The off-season - *plus bonus video*

After the cross race on Dec. 5th I've slid into a non bike mode. I've occasionally spun around but not much else. Got back in the pool and weight room. Pretty depressing how much upper body strength I've lost in the almost 2 years of not lifting seriously. I've shed what amounts to about 20 lbs. of muscle mass to my current hovering weight of 160. Went on a few runs but it's been pretty cold lately.

I also had a 3 week cram session for the second half of my national board exam which I took in mid December. I'm about 99.9% I passed, I just have to receive my scores to confirm. I've only got one more semester left and it will consist of preparing for my clinical board exam and job searching. Jane and I could really end up anywhere - Wisconsin, Colorado, Oregon, or stay put for a couple years. We'll see what happens.

We just got back from a week in Colorado. It was pretty nice and got to enjoy a few days on the slopes. I mostly snowboard but did get on the skis for a day. The video is of a cruiser run on peak 7 at Breck. Jane was following on skis. It was one of only a few runs that would allow for decent filming while holding a camera in hand. Had great snow that day but it was frigid cold. I don't think it got above 0 degrees above the tree line all day. Had an interesting time going up the T-bar when it stopped mid-way. The wind was blowing pretty stiff and by the time I made the peak I had to run into the ski patrol shack to warm up. Once inside a ski patroler kindly let me know that some frost had formed on the tip of my nose and advised me to let that warm up. The snow was worth it though. 8 inches provides enough powder to do about anything you want. Bombing the steeps with fresh snow is about as good as it gets. The one thing about breck is it's pretty crowded - but probably deservedly so. It does get tracked out relatively quick. On good snow days it's a race to find the good snow before it's gone. We spent some time at keystone as well but in my opinion there isn't enough variation in terrain there. They do have some long and consistently steep groomers though.
Jane and I also ice skated on the largest outdoor ice rink - I think it was 5 acres.



So beginning tomorrow I'll drag myself to the trainer to begin what is my second season of bike racing. Cat 3 road should be interesting - I'll try to prepare as best I can but it will be a busy spring and summer for me. On the list is getting married, graduating from D. school, finding a job/beginning practicing. My goal is to just keep improving. I'm am really looking forward to next cross season as well. Should be good.