Knights of the Round Wheel

Rockin' class this morning. Some new tunes that resonate on many levels. I mean, really, has any DJ ANYWHERE spun this:

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes>Todo Tiende (Ojos de Brujo)>Itchycoo Park>When the Levee Breaks>No One Like You> Steppin Out (Si*Se)>What Can I Say?>Reelin' in the Years?

Didn't think so. Even the most intrepid spin instructor might cringe. We don't cringe, we tackle. We meet challenge. Look it squarely in the eye. We get it done. You know those moments in life that are uncomfortable, clumsy or callus? THIS is how we prep for THAT. The stronger you are physically, the better your chances of dealing with adversity well. The stronger you are mentally, the better your odds of getting past one of life's wicked curve balls. The more empowered your spirit the easier it becomes to see the beauty, appreciate the path and assist others on their ride.

So we look forward to adding stress. Because that is what makes us stronger. UNLESS…..

It never ends. That, dear friends, is a critical point. It must cease somewhere to allow recovery. If you continually fight, push, attack, charge, and snarl your cortisone levels will cause an eventual breakdown. It happens under extreme stress, be it in war or a big race. We must slow down, rest and recover to manage and regulate cortisone. Here is an excellent video from the folks at First Endurance explaining this much better than I.

You know the after-glow from our intense high-energy sessions? We need to maximize the post efforts just like we do during training or racing. Max the extremes, remember? You can take supplements, vitamins, or pills to do this, or I invite you to try the RCVman all-organic method:

STOP>RELAX>BREATHE DEEP>CLOSE YOUR EYES>LISTEN TO YOUR BODY> SAY THANK YOU.

Congratulations to long time VBA (vast blogging audience) contributor ej who today was one of two recipients of the BACs HoM highest honor. EJ, along with Bernie were knighted in this mornings class after their stellar and steadfast (and successful) epic-quest around the Olympics last week. FTPO (from this point on) it is SIR ej and SIR Bernie.

I am wondering who will become our first Lady?

In closing today, here is some info on achilles tendonitis, the malady SIR Bernie battled for 100 miles in the rain, into the wind, over the hills, past the dogs and beside the logging trucks last week. Please check out some of the user comments, many sound very familiar.

Congrats, rest up, recover. We train to ride another day.