Winter Training

I shouldn't complain, but training in the winter is boring.  Three hours a week on the stationary trainer in the cold, dark basement makes me long for summer.  Or spring.  Or even March (!) when I can start to ride outside.  I'll need to re-read this post in July when we're crossing the dessert in +40C sunshine...

Today I took the fixie for a quick spin.  Outside.  It's been warm in Calgary the last few days (as in +3C), and the perma-packed ice on the back roads is starting to melt.  So I seized the opportunity and went for a little ride.  Little as in maybe 5km.  Not exactly a training day, but I'm testing out the new bike.  It's a track bike, so the geometry is such that the steering is super twitchy.  Not the best setup for skinny tires on icy roads, but it's better than spinning in the basement.

Again, I shouldn't really complain.  Spending time on my bike has always been a relaxing time for me.  A time to clear my head.  A time to consider life.  A time to talk to God.  And sometimes, a time to listen to Him.  Training in the basement is perfect for this.  I don't have to worry about the hazards that typically accompany a ride on the road.  No dogs nipping my heels.  No cars crowding my space.  No inclement weather to dampen my mood.  Just me and the buzzing of the resistance wheel, alone with my thoughts.

These days are the time to mentally prepare for the long days ahead when cycling is more of a chore than a joy.  Admittedly encouragement from fellow cyclists will ease this burden, but the challenge will be in my head, too.  I have no secrets for convincing myself to continue when "The Wall" inevitably tries to stop me in my tracks.  But necessity of reaching camp, and a commitment to you - my friends, family and supporters - should be all it takes.

Speaking of donors - after 2.5 weeks of donating, your generosity has brought me over 20% of my fundraising target!  Again - a big "Thank You!" to everyone who has supported me to date.  The deadline of April 1st is fast approaching, so I'll remind y'all to use the link on the right of the page to donate today if you haven't yet.

Some exciting plans for fundraising are in the works:

• March 3rd I'll be visiting Maranatha CRC just across the river in Montgomery, and getting the good folks in Dale Melenberg's congregation excited about the tour; and
• March 17th I'll be at the Kelowna CRC chatting with my old church friends there.  Council has also graciously decided to give people the opportunity to support through an offering that morning as well! Very exciting!

Looking ahead, I still haven't finalized plans with my employer regarding time off and this is causing me a good deal of concern.  The subject has been approached, but we haven't reached an understanding yet.  I would very much appreciate your prayers over the course of the next week that some resolution on this front can be agreed upon.

To add more uncertainty to life, my roommate and landlord, Luke, has listed his/our house for sale, and I will need to find a new place to live for June 1st.  I would also appreciate your prayers for a good resolution to this unknown in the coming months.

That's it for tonight, folks!  Time to grab some beauty sleep...