This week is a hard training week on the schedule. I’m just a couple days out from leaving for Australia for a five day stage race called the Red Centre MTB Enduro. My coach, Matthew, has me putting in some hard gym sessions, multiple interval days and long hours in the saddle. All while trying to pack and get my gear sorted for a multi-day international stage race. The weather here is not cooperating at all with my training schedule. The sun has made an occasional appearance, but the temps are literally freezing. It’s 27 degrees today and I have 3 hours scheduled on the bike. I’m struggling to find motivation to get outside and put in the hard work. I built my brand new Amira from Specialized yesterday and sadly, its’ inaugural ride was on the trainer while watching lame Friends episodes. The bike is absolutely gorgeous and feather light. It’s super sexy and just looks fast. The Amira fit and ride felt great yesterday, but I felt pretty guilty keeping this super slick race machine indoors, but I had to do it. I got the workout in while channel surfing, but today I really want to get outside.
My best training day so far this week was also indoors, but I managed to find the Tour of Romandie on Versus and my cadence immediately sprang to life. It was a motivating discovery to find that race in action and feel like I was drafting behind Alejandro Valverde with amazing European scenery flying by.
The next 36 hours at home will be a whirlwind of packing, getting the Era race ready, tire and gear selection and many hours of training squeezed in. In between I will stretch, and try to clear the fatigue from my legs before I get on the plane. I’ll spend the same number of hours traveling to get to Alice Springs! I know it’ll be worth it. The Red Centre race is run by my ex adventure racing teammate and good friend John Jacoby. He KNOWS how to put on a great event with equal prize money for men and women, unique and different courses every day, super organization and he will take care of the racers. Since he’s been an elite athlete his whole life, he knows what athletes want and his events are legendary for being a blast and well worth it. AND it’ll be really, really warm over there!
Cheers Reba
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