2013 season ends, 2014 training is about to start, and all the stuff in between

This season, more than any other since I started racing about 5 years ago, couldn't have ended any sooner. My most awesome season so far - with more racing, more variety, more focus (not to mention a couple of State Championship titles!) - was also the hardest I've ever worked at this sport.

And so it was that I was counting the days to Transition Week, which turned into Transition Month-and-a-Half, so that I could finally -finally! - go do something else for a change. Even if 'something else' maybe every once in a while involved a bike. Which it did, because, hey, after spending THAT much time on a bike all year, you kind of lose any of your other identifying characteristics (that I hope to reclaim between now and spring).

These are just some of the ways I've been occupying my time, now that I don't have to train for 'the next race':



• Cheer on someone else who's season hasn't quite ended yet

Writing encouraging words to my favorite Furnace Creek 508 contender, in the middle of Death Valley, where he didn't see it anyway because of a re-route caused by some government shut-down thing.



Tim Marks with George Vargas at the end of the 2013 FC508
 



• Indulge in something previously off-limits

Pisco Sour at VTR

• Cross-train!

Akron Half-Marathon, post race with Dave and Beate. I won my age group!

• Take the time to stop and smell Autumn in the air...

Along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath

The Headless Rider arrives! OK, not really...

• Dress up stupid for a ride into town

Me and Angie in Valkyrie attire, at Lily's Chocolates in Tremont.

• Hang out with teammates without having to wear spandex

Chappy, Russ, and I warming up outside...







...ready to feast on THIS amazing seafood spread

 

Kristen enjoying the benefits of our new 2014 Team Sponsor, Fat Heads Brewery



• And lastly, dig out the indoor trainer, because before you know it,  training starts up again. Like, tomorrow. Because the 2014 season is gonna be even better than the last...