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Where would you like to ride?

It has been a cold January in Minnesota so far. While this isn't a big surprise, it has meant a bit more trainer time than I would like. I've done what I could there but I startled myself the other day when I saw the weather forecast was calling for 20 degrees (F) and thought to myself, yeah, that's a great day for a ride.

So, instead of riding the above setup, I got layered up and headed outside to face the path below.

That sign on the left side is a normal 8 feet or so high. And yes that means the plowed pile is over 4 feet. When I mentioned layered up above, I really mean it. I was wearing at least 2 layers on all parts of my body, 2 pairs of tights, 3 shirt layers, warm socks and booties. I guess I should note that I didn't cover my face. I draw a line there, when face masks are involved, I'm out.

Despite the calls for 20 degree warmth, if there is such a thing, the days didn't quite turn out that nice. It hadn't actually got up to 20, and there was a bit of a breeze, yet since it was 15 degrees warmer than it had been, and who knows what will come in the days ahead, I got myself together and went out into the snowy beyond on my cross bike with metal studded snow tires, at a low pressure I should add.

What a ride it was. This is not one of those epic ride stories where things happen and the main character overcomes adversity to become successful. Instead, I am writing simply to highlight the fun and joy one can have doing things that engage what we love about endurance sports. I like to ride bikes. I am not sure I count the trainer as riding a bike so this was me doing something I enjoy. It was great.

I fell over twice, had to clip out of my pedals a few more times so I didn't add to the fall total and rode over more ice than I would ever have thought I would in my life a few years ago, let alone in an hour and 10 minutes. Yet, it was a blast. I enjoyed it so much, I did it again the next day.

Here is my shoe after ride, note the snow pack.

Above is the back wheel post ride, the snow covered rim is my favorite part. In the end, I got myself a bit fitter by this ride, had fun and did it again the next day. That's how it should be!

Next up, more winter cycling fun, tune in next week as I am racing on an indoor soccer field and may do an ice race as well. See you out there. Oh, and have fun while you're at it!

 

February 14

Who says you have to take it easy in the winter? Tony did a great job at the Austin Marathon and set a new PR today. Nice job Tony!

February 4

Coach Jason is teaching two classes at GearWest University this Sunday, one on race execution and the other on using power for multisport.

January 23

The year is young but the Dig It crew is off to a great start. It was a day for winter running races and PRs as several among the Dig It gang got their year started with personal best runs today, nice job gang!

January 17

Riding/racing in the middle of the night on an indoor soccer field? Really? Yeah, really!

Latest News My report on Bike Nights at the National Sports Center.

January 13

Hey the weather outside isn't frightful, at least here in Minnesota. Who wants to ride?

Latest News My anaual snow ride article is here.

January 1

Dig It wishes you a happy and successful New Year.

December 14

Coach Jason discusses his passion for racing cyclocross despite being bad at it, at least so far.

Latest News How Can I Like Something and Be this Bad At It?

December 3

Coach Jason reflects on training in the off season.

Latest News What You Should Versus What You Could Do.

November 22

Dig It's Dan made his Ironman debut in Tempe at Ironman Arizona. He might have been new at the Ironman distance but Dan was fast and had a great performance. Nice job Dan!

November 17

Debi finishes 2nd in the Virginia Triathlon Series, not bad given that she's over 50 racing against women who are literally half her age. You're an inspiration, keep it up!

November 14 and 15

Dig It was out at the Minnesota State Cyclocross Champs this past weekend. It was a fun time with great weather, good racing and a general festive atmosphere. Looking forward to next year already.

November 7

Scott has a great race at IM Florida, avoiding the sophmore jinx with a huge PR. Nice job Scott!

October 17

Dig It athletes can run, and fast at that. Jill sets at major PR at the Whistlestop marathon where Sascha did a great half marathon as well. Maria ran a big PR as well at the Indianapolis Marathon. The dig it gang runs and runs fast!

October 3 and 4

Minnesota cyclocross season is underway and rolling. Michael and Coach Jason got their seasons going with some fun and hard racing this weekend.

Michael in action at the Hudson CX. Photo courtesy of skinnyski.com.

Jason at the Planet Bike Orono CX race. Photo courtesy of Seth Iverson Photo.

Latest News Jason's Race Report

September 26

It was a wet and tough day for everyone at the ITU World Short Course Duathlon Championships. Dig It athletes were out to play and did what they could on a challenging course in the midst of a downpour.

Debi is among this group of fast ladies before the skys opened again.

Here Justin Hurd closes in on the transition after a speedy first run.

September 13

Forrest showed off his great fitness with a 5th overall at the Bad to the Bone Duathlon.

Forrest was indeed bad. Here is runs towards the finish.

September 13

Wow, what a day for the Dig It gang. Debi was 12th overall, and 3rd woman, at a sprint tri in Virginia. Maria set a new half marathon PR in Chicago, and Forrest set a 5K PR by over a minute in Kentucky. Oh and then there was Ironman Wisconsin which was the scene of outstanding performances by Andrea, Lindsey and Henry. A successful debut and 2 PRs made it quite the day in Madison. Jason was there to cheer and take it all in.

Here Coach Jason hangs with Andrea after the race.

Latest News My reflections on the IM Wisconsin weekend, with a few photos.

August 30

Keith completes his first Ironman at IM Kentucky today. On a great weather day, Keith executed a great race making all his time goals. Way to go Keith!

Josh shows his endurnace with a strong run at the Salsa 2-4, yes the 2 and 4 refer to how many hours it lasts.

August 16

Dan rocks the fastest run and 2nd overall today at the Northeast Maryland Triathlon, the regional championship. Nice job Dan!

August 3

After a freak accident, Eric shows great perseverance to train for and race strong at the Calgary 70.3.

Looking strong on the bike, Eric moves along on his way to a great finish.

July 19

The Dig It gang was throwing down some great performances today. At the Heart of the Lakes Triathlon Jill and Cliff achieved their season goals of making their age group podium, Jill was 2nd and Cliff 3rd on a great Minnesota summer day. At the Door County half IM, Andrea and Lindsey rocked it and showed they are on the way to great races at IM Wisconsin.

Jill and Cliff show off the hardware.

June 6

Jennifer crushes her half IM PR today at Mooseman with a well executed race across the board.

May 31

Dig It's friend Justin Hurd captures the US National Long Course Duathlon Championship today in California at the World's Toughest. National Champ baby, that's a good thing to call one's self!

Photo courtesy of Auburn Events

May 23-24

What a weekend for the Dig It gang. Excellent performances at the Apple Duathlon in Minnesota.

Here Cliff speeds towards the finish at the Apple Duathlon.

Latest News Coach Jason on the Apple Duathlon

Also, Andrea set a half marathon PR and Forrest got his first duathlon top 10 finish with an AG win, and Jennifer got a 3rd among women and a 2nd in her age group in a sprint triathlon in Utah

Jennifer showing off some hardware!

April 26

Coach Jason was in Richmond for USA Triathlon's Duathlon National Championships. It was a hot weekend but the Dig It gang did a great job.

Here Coach Jason poses with Forrest after his race. Forrest got the luck to start at 11:30 on a day that got to well over 90 degrees. Did I mention his race was hot?

October 11, 2008

Justin Hurd, who Coach Jason advises, shows shows his strength at IM Hawaii. On a challenging day, for the big island no less, Justin did great in his first attempt at the World Championships as a pro.

September 28, 2008

Jason in racing mode at the ITU World Duathlon Championships in Italy. It was a fun day of action.

Here the bike awaiting its trusted rider.

Latest News More Information

September 27, 2008

Jason serves as Assistant Coach with the elite athletes of Team USA at the ITU World Duathlon Championships in Rimini, Italy. It was a fun day filled with great competition for Team USA.

Here is the women's team poses for photos immediately after their finish.

Latest News More Information

October 6

Coach Jason wins the inaugural Kickin' Leaves Duathlon in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The new race had a small field but a great course. Hope everyone can make it there next year.

Jason poses with bike and trophy at home after the race.

Latest News More Information

 

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