December. The year has yet to end and the winter has barely started. Yes, I know many of us have had snow since mid-November, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are still in the early stages of winter. Why, then, am I not surprised to find people asking about 2009 race training on internet forums? Well, because it is time to start training.

I took the time, last winter, to develop a broad training schedule for the year. I wasn’t aware that my laziness was causing me to follow this schedule. I just looked at the training program, today, but I am on track, nevertheless.

Under November, it says, “No training. Just do what you want when you want.” Well, I did that. I didn’t really do much, but I still did what I want when I wanted it. I went for a couple of bike rides, skied a bit, and lifted weights a couple of times. December, however, marks the beginning of getting back on track.

December through January

Season prep: Build it back up

• strength training two or three days a week
• ski

I haven’t been strength training that much, but it has been getting done. Now that I’m on Christmas break, I haven’t been to the gym at all. I did have one heck of a strength day, yesterday, when I hoisted many logs onto a wood splitter. I also attempted a few pushups. Since I have the good mind to lift with my legs, my legs also got a great workout.

I haven’t been skiing, though. I’ve only been out a few times, this year, which is a shame since the snow has been great. I have snowshoed several times, though, and that is a wonderful cardio workout, even when the effort is intended to be mild.

Tomorrow, I am most likely going to join a group of people on a snowshoe trek lasting three to five hours. I might die. It is going to be very difficult, but I am willing to give it a go. I am going to pack some food, fill my camelback, and get ready to capture some spectacular scenery with my camera.

Monday and Tuesday will be ski days, then snowshoeing will resume with a trip to Copper Harbor. A trip to Marquette for more snowshoeing, sledding, and skiing will follow, next week. Basically, the rest of my Christmas vacation will be a physical jolt to my system, preparing me for regular training throughout the rest of January.

December has pretty much been a reboot for my exercise and diet routines. Things are getting on track and there is some evidence of my success. In an effort to promote motivation, I am enacting a new rule: no internet until after exercise. There is no point in sitting on my caboose unless I’m too worn out to do anything but.