This past Friday was the “first day of the rest of my life”. I have been coaching girls’ basketball this year and our season came to an end Thursday evening when we were beaten in the playoffs. So, immediately after school on Friday (I am a high school math teacher), instead of giving hours to basketball practice or hours devoted to the responsibilities of coaching, I headed straight home to get back in the saddle again!

When I got home, I checked the weather channel for the direction of the wind and temperature, and changed into my brand new bike shorts and gear. After the normal pre-ride routine and strapping on my Bodylink, I carried my bike downstairs and was officially back in the saddle, again!

Initially, the entire “feel” of my bike was somewhat awkward. I use PowerCranks, and was surprised at how quickly I adapted to riding in my aeorbars – last season it seemingly took me a week to be able to ride in the aero position for more than 5 minutes! Though the wind was awful (there were gusts up to 40 mph and we were under a “red flag alert”!) and being pelted by the residual sand (from all the ice and snow we have experienced) was a little obnoxious, I was excited about the opportunity to be on my bike and getting my bike legs back.

I first found out about the nationwide Spin-for-ALS event after reading Kevin Mackinnon’s Ironmanlife article in January. Jon Blais has touched the life of so many people. His story…we all know. In fact, as many times as I have watched the 2005 Hawaii Ironman DVD, I feel like I know him personally.

I am truly inspired by individuals who must demonstrate perseverance every day of their life. Jon Blais does this. He did not choose ALS. It was not a decision he made to take on this challenge, and yet, he faces the challenge with a strength that few people could or would.

He demonstrated his tenacity when he finished the 2005 Ford Ironman World Championship in October of 2005, and in his continued efforts to keep things ‘rolling’ with the fight against ALS, he is still displaying his dogged determination. Jon reminds me to never take my health for granted, and motivates me to use the body I have been given. But, most importantly, Jon Blais inspires me to be part of something much bigger than myself.

So, with the help of two of my friends, we decided to take part in this nationwide effort and coordinated The Woodlands Spin-for-ALS. With the help of Mike Lucas and his awesome staff at Luke’s Locker we secured a location and bike trainers. We were also able to secure two stationary spin bikes from local sponsors.

The Woodlands Spin-a-Thon began at 6 am and ended at 10:30 pm…16.5 hours in duration, the length of time it took Jon to complete Ironman Hawaii. The morning of Saturday, February 10^th, started just like any other IM race day…early. As the day unfolded I noticed that in many ways it was a reflection of what happens in an Ironman. There was the dedicated support crew of close friends and family who stepped up to the plate and donated their time, money and effort to the cause. There was the initial excitement and energy as we started the clock, and yes…there was even the “My gosh, 16.5 hours makes for a long day!”

We had over 20 people contribute to nearly 40 biking hours and donate more than $1200. We consider the “1^st Annual Woodlands Spin-for-ALS” event a success, and look forward to next year.

Happy Training.

Training as of recent has been hard to find consistency. If you have watched the Weather Channel, Wisconsin has been in a deep freeze. For almost three weeks the average temperature was not above zero degrees with windchills often at 30 below! This even forced me onto the treadmill, which I had to run on for 5 days when there was wind-chill warnings.

But one of the motivating factors to finishing a long run on a cold morning is looking forward to a warm breakfast and hot cup of coffee when you get back. Besides the cold, we have about 10″ of snow or so on the ground, so the local xc ski trails have a decent base. I have been getting out skiing for some great cross-training.

This is the hardest time of year for me to train, as I really get sick of being indoors. But I am really just trying to lay down a foundation for the season and get my body fully adapted to working out 2x a day again. The forecast is calling for a few 10 degree (above 0) days coming up, I might have to get out the Australian Gold Tanning Oil.