Evening at the Gym

I'm finally getting around to posting an entry. Life just gets busy and the blog takes a back seat.

In a sure sign I'm getting close to actually wanting to ride my bike again, I went to the gym tonight for a spin class. It was an act of temporary insanity, but sometimes you just have to get in a workout somehow. I did stay off my trainer in the basement, so it's still a small victory. I rode before and after the class for a total of 2 hours. I know, crazy.

I haven't done a spin class in years and it reminded me why. The sad fact is, I just don't socialize with others well. I'm there to get a workout, not visit or collectively cheer lead. The instructor was a jovial Brit who keep telling me my heart rate should be at 155 or 175 etc. Apparently, every one's heart rate should be the same in a spin class.

Tangent: Back in the day, I did a lot of spinning. I even had a home spinner for years. I learned under the expert tutelage of the Legend (Glen Adams) and actually enjoy a spin class done right. Unfortunately, I've never been to a spin class lead by anyone other than Glen that was done correctly. A spin class should be carefully planned and matched to music. The rider's cadence should match the beat of the music, either every beat or every other beat. You use the music to direct the effort. This takes some time and effort on the instructors part. The music is an integral part of the workout, not just background noise. I guess this message has been lost over the years. Too bad.

I was seated next to a chatty athlete tonight. The guy was pretty impressive though. Think Gardie Jackson but 3 inches taller and 40 pounds of muscle heavier. During our ride together, I learned: a. He's a pro water skier who just moved to Utah from Florida (not sure why a Pro water skier would make that move). b. He's training for a big tournament in Australia in a couple of weeks. c. He just bought a Fuji road bike that's too "soft". I think he meant it wasn't stiff enough. I think he's strong enough to flex most bikes. e. He asked me if it was easier to ride at altitude. I smiled and said "sure". f. He figured out I raced (being the only guy in a team kit was a give away) and asked if I raced internationally. Apparently, I looked really fast on a spin bike. Even though I general try to avoid any conversation with strangers at the gym, I kind of liked the guy.

Here's a few random items.
This was T on Saturday. The snow was great and the visibility was in fact that bad. Here he's dropping in Gun Sight. At least we think it was Gun Sight. We could really tell.

I skillfully avoided this tree in Supreme Bowl.

I kind of blew this picture, but this is Tanner landing a little cliff jump at the top of a chute in Supreme Bowl.

I'm now an official XC ski geek. I build this waxing bench over the weekend. I successfully waxed for the conditions Monday. In fact, my waxing skills are much better than my skiing skills. I'm getting a little frustrated. Chrispy worked me over for 16K without much trouble. It's teaching me humility.

The big question of the week is what to do Saturday? MTB, road bike, skate ski, skate ski race, Moto in the dirt? Difficult decisions.

I'm also a proud papa this week. Erin found out she's been chosen as the Valedictorian for the School of Humanities and Social Science at USU. She'll get to speak at graduation in May and is a finalist for the top scholar award. She must have good parents.