In March, I wrote about my goals for 2008. I have shown some definite improvements, and have failed miserably in an area that is most important to me. The point of today’s post is to review those goals, assess my strengths and weaknesses, and make a new plan for the fall and winter.

Podium Finishes For All My Races In My Age Group; First Place Age Group Finishes For the Keweenaw Chain Drive, Great Deer Chase, and Fat Tire Festival

I was a little skeptical about this goal, but I chose to go for it anyway. Unfortunately, I didn’t train quite as well as I could have, but it was pointed out to me that “that is what ever racer says.” Ok, point taken.

Since my race results aren’t currently posted due to my spectacular Internet service provided by HughesNet (or not provided, you pick), I will give a quick rundown of my age group finishes.
• 1st – Pontiac Time Trial
• 2nd – Iola Bump & Jump
• 2nd – Cable Off-Road Classic
• 5th – Hanson Hills
• 2nd – Keweenaw Chain Drive
• Superior Bike Fest
o o 3th – Twilight Criterium
o o 7th – 35-mile Road Race
o o DNF – 16-mile Mountain Bike Race
• 4th – 12 Hours of Potluck Coed Team
• 3rd – Ore to Shore
• 1st – The Great Deer Chase
• 5th – Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival
• 3rd – Tour da Woods

While I didn’t reach my 1st place goals, I showed improvement in every race that was previously done. The Great Deer Chase is questionable – I think the course was longer this year. I was quite disappointed in the Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival placing, because that is the race of the year for me. However, I noticed that one of the ladies who beat me was behind me last year. Her time improved quite a bit. New goal: beat her.

Several people have been harassing me to do the longer races, especially Ore to Shore. I am considering this; however, there are some very important factors to consider. While I haven’t had many issues with my knees and back this year, there has been some pain. Longer rides on difficult terrain (massive hills) do irritate my knees. Lots of climbing agitates my back muscles creating knots, especially in my shoulders. These are ailments that can affect my daily riding and decrease quality of life by creating minor debilitations. Personally, I like feeling well.

This winter, it is my goal to increase my average workout time to 2.5 hours with a 3.5 hour workout once every other week. This will be in the form of skiing. I will also ride my bike or indoor exercise bike once per week to maintain those cycling muscles. When spring comes around, I’ll reassess my situation and determine which races I will do.

Lose Fifteen Pounds

This didn’t happen. I lost five and was floating between 165 and 170 all summer. I did get smaller, however. I bought smaller clothes and have been wearing those. With the exception of the last month (gained 10 pounds), I’ve been doing quite well. Currently, I am trying to get back down to 165. I really don’t think that will take long. However, losing that other ten pounds will be another story. 2008 isn’t over, yet. I’ve got over three months to get the ball rolling and keep it that way. Looking back through my blog to see what has worked for me, I will do the following:
• Drink more water and hot tea without sugar or other tasty additions.
• Work out a way to fit in those ten hours per week of ride/ski time.
• Cut down on beer. Cut waaaaay down on beer.

Excess weight is horribly frustrating. I could be much faster if I could drop the pounds. The other issue is that I wouldn’t be so self-conscious while wearing my cycling gear. I hate that, especially during lap races, like cyclocross, when all of your male teammates are watching you. Grrr. Fortunately, my team is very supportive of me.

Become a Stronger Climber

This is a goal I really did meet. I will still continue to tackle those hills, but I think weight is becoming more and more of a factor as my strength increases. The stronger I get, the more beneficial weight loss would be. Here are my hill achievements:
• Made it up scary, steep hills at the Iola race where most of my competition had to walk.
• Cleared Kerby’s/Woodchip/that big hill at the end of Ore to shore. It feels pretty good to do this while everyone else is walking and cheering you on.
• Cleared Quincy Hill. I ride White Street and 41 to Quincy Mine and beyond during my commutes.

This goal has been met with obvious results. I don’t think I’ll make another climbing goal until the weight starts dropping, again.

Use the Bicycle as My Primary Mode of Transportation

My solution to this has been not to go anywhere. I did do a couple of bike rides to Tech and Swedetown and combined the commuting with some mountain biking. That didn’t happen too much, though. I did most of my mountain biking at Churning Rapids (close to home) or Copper Harbor where I stayed for extended periods just enjoying the scene. I have commuted to work and school several times. My time management skills are rather poor, however, so I’ve been doing a lot of driving, lately.

My goal is to develop a system that will make my morning commute preparation much easier or non-existent. I need to learn to ready things the night before so I can get out the door without running late.

I have commuted 260 miles to date.

Include Cross Training to Balance It All Out

I’ve been pretty good about doing yoga until lately. I’ve failed miserably at getting those one-a-week walks in. Weight training doesn’t start until cyclocross season is over.

I don’t think I’ll do much about this. I am having a hard enough time fitting in my ride time, so that is what I need to concentrate on. I’ll begin weight training in November or December. I’ve found it to be quite beneficial to my cycling and look forward to doing it again.