprint adventure race in Macon, GA called the GEICO Ocmulgee Adventure Race (GOAR). We registered early and have been training four to five times a week trail running, biking, and a little paddling as well. But the race isn’t until July and I was itching to compete. So I scoured the internet looking for a race that fit in the one or two weekends I was free and found Cowbell about a week and a half ago.

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Happy Friday good listeners! It's time for another podcast, and this week I've got a special treat: an interview with Colorado Premier Training (Durango) super coach Steve Owens. Steve is a USA Cycling Certified cycling coach with years of experience. But Steve offers more than just cycling training; he provides full coaching in all aspects of an athlete's life - physical, mental and emotional. Check out our conversation:

MP3 File

Well, not only am I on the road this week, but I'm in the city. I imagine that a lot of us have to take these types of business/family trips, so what do you do to stay fit while on the road?

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Tuesday night "worlds" is what we call them here in Durango, CO. Other towns have their road group rides on Wednesday. What do you call them in your town?

Matt Shriver, Dave Harris and other SERIOUS locals all lined up to take off for a roadie group ride. Now, think pain, consider hurting, because that's what you're going to get during a Durango group ride.

1. So are these pain-fests worth it?
2. Would it be better to train just on the trails?
3. Who says road biking makes you faster?
4. Do you REALLY want to road ride?

My answer to all of these is:

1. YES. They are worth it. Cadence on a road bike build stamina on a mountain bike.
2. NO. You HAVE to get on your road bike (assuming you have one) to get faster.
3. I DO. Now, watch the 24 Solo trailer and you'll see Chris on the road bike.
4. OF COURSE NOT. But it makes me go fast.

Your thoughts???

Some say mountain bikers stay fit by spinning indoors, others say by riding in the snow. But, I say let us think through this one because none of us truly know... 

There are many theories as to what and how to ride in the winter. BASE riding is one answer. BASE means riding slowly for A LOT of hours. Others hit the spin bike and replicate base. Still, some keep it to sprints. They head to the track (or on a spin bike) and go as fast as they can. My downhill friends hit the weights.  

What is YOUR answer to the winter blues? Do you hit the spin bike or do you faithfully ride in the snow (or ice if you're in the Midwest)? What is your routine? Do you even have a routine? 

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I read a great story about this guys who decided that he absolutely needed to lose some weight. He was hovering at about 350 Pounds, and things were out of control. He bought himself a Beach Cruiser, and for the next six months, he would bike 1 mile a day...that's it, just 1 mile a day. He lost 50 pounds in the first six months. As a reward, he added an additional mile to his daily regimen. For the next six months, he would bike 2 miles a day. He then lost an additional 50 pounds over the next six months, for a total of 100 pounds in 12 months. Is that amazing or what? The power of two wheels

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