Now that I’m back in the saddle, it’s time for me to get back in shape.  Here’s a rundown of my secret training strategy.

The Goal: Get back in tip-top race-shape in time for Tour of the Gila in May.

The Challenge: 3 months off the bike starting at the end of September.  1 month of EBV (aka mono) + 2 months recovery from reconstructive knee surgery = slow and weak.  Fortunately, I did not get too fat during the three months I took off, since mono and surgery seem to have a dampening effect on one’s appetite.

The Solution: Meet Ross

Ross is my commuter bike.  Ross weighs in at about 40 pounds, and when you add a computer, books, and my lunchbox (yea, I have a lunch box, and I’m proud of it), Ross becomes one effective training tool.  I ride Ross about 8 miles a day to and from school, and my fitness has been returning remarkably fast.  Add in a few agro commuters for me to chase down on the way home, and voila! I’m getting faster and stronger by the day.

Perhaps the best part about having taken so much time off the bike (off my feet, off everything but the couch, basically), is that my progress is totally noticeable.  Ya know, once you get to a certain point in your fitness, it’s really hard to tell if you are getting stronger, or just digging yourself into a great big training hole.  But when you have been totally down and out, it’s quite apparent as you get stronger…and it feels pretty damn good.

So my advice for getting back in shape fast or for going the extra mile in your training – don’t do drugs, dopers suck – instead, go find a Ross of your own.  Ross will make you suffer; Ross will make you cry (especially when there is a headwind and you’re late for class); Ross will be your fitness drill sergeant; and Ross will get you back in shape.

The Reward: Not only am I getting back in shape on the Ross plan, and I making sure to adequately reward myself.

This is our homebrew.  I got Kyle a beer brewing kit for Christmas, and he got me a new fancy Gaggia Baby espresso machine, so I am adequately rewarding myself with tasty cappucinos in the morning, and in one week’s time, tasty homebrew (hopefully) in the evening.

The Result: Look for me at Tour of the Gila.  Hopefully I won’t be off the back…