Northern Report

First time in front of the computer in a week....

So, I'm hanging out at my bro and sis-in-law's place in Red Deer right now. I've been here since Thursday night -- I have a full day and a half off of racing, but I'm heading back up to Edmonton again tomorrow morning for the Criterium race around the Legislative Buildings tomorrow afternoon, then it's back to Calgary late tomorrow night, and to Cochrane Sunday morning for the Ride for the Wild Roses ITT. I'm commissairing the Bow Hill Climb race Sunday night at Canada Olympic Park and the Provincial Crit Championship race is the Tour de Bowness on Monday. Then it's back to work again on Tuesday. Whoopee!

This has definitely been one of the best weeks of my life. On top of the fact that I'm the new uncle of a wonderful little girl, I've had unbelievable success at the World Master Games in Edmonton. I had hoped that I'd do well but never expected to be taking home FOUR medals (maybe another one tomorrow??? hee hee). It's been the experience of a lifetime, and I've met many wonderful people from all over the globe. It's also been a great week to bond with the teammates -- we've been spending an inordinate amount of time together this week at the road races, at the track, and all points in between. We've also taken in some of the other sports going on like track and field, swimming and diving, volleyball, and tennis.

This summer has been like a dream. I'm so happy that all the hard work and dedication I've put toward training have paid off so well. It's always the hardest in January and February imagining what the season is going to be like and having metaphysical discussions with yourself about the worth of everything and whether the ends (podiums, medals, meagre prize money) justifies the means (the training hell to get there). All I can say is that the feeling of winning can't be beat. I have so many people to thank for all their help getting me to where I am and keeping me focused on the goal. Keep the eyes on the prize, folks!

Once the long weekend is over, it's time to buckle down and get back to reality. I think I've had my head in the clouds for about a month now -- I can't recall getting anything of worth done at work, but looking at my work email today, there's lots to look forward getting back to.

It was nice to have today off. I was getting a little burned out hanging out at the velodrome everyday this week, and I wanted to come and see how Treslie was getting along. Her and Chloe were napping this afternoon, and Owen got home from work around noon, so I headed out for a recovery ride around 3pm. I headed east of town towards Delburne, swung around the Joffre Nova Chemical plant, and back into Blackfalds before heading south to Red Deer. I beat yet another incredible storm system by a half hour or so. It's been raining in the afternoons and evenings here and in Edmonton almost everyday since I've been up here. I'm not sure what that's all about.

Anyhoo, wanted to post some pics, write a few blurbs. I'll be back in full reporting mode next week. In the meantime, enjoy the long weekend everyone! I hope you're feeling better Jeff.