Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A much needed clean-up of my roadie!

My 2009 Specialized Tarmac Pro SL2 with Mavic training wheels- A pure wonder! So glad I purchased it two years ago!

...But now is Cleaning time for the roadie after Sunday's ride! Salt was everywhere, whitening the frame, breaks, and all other parts of the bike. Always take great care of your bike!
Looks like the chain also needed a serious clean-up! Next I'll tackle the cassette and chain rings -
Chain: Dura Ace CN 7901
Cassette: Dura Ace CS 7900 12-25
Front Derailleur: Dura Ace FD 7900
Rear Derailleur: Dura Ace RD 7900

Sunday, January 27, 2013

The water froze before I even had a chance to drink it!

That was one cold ride this morning, 2 days after the snow storm, and following almost a week of frigid temperatures. I took the roadie for a 3-hour ride on roads that turned out to be completely covered of salt, leaving a salty taste on my lips, and the sensation that I was riding on dirt roads rather than actual roads. I managed to ride 50 miles and stopped at the Pallisades Markets where I grabbed a hot chocolate and a Pain au Chocolat! Great treat! Can't wait for the next ride!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The cold can burn!

A crisp morning with temperatures around 13F (1F with the windshield) made for an incredible workout run! I had that tingling sensation at the tip of each of my fingers and a burning feeling rushing all over my cheeks as they were exposed to the cold. It undeniably makes you pay more attention to your body, forcing you to listen to it and try to detect any sign and sensation of discomfort that could lead to injuries. My main concerns were: pulling a muscle, tearing a ligament or spraining an ankle, injuries that aren't uncommon when running in such conditions. I came home safe and sound, the breathing was no problem, and my pace was only slightly affected by the frigid temperatures. This run was a "W"!

The cold is known to numb the pain, but it almost felt like it numbed all the negative energy I've been accumulated this week. I quickly found myself day dreaming about thousands of things, projects, and ideas that were running through my head at lightning speed.
I pictured myself racing the perfect race, completely ignoring the bitter cold and harsh conditions mother nature threw at us this morning. That lasted for a good 20 minutes, only to be "woken up" by the snoozing of my watch, telling me I reached mid-point. It was time to run back. The run back was astonishing! The sun rising above the NYC skyline in a blue bird sky, the smoke coming out of my mouth and out of cheminees atop buildings' roofs, and the magnificent view of the Financial district and its iconic Freedom tower! How fortunate I am to live in NYC!

Can't wait for the next run!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Swim, bike, run, and be happy!

Hi there!

A year ago today, I signed up for my first Olympic distance triathlon: the New York Triathlon. I swam a mile in the Hudson (quite tasty!), biked 26 miles on the West Side highway, and strolled 6.2 miles through Central Park on the beautiful day of July 8th, 2012.

Little did I know that Triathlons would become a passion, training: my obsession, and the physical effort and adrenaline I get from it: my daily drug!

There is so much I would want to share with friends and family, but I realize that my passion for this sport is not always shared by everyone and the stories and moments I'd love to tell around a drink can bore people out of their mind!

That's why I'm starting this blog! I'm going to flood it with quick notes, feelings, emotions, pictures, and more! Maybe one day you'll stumble upon this blog and decides to quickly skim through it, and who knows, maybe there will be a post you'd pay more attention to! And if you do, let me know!