Race Season Returns!

The Ride: Neighborhood Crit, 10 laps

Miles: 19

Time: 1:17

Ave. Speed: 14.5 mph

Weather: Partly sunny, 35, wind chill 32, wind 5-6 mph

Total Outdoor Miles 2018: 76.3

Total 2018 Indoor Season Miles: 225.1

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The Story

It's great to see the boys back on the road once again, as the 2018 racing season has begun with the first of the Spring Classics, Paris-Nice.

After watching a few stages of the race on my DVR this morning, I was ready to get outside on my bike, despite the fact that the weather was less than ideal. Bottom line: It was cold out there, despite being bundled up in several layers.

Despite the weather, I felt pretty good, making an effort up that one little hill I have on each lap when it's an odd-numbered lap.

It was interesting to see that in the 12th mile I began to feel taxed. There is a simple explanation for that. My indoor Carmichael workout usually totals a little over 11 miles.

So when I got into my 12th mile today, that was new territory for my body. You have to push through that and slowly up your miles so your body gets used to being in the saddle for a little longer time than spent on a trainer.

Hot shower afterward sure went a long way to warming me up. No fan of that chill out there today. But warmer weather is predicted for later this week with no snow in the forecast. I'm thinking a few more chances for early-season miles.

Now, back to my DVR to see how Paris-Nice came to an end this year. Off and racing in Europe!