Entering the World of Watts

This is my new favorite toy.

Ok. So it is not really a toy. And it is not mine.

And it is not even new.

But you get the idea.

It is the spin bike I get to use at the YMCA.

I have been using it since November

but I did not realize just how cool it was.

Until I talked to Coach M.

Sure. I like my trainer, too.

(Although I like my old cheap Minoura trainer

better than my new fancy CycleOps one.)

But here is the problem with riding on the trainer:

The only place for it is right next to my bed.

So either my foot gets caught in the comforter

or my elbow stuck in the blinds.

Plus, it is hard to open my drawers

or get out of bed.

And what husband wants his wife biking around

in the bedroom at 5am?

That is what you get for going to grad school with a family.

Therefore,

I escape to the gym for most of my indoor rides.

Space. Quiet. No interruptions. Ceiling fans.

And watts.

I know. For a girl who claims she dislikes numbers,

I am a little too excited about the whole wattage thing.

But I also like to execute workouts perfectly,

and watts sure come in handy for that.

My little computer can tell me lots of stuff:

cadence

wattage

calories

time

gear

distance

Pretty cool, right?

So after 2 months of riding on this thing

and oblivious to the fact that it shows my watts,

I finally told Coach M what kind of spin bike I ride.

I just did not think it was a big deal.

Well, it is a big deal.

I guess it is the nicest one out there.

Thank you, YMCA!

Tomorrow I get to do a little wattage test:

30 minutes until I fall off the bike.

Report to Coach M.

Receive wattage-specific training plans.

It is kinda like Christmas.

Sort of.

Good bye

I-am-tired-today-so-maybe-I-will-just-shift-down-a-gear-and-no-one-will-ever-know days.

I will miss you!

Hello

You-are-going-hold-250-watts-today-whether-you-like-it-or-not days.

I hope I will like you!

PS: Thank you for all your comments about the Halfmarathon Report. I will talk about the aftermath in my next post. For now, it is bedtime.

Comments

Racing Season '09

So far, this season has been really good . I have done 4 races and have been able to stand on top of the podium 4 times. Yeah! I am still far from where I could be and would like to be but, I guess, I'll take it. But I really need to get my act together... Having nice gear always helps, though. And, thanks to Salt Lake Running Company , I have plenty of it. Unfortunately, in January when they ordered our stuff, I had big plans and was hoping to be back in shape by May. Well, I am not. So most of the beautiful stuff they sent is just sitting in the closet waiting to be worn for the first time. My fault. Should have ordered a bigger size . Maybe next season. Luckily, the backpack fits! Noah loves the pink. So do I. These are the fanciest running shoes I have ever owned. I love them. They are so comfortable , really light , and super fast to put on. Sadly, I only get to wear them on race day. If they were not so expensive, I would get myself a pair just to wear around. Okay, not...

I am so lucky

I feel the need to write. My thoughts are all jumbled. Can I make sense of them on paper? Writin g gives me perspective and makes it easier to let go. Last weekend I was very frustrated, mad, self-centered, unhappy , wallowing in self-pity. This weekend I was more balanced, a little more patient, trying to be less selfish, happy . How did it happen? I have had to deal with myself for almost 30 years now and, luckily, have figured out a few things on the way. Like how to feel at peace with myself , my family , my life . It shouldn't be complicated to be happy in my circumstances. I realize that. But sometimes it still is. Sometimes being a mom and wife doesn't come easy to me. Sometimes I think everyone would be better off if I wasn't a mom and wife. Sometimes I wish it was easier to just take off and do nothing but swimbikeruneatsleep for a week or two. It's not helping that my German teammates are doing just that. Right now. On a beautiful island. In the warm...

Personal Best

I wish I could tell you about being my personal best as a mother, wife, or friend. Unfortunately, this is not the case. But while I am working on that, let me tell you about my new personal half-marathon record . I am definitely NOT a friend of road running races. Especially not in Utah, where they all tend to be more or less downhill. That said, I was still really excited to run in the Salt Lake 1/2 marathon for a few reasons: I got a complimentary race entry from the SLRC . How could I pass up a free race? My friend Carlee was racing. I love racing with friends. Friday night was like a girls' night out and Saturday was a party! Flat and/or downhill = fast . And that's always fun! Highlights : Feeling good rather than sick Being able to push myself but not too hard Chatting with friend and pro triathlete Malaika A new PR 1:29:53 My 6:51 pace 17th out of 2886 women Carlee's PR Chocolate milk and Creamies at the finish Lowlights : Boredom . Running on asphalt throug...

Sarah Borst Jarvis

Search This Blog