It is Thursday so this week this meant time to ride the rollers. I was actually looking forward to my roller ride. I’m feeling like I’m getting on top of this training device and I’m enjoying my time pedaling along and feeling progress.

Though there is one issue that riding the rollers has highlighted: I bounce. Yep, I’m a bouncer. See I like to push a big gear at a low cadence. A certain someone has been working hard to break me of this habit. Trouble is, it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But I’m getting there.

Today I felt like I was really jiving with the rollers. Less side-to-side motion now. I can take my hands off the bars (not both at the sametime… that is just crazy). I can stand up for a little bit. I can even reach down and grab a towel to wipe my face. But still I bounce.

My new task when roller riding is to think about my pedal stroke. Pay attention to what my legs are doing and think about a smooth stroke. No more of this 3 o’clock/6 o’clock business. I’m going to stop the bouncing and become smooth and all buttery.

Today marked my longest roller ride in a very long time – 75 minutes. I know for those of you who crank out 2 hours on the rollers this is chump change. But considering three weeks ago, I hadn’t ridden the rollers since 1995 – I’m pretty happy with this.

I’ve got my new training program for March. It looks really good. Getting into some intensity. Working on leg speed. Longer runs are in the mix as well. I’m actually starting to feel like my old self again. My legs are getting stronger, my heart and soul want to ride longer and harder and I’m just really feeling the bike right now. I want to ride longer and harder than is planned right now.

This is a good thing. My fire is burning hot and fast. I’m already looking forward to Friday’s session on the trainer chased by a yin yoga class and then a hot power yoga class. Oh yeah, Friday is going to be a good one. I hope your Friday is looking as good as mine.

Today I raced the Kalmthout and Pont-Chateau World Cups… Okay, not really. But I watched the women’s race from each while riding the trainer in the basement. Normally I’m not interested in watching cyclo-cross or any other bike racing while riding the trainer – I suppose because we usually only have the men’s race to watch. But when it is the women’s race it is a different story.

The Kalmthout World Cup really is a super fun and challenging course. I’ve only ever raced it when it has been covered in snow and ice – as it was this year. It was pretty awesome to see Marianne Vos who started on the back row, ride her way through the field and into second place. Interesting enough, the podium from Kalmthout had the same women on it as did the World Championships podium…

After the Kalmthout race, I moved on to watching the Pont-Chateau World Cup. A totally different race in different conditions and with a smaller field. I’ve never raced at Pont-Chateau but from watching the women power over the climbs, it looks to be a very challenging course as well. This year it also looked very fast. I was super impressed with the start that Vos threw down – she had a big gap within a few meters on the pavement – which of course then settled down. Anyway, I haven’t finished watching this race so I can’t provide much further comment on it.

But I can tell you that watching these two races really got my blood flowing. I felt myself pedaling faster while watching these races than I did while watching the first show of the ride (Californication). I was paying attention to how the racers took the corners, how they lined up to keep their speed, if they kept pedaling, etc. Honestly, I found watching these women race to be inspiring. It reminded me of the unfinished business I have left on the cyclo-cross bike. I also made a vow to myself – I will get better – I don’t want to be at the back of these races anymore. This year I will race as I’ve always wanted to and believed that I can.

So thanks to Hanka, Marianne, Katie, Katerina, Sanne, Nikki, Nicole, Sanne, Helen, Gabby and all the other fast women of cyclo-cross for amping me up on this fine Wednesday morning. I’m stoked to get out and ride, push my body and hit that next level.

See you out there!

The first phase of my training for the fast approaching racing season is now complete. I’m pretty stoked about getting through this three weeks of training since I’m way ahead of schedule… Yes, ahead of schedule. For me… For most of you, you’re likely sweating it out for two and three hours on the trainer or if you’re lucky, you’re able to get outside and ride for hours on end. So far my longest ride has been 90 minutes.

But this is 90 minutes longer than I had originally anticipated back in January. In January, I thought I wouldn’t be able to start training again until March. Well, here it is March 1 and I’ve already got three weeks of structured training in my body. Lets not forget the three weeks of riding I was able to get in during the last part of my trip to Belgium. Yes, so definitely ahead of schedule.

The big question is: how do I feel? Well, I have had days when I’ve felt pretty wiped out and other days when I’ve just wanted to ride or run for twice as long as the schedule prescribed. I think some of my fatigue can be attributed to finally being done with the steroids and my body adjusting to my new medicine. The bursts of energy – I don’t know where they are coming from but I’ll take them!

I’m looking forward to my next block of training. I’m not sure what it will hold – I’m talking to coach Steve this afternoon. I’ve got a couple of easy days and then on Thursday it is time to get going again. I’m crossing my fingers that the snow starts to leave us – I really don’t want to spend any long days on the trainer. I might just have to bundle myself up and try and get outside for some riding…

I’ve been looking at race schedules and trying to figure out what races I’m going to do. At this point, I really don’t know. I think I’ll probably take the racing as it comes – how I’m feeling and what fits into the training schedule. Road racing and getting results on the road are not the goal for me this summer – I’m still focused on cyclo-cross. Racing on the road really is for development as well as to keep the competitive fires burning during the spring and summer. Also, I really do enjoy road racing – but I don’t want it to be my focus. I’m thinking of sticking to some local racing with a few criteriums and road races in Quebec added in when they fit the schedule.

I’m really looking forward to getting out for lots of long rides again. I loved doing these last summer – nothing like four and five hours out on the bike. A true feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment at the end.

Well, that’s about all I have for today. I’m happy it is March and that I’m ahead of schedule. Really so far 2011 is looking to be one of the best yet. As they say “everything happens for a reason”.

Now, I may get myself into some hot water with this post… But I can’t hold back any longer. I’ve been seeing this tagline all over cycling blogs/Twitter feeds/Facebook posts/etc the last few weeks and it really is making my eyes crossed. Yes, the offending tagline is: Living The Life.

What the heck? What is exactly Living The Life? I really don’t know where this tagline/motto/slogan came from but I would like it to return to the rock from which it come out from under. Harsh, I know. But seriously…

What do these three seemingly innocent words exactly mean? By using them are you trying to make others jealous? Are you attempting to belittle the work and effort you put into your training and racing?

The fascinating aspect to the use of this slogan/tagline/motto is that I haven’t seen any ProTour or top North American pros using it. Nope, it seems to be coming from those who are along for the ride (so to speak). Now, some of you might hesitate to suggest that I’m one of those along for the ride…

Well, bite your tongue on that thought young man. Yes, I bill myself as a pro cyclo-cross racer. Essentially this is what I am – I don’t really work much, I have sponsors who support my racing efforts, and I do earn some money from start contracts. I suppose, I’m a candidate to use the “Living The Life” tagline/slogan/motto. Heck, I might as well get it tattooed on my bulging quads. But I digress….

Really, there is nothing awesome or spectacular about choosing to ride and not work much. It is a choice. Is it a glorified existence? No.

From the full-time pro road racers I’ve spoken to, the life of a professional ProTour or top North American bike racer really isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Having no control over when and where you race. Literally racing to save your job, lest a poor day on your bike puts an end to your contract. Living out of a suitcase. Being away from family and friends. Crashing hard and still being expected to get out there and race again the next day. Having no control over the equipment you have to use – forget the fact that the team pedals/shoe combination inflames your ITB or that the saddle you have to ride really just doesn’t fit your “you know what”.

Living The Life? Gee, I’m really not so sure.

But for someone like me things are a bit different. I choose my racing schedule and arrange my own travel plans. If I’m sick or simply not having a good day on the bike, not to worry, there are plenty of other races. I have two homes: Ottawa and Blauberg (thanks Tim and Jos) and don’t have to worry about less then spectacular hotels and hotel food. I race and ride with the equipment and clothing I like. Simply put, I have control over my bike racing life.

So maybe, I’m Living The Life? I still don’t think so. Since I still have concerns like mortgage payments, arranging sponsorships, and living a normal life.

I guess this all leads me to one big question: can someone please explain to me what Living The Life is? I’m so darn curious. I’m thinking that if I could just crack this nut, I’d really and truly have it made. On the other hand, I can stick with what I have and be damn happy and lucky that at the age of 38 (soon to be 39) I’ve got an amazing husband who helps me keep the dream alive.