My Heart Rate's Not In It

Today was a beautiful day here in WPA and for some reason I just had no real motivation to ride. It amazes me how different this time of year is from the race season. I mean 2 months ago there is no way in hell I would have not ridden today. Due to family commitments the only option I had was time on the road, but after 20 glorious miles of dirt on Saturday I just wasn't "feeling" the road today.

I figure I push my luck dealing with road hogging SUVs and cigarette lighting, coffee drinking cell phone talking motorists 7 to 8 months a year, why do it if I don't have to. Weather looks to cooperate for a fast 10 or 11 post work dirt miles tomorrow so I'll just go with that.

With the new year (the "new year" being the start of my off season prep for 2008) a little over 2 weeks away, it's time to invest in yet another heart rate monitor. This will be my third in 3 years. The most recent one was the CatEye HR10. Yeah that was good for about a year and then went nutz. If you got within 200 yards of an electric current it would start registering a HR of about 510 or 0. Then when the battery needed changed it decided that it really didn't want to work at ALL anymore.

I don't use a monitor during competition. I don't see the point. It's not like I'm gonna slow down or speed up because me HR monitor says so. My body either feels it or it doesn't. I will say there are times I've used it just to be able to look back at some averages and stats just for shitz and giggles. I DO however find it a MUST for off season prep and training. It motivates me, helps me stay in control, and avoid burn out or being too lazy during workouts that would make even the sanest person crazy let alone someone like myself.

This year I THINK I have it narrowed down to the Sigma Onyx Fit HRM. I've used their bike computers with some success, so I figured I might give it a try.
It has all the features I want and I get get it a price that won't make me feel like shit when it inevitably breaks in April. Still doing some research, but it seems like a go.

Big congrats to my Mohican 100 roommate Rich B. on his 4th place Masters 3/4 podium finish at Granogue today. Way to go Rich! Look forward to your report.

Time for dinner.

Later.