When technology fails you

The important part of our training is the actual physical conditioning.  The calories we burn are really just an added bonus, since the goal is strength and endurance and not necessarily weight loss (although if we weighed less, it would be easier to get up those mountain passes).

Since calories are an easy thing to track though, they are an encouraging way of keeping you motivated- like a pat on the back after a hard workout.

Imagine my frustration at the fact that I just busted my butt on the trainer for an hour and 10 minutes and my new garmin watch (Christmas gift that I just can't quite figure out!!!!) tells me I burned a grand total of SIX calories.  To put this in perspective, I would have guessed 700.  BUMMER!  Not a biggie, but would be nice to know.

Working out in the dungeon.  AKA: the basement.  It snowed on Monday evening so we can't ride outside for a bit.  My trusty companion was by my side though in the absence of Den (away on business trip).......the dog that is.....I haven't taken to calling my bike my trusty companion (yet).

Sometimes to get through a tough workout and have the motivation to keep going, I have to 'self talk' positive or encouraging thoughts.  Today's positive thoughts were that I'm so lucky that my body is allowing me to do this.  I'm healthy and have no ailments right now.  I never want to take that for granted, because we know all too well how quickly that can change.  Today's self talk was something along the lines of "I'm healthy.  My body can do this.  I have nothing hurting me, I have no reason to stop.  Many can not do what I am doing now-not because they don't want to,  but because their body won't let them."  For that, I am grateful.