An award winning day...

I've lost my bike legs and I don't know why. I had a speed session tonight and I went as hard as I could but didn't go as fast as I thought I should have. My legs at times were even getting lactic acid build up from pushing so hard. The average speed of the session was slower than I would have expected and it was really hard for me to get my heart rate over 146 bpm.

What bothered me most was seeing the low heart rate when I was going as hard as I could. I've read about this happening to athletes when they are over trained. I hope that's not what's happening to me. Last year I did 6 months of intense exercise with 6 months at half the intensity. This year I've already done 7 high intensity months with one more to go. I'm wondering if my body has had enough, or is it my late night partying?

I've decided to cancel our annual Halloween Party this year, I need a break from late night partying and I can't just have a few drinks. I'm all or nothing. Until Clearwater I'm going to try and live alcohol free and eat semi-healthy. I had a dream last night that the reason I have fatty liver disease is because I'm constantly gaining and losing weight. Week in and week out I tend to lose 2 lbs during the week and gain 2 lbs on the weekend. My body is constantly processing fat. Maybe that's part of the problem?

I barely got my bike ride in tonight. I got home from work later than planned and at 7 pm we had to be at Alyssa's school, she was getting some sort of award. Getting out the door to ride was a major chore. I couldn't find any of my winter gloves or cycling tights, which was causing great irritability, just ask Alice. I had clothes pulled out of drawers and all over the floor, everywhere. I found so many single gloves, but couldn't find pairs. I was on a mission to find them because it was so cold and windy outside. Not finding them was not an option.

I did find them and ended up making it back in time to eat, shower and get to Alyssa's school just in time. In my haste, I forgot to change glasses. As I was driving to the school I noticed I had my cycling glasses on with the prescription insert and because the lens was clear it looked like I was wearing goggles. Not a good look for a school function. Unfortunately we were running late and I couldn't turnaround and get my regular glasses. Here I was, going to see my daughter get an award and I wouldn't be able to see her.

Then as we were getting closer I asked Alice to check my glove box for contacts. I thought I put some there a long time ago. She found them. I put them on and disaster was averted. Alyssa ended up getting an award for the highest mark in last years grade 11 Media Arts class. It was a big production with lots of fanfare and hoopla. Even the school band was there to play.

She was one of the kids that accepted an award and looked like a regular kid, most looked quite socially awkward. Some looked like future serial killers. Although I did love seeing the "stoner kid" with his beat up jean jacket, long hair and Fu Manchu, get his honours award. I remember those guys from when I went to school. They'd be stoned all the time and somehow make the honour roll. It didn't surprise me when the top overall academic honours went to an Asian guy and girl. Not many things change. Asians also got the top academic awards at my school when I was a student.

I was really proud of Alyssa. All the students walked into the auditorium in single file and the place was full with parents. I got a little choked up when I saw her. It was great to see her back excelling after struggling with health issues for the past two years. When she accepted her award, the teacher giving it out also commented that Alyssa was in her English class and "was a pleasure to teach and a great student".

As Borat would say "ve-ry nice"!

Weights - 45:00

Speed Bike - 57:50 / 30.27 km / 31.3 kph / avg hr 130 / 842 ft climbing