It always feel a rush of accomplishment to make it to the 7-11 in the next town.. up the next hill.. through the sweeping corner in just the right gear, and back home. Escape, challenge, return; a bike ride always has the seems of epic drama, even if it’s the most quotidian of routes.

On the trainer, the 70th minute is just like the 10th, only sweatier. Plus, the phone might ring.

I listen to my mp3 player and watch the HRM to keep my heart rate in the right “zone” (i.e. the zone that doesn’t feel like my heart will burst from my chest).

I can only stay on the trainer for about an hour, then I get bored.

I would much rather go for a ride outside (unless it’s raining too hard) because there’s always the chance that I’ll see something interesting.

And get some fresh air, to “blow the stink off” as my mom used to put it.

Give my best to Susan!

As you can see, my frustration is more with the weather than with sitting on the trainer. I have a vast library of old race DVDs and videos, as well as a selection of CTS and Spinergy DVDs and even most of the Cyclo-Core workouts. I do two very brutal training sessions twice a week in the basement and then go to the gym for spinning classes on Saturday and Sunday. The spinning classes feel more social although nobody really talks to anyone else, but I enjoy riding and watching my race videos. Go, Jens, go!

On a positive note, when you think of how much you are suffering indoors, think of the good cause you are serving: making your friends suffer on the open road in the months ahead!