March

With the first Pro XCT happening this past weekend it is a real sign that the 2011 MTB season has kicked off.  Most Pro's and Elite's are wrapping up base training and starting to add in some sort of intensity. Others are in the midst of base and entering the early season as a stepping stone to the latter part of the season.  Either way the racing season is upon us no matter what fitness level you have chosen to have because it moves on with or without us.

I, myself, have chosen to be in the midst of base.  The Pro/Elite circuit starts in March and ends in September but our weather challenged geographic has our season starting in May and ending in November (Iceman.)  This is why I have chosen to be in the beginning of my fitness.  It is early in my career and I am still learning what my body is capable of.  How long it can and wants to go and how many times through out the year it can perform.  With my most important races happening in July and August I'm playing it more conservative and getting a later start than our West coast friends.

In a few weeks I'm fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel to California for 3 weeks of training.  Without this opportunity even the late start I've chosen becomes difficult especially with the March we have had this year.  Although blessed with good days we have had our fair share of slush, snow, rain, cold, and wind.  Many may recall that March in 2010 was amazing.  I road outdoors on good roads 10 or more times.  This year we have been lucky to have a 1 or 2 days that would present even a descent day to be on the road.  Luckily I have my Pugsley, aforementioned in an early blog, that has given me a great tool to be outdoors logging hours.

Reading results from Bonelli Pro XCT gets me excited and even though I'm early in the training phase, after reading how most racers felt during the first real effort of the season I'm completely satisfied at where I am at.  I will be racing in just about 30 days (Sea Otter Classic) and I will soon feel that first race effort and be able to put in perspective on the choices I have made.  I may love where I am at but I may not, but at least if I'm not satisfied it will be in 80 degree California heat.