The Zone

The human body is a strange thing to figure out. Some times it works great, sometimes it really gets in your way. For most of the riding season, my body has gotten in the way.

First, the new teaching career got in the way a bit. My low back, hips, and hamstrings were too tight from standing all day and running around the classroom. (Note to self: it's ok to sit down every once in a while) Next, the work with the kids at PEAC. Take all that teaching stuff, and add the ankles and knees to it from running, and some hands and arm pain from holding the kids up on their bikes. Third, excess weight. I really hadn't been eating well: N0 breakfast, woof down lunch, etc. I think I was up at least 10 pounds from the prior summer. All of this makes for a slow bike.

So in August, I went back to my old favorite health kicks. One was a stretching/strengthening routine called Callanetics. It really helped me limber up those tight muscles. I ripped the sound off the videotape and stored it on my MP3 player so I don't have to actually watch the video to do the routine. Second was getting back on a diet called The Zone, by Barry Sears. I don't follow it to a tee, but the principals of getting protein at every meal, and cutting way back on the carbs have helped.

The results have been dramatic. I feel strong and loose. I've lost 10 pounds, and I feel like I've got some real power on the bicycle. Tonight's ride, two of us averaged 22mph over a 30-mile stretch. The bike felt light and fast, and I my body could provide the extra power whenever I called on it.

It was one of those nights where everything was working well. I had great energy, no pain, the bike was even working well. In other words, I was in the Zone. Hopefully, I can return to this place sometime soon.