Getting back in shape

Dang, I know this is subjective but it still is hard to get back in shape. People ask: what do you mean, get back in shape? you just rode 180 miles on a bike. Well, there is a difference in being in fighting shape and be in shape for survival. The latter is the kind of shape I am currently in. Ever since late 2006 when I became unemployed, I went in to hibernation as far as working out was concerned. I just showed up for the main event on the weekends. It worked alright until mid year 2007. After that, I really began to fall off.

Last years' unusually tropical weather in North Texas meant that it rained very frequently from February until October or so. It took a couple weeks off in August but it remained wet for most of the year. Wet weather an bike maintenance do NOT compliment each other too nicely. Rather than tear my bikes down on a regular basis, I just rode on the weekends. Sometimes, these rides were 60-100 miles, sometimes they were 200-400 even 600k.

I rode 4 completed brevets in 2008 and called it quits. I was having a good time but something just changed a couple weeks ago. It stopped being fun. Once that happens, I have to turn my attention in another direction. Riding is still a part of the picture, a big part of the picture but I will ride differently from now on.