Feeling good

Ever have those moments where you just think. Wow, I need to pause for a second here and take note of this feeling. This is the feeling when everything seems to be working out. Your healthy, training is progressing, every day you feel you are making gains, you go to your place of work {Moka House or Training} you are just happy to see everyone and well you just walk around with a smile on your face. Here are some contributing factors.

I am back on the Cervelo Steed again! Absolutely fantastic customer service by Cervelo. On a new frame and looking sharp. Certainly no excuses now, I am set for the season. Thanks to Gabor for taking most of the day to set it up and having it run seamlessly. I’ve already had three wicked rides on it including a hilly base ride, a flat 3x20min draft pack session and today’s OBB hammer fest. Yup, when you get a pack of about 30 together you are bound to get some solid riding in. Hard but fun. Oh and I need to name the bike. Can’t be La Dolce Vita II (that’s cheating) but it has to be in Italian. I am working on a few ideas.

I attended an open mic last night at Solstice Cafe which was a lot of fun featuring a solo performance by a friend of mine, Jenny Ritter from the band, The Gruff. The Gruff have a couple of CD’s out that I totally dig and if you are into anything from old-time to country; from bluegrass to rock ‘n’ roll; songs of joy, sorrow, and everything in between you will dig it too. I had a little something I’d been working on but when push comes to shove I will stick to singing in the shower and strumming to my Teddy Bear. Well I am still feeling the lactic burn in my legs which is GREAT! What a satisfying sensation! I am here with a coffee in my hand music in my ears and life is good. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Ciao for now,
Andrew McCartney

Quick Update

So we are finalizing the last details for our trip to Tucson, Arizona. One month of heat, wicked riding and good company. And then we are really into racing season! Training has been good lots of running miles and I am riding well in spite of the “lead” bike and a bit of a cold but my race bike should be back soon. Here is what happened. About a week into the Maui Camp after some tough descending down some technical roads, I was cleaning my bike and found a crack directly down the centre of the top tube. As it is a carbon frame a crack like this can spread and shatter catastrophically. It did spread a bit but managed to survive the remainder of the camp. Thanks to the guys at Fort St. things are rolling and should be under warranty. For now, I am on my cross bike with slicks. I hate to pull out a cliché but it won’t kill me.

Well short but not much else is new, happy heart day,
Hope all is well,
Ciao for now,
Andrew

And now for something completely different....

Silly I Know....

Ciao for now,

Andrew

Apres Camp Conclusion

Spirit of the West – Home for a rest


You’ll have to excuse me,
I’m not at my best,
I’ve been gone for 3 weeks,
I haven’t been drunk since I have left,
but I am most definitely in need of home for a rest.

The last three weeks have been fantastic. What an awesome experience. The island was amazing, the company was top notch, and the training was exactly what I needed to give me a jump start to the season. I feel very fit and excited for the season. I feel so strong on the bike. Running is going really well. I have had a large build in the running mileage which at first was hard on the joints but have loosened off and I will continue to increase the mileage. Swimming is strong and where it needs to be. Last years riding has done me well. The lessons from last year have translated well. The work ethic, the willingness to hurt and general fitness passed on. Living in the Hostel created some challenges but was a good experience. Met a lot of people with hugs all around as we left. Even a tear or two. (Not mine of course, ah spit, Jeff had a few)

With the news of Joel’s coaching change, though I am not very good at goodbyes I would like to congratulate him on this amazing opportunity. The last 2 years under his guidance has been amazing. I have learnt so much. Thanks for everything Joel and best of luck with your new venture.

Recovery time,
And to all a good night,
Ciao for now,
Andrew