October 19, 2009

The Schalk Diaries: Snoozing into Disrespect

I must’ve hit the snooze button too many times while I was taking time off.  My legs are ridiculously hairy and I’ve barely touched my bikes in the last month.  I swore that I’d ride a little here and there to keep my body from plunging too far into disrespect.  But my wedding kept me from the bikes.  I don’t regret this (of course), but I’m a neurotic athlete and feel like I’m unworthy of wearing the Trek colors.

So, now I’m undergoing the annual task of re-introducing my body to the routine of long rides.  I’m not fully training for next year just yet, but I am trying to journey back into the swing of things.  I’ve only taken a month or so off, yet any ride longer than an hour or two feels epic.  I was out for just 3 hours yesterday and I continuously thought: “Should I go back home now?  I’ve been gone all damned day!”  Oh wait, 5 hours is supposed to be the norm.  Crap.  I know I’ll rebound quickly, but the process can be harsh.

Luckily, fall riding is better than any other, so the motivation to get out and ride is soaring.  There is nothing like the crunch of kaleidoscopic leaves and brisk air and dry trails.  I’ve also pulled the Fuel EX out of standby, shelving the Top Fuel for now, allowing for a little more travel so that I can focus more on the fun of getting back out there.  Rock gardens and drop-offs await…