Blog

Repeat

This morning, after less than 11 hours off the bike, I jumped right back on it for another 1:15. I actually felt better this morning than I did last night. I’m used to working out in the morning, so it’s not a big surprise, but I was happy to feel that way. I’ve got one more ride on the trainer this week – tomorrow morning – and then hopefully I’ll do two rides outside this weekend out East.

During my rides this week, I’ve primarily watched two things on TV: music videos and old episodes of Arrested Development. I don’t even want to get started on Arrested Development. I’ve seen all the episodes at least a couple times and still catch myself laughing while I’m on the bike watching. Brilliant. The Tivo’s set up to record Arrested Development anyway, but I’ve started recording MTV’s Video Wake-Up and VH1’s Jump Start (or is it the other way around?). At first, it was fun to watch the videos and hear some new songs and artists. I have to say though, just three days into this experience, I’m already bored. First, I’ve figured out that both shows average about as much music video time as commercial time. Second, at least half of the videos are for just plain crap. I’ve got a pretty open mind when it comes to music, and while I don’t really like mellow R&B or the swooning ultra-melodramatic English “rock”, I can tolerate it all in doses while I’m on the bike, but my goodness, there is just some horrible stuff out there. Finally, to add insult to injury, both shows repeat songs, and they seem to choose the worst of the videos to repeat. Maybe I’m just that out of touch and shouldn’t be watching MTV or VH1 now that I’m 34… Thank goodness for Tivo, otherwise, the shows would really be unwatchable. As it is, I normally listen to/watch about 3 or 4 videos in the course of an hour-long show. That’s not a good ratio. I think I’m going to have to find some new things to watch.

I need to thank everyone who’s already donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation on my behalf. I sent out about 100 emails on Monday and almost instantly got a great response. Just in the last few days, I’ve already raised over $3,500. I’m grateful to everyone who’s donated to the cause. I spent months thinking about picking an organization to support and now that I have, it feels great. It’s given me something to think about and helps me keep my complaints in perspective while I’m complaining through my 75 minute trainer rides. A few people have even commented on my blog (well, not commented “on” the blog, but have told me that they’ve read some of it).

Bike – February 14
Time: 1:15
Average heart rate: 108
Indoor ride