Winter as a training ground

Well, perhaps I have lied already...In my profile I wrote I have "learnt to love the winter." I wrote that before it got really cold, and now I am not so sure I do. I have become a softie, and could easily hibernate for the entire winter. At this time of year either it is too cold (+5 and below), or too icy, or too snowy or basically whatever...

In early December when it was -3 and -1, I refused to ride outside stating "it's too cold." I refused to run outside, "it's too cold." Huh. No, Sandy, -25 with a windchill of -30 is cold. Now that I have been reminded of what cold is, I have decided to change my attitude.

I have learnt mountain bike racing is about suffering. Whoever can suffer the most will win...even if that means just finishing a race. If you can battle snow and ice on a cold day then rain at +8 with a 50km/h headwind in August isn't too bad at all. Apparently there are a lot of benefits to riding/running/skiing in the winter...so they say. Improved bike handling from riding on ice, core stability from running on slippery terrain, cardiovascular benefits from time spent on misery sticks (uh, I mean cross country skis). Not to mention the thick skin you would develop from exposing yourself to the above mentioned activities!!

So, my December 10th resolution is to get outside 1 or 2 times per week and suffer. 6 months of that should be good for the ol' suitcase of courage. See you on the ice. IceRide