NIBALI!

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/538560/vincenzo-nibali-wins-giro-d-italia-stage-20-to-close-in-on-overall-win.html

I've really been paying attention to Nibali this week. He is really showing some strength. And, now, he's all but clinched the Giro D'Italia title.

These riders, with the exception of the built in rest days, have been racing for 3 weeks now. They have to be hurting, have to be tired. But they keep forging ahead like warriors, beasts on machines. Their daily exercise routines, meal plans, etc. are carefully planned out according to their strengths and weaknesses. They have coaches, trainers, chefs and sponsors to ensure that they stay in champion form.

Why does that have to be any different for me? Sure, I don't have any sponsors to throw mega bucks at me to wear their clothes or ride their rides or use their bike parts. But that doesn't mean that I can't look at getting myself into the best shape possible with just a little research and planning.  (It wouldn't kill Castelli to look me up and hook me up with some awesome biking clothes though, would it?!? Someone make that happen!!)

Enter SUFFERFEST. Holy shit.

http://www.thesufferfest.com/

Their motto? I WILL KICK MY ASS TODAY TO BEAT YOURS TOMORROW.

Are you kidding me? How in the world can I even make this happen? Do I have what it takes? Well, kids, we're gonna find out real soon. I have a couple more pieces of equipment to purchase to start this 10-week training program (and that's just the FIRST one; there's another 10-week program after the Novice one) but it's becoming more a reality than just a passing thought. I still need a trainer (the block you sit your bike on to make it stationary - you use it indoors) and a heart monitor to test where my max potential is.

I've also been researching nutrition for cycling. You see, it all has go together. I can't be eating tacos and cheeseburgers every day if I want to develop those sexy legs that I'm so hoping cycling gives me. Does that mean I have to give up this food forever? Oh no. But it does mean that I'm going to have to alter what fuel I'm putting into my body in order to get the fuel necessary to keep going.

So, it's rest day. And I'm going to take myself to the City Market here in Kansas City to pick up some good food - sweet potatoes, greens, beets, etc. Good thing I already like and eat this type of food.

New day - new way!

Happy cycling!