City Coach | Nathanael Horne's Blog

Change of Heart

I decided that for now, I have a lot more fun just riding my 'cross bike offroad and pretending that I am racing than actually racing.  I also lost a lot of fitness during my much-needed post-race rest period, so my original plan to do some 'cross races has been downgraded from "definite" to "unlikely."  Maybe next year.

Other items of interest:

Here is a link to a survey from NYC re: bike parking, an issue close to my heart.  Take it and maybe you will help contribute to a more bike-friendly city. http://www.nycbikerackstudy.com/

I was super-stoked to be informed of receiving the roll-down spot from Westchester for Team USA, and will thus be going to Vancouver in 2008 for the Olympic Distance Age- Group World Championships in 2008.

I have been slow to get back in the water due to a nagging shoulder injury that was exacerbated by my recent trip to Mexico and surfing 3x a day for 5 days. Photos and video: http://picasaweb.google.com/nshorne/200711SbAndMexico However, I made my return to the water yesterday and although my stamina is way down, my speed is not way down (I am not sure if that indicates that I am just slow all of the time, or that I retained some technique). 

Anyone who is interested in doing some hard running over the winter- let me know.  I decided (pending Coach Cane's approval) that I would try to PR a 1/2 marathon (maybe Brooklyn) in mid-winter and come into the season with better run skills - training starts now.

On the Lance Bandwagon

The Nike run with Lance Armstrong on 10/2 was fast, but not as crazy-fast as last year.  The highlight was the props that Terence got from Lance at the press conference for beating him in the marathon last year.  Photos and video here (mostly pretty mediocre- as I have found that its hard to take photos when running - in the dark).  The thumbnail is from last year's run. 

http://picasaweb.google.com/nshorne/200710LanceRun

Squirrel City

In an effort to build back some fitness for the Mighty Hamptons and Westchester Triathlons after hitting a peak for the NYC TRI, I rode with some buddies today in Central Park, my first fast group ride in quite some time.  Much to my surprise, my bike handling skills have apparently deteriorated since my road racing days (which pretty much ended in 2002).  Admittedly, Central Park is filled with hazards and clueless riders, even at 6 in the morning, but I definitely felt squirrelly as we tried to maintain a tight and disciplined paceline.  Great workout, but a reminder to work on handling skills, especially if I hope to race any cyclocross this season.  I just ordered some extra durable wheels and 'cross tires, in anticipation of what will be my first 'cross races since probably 2003, but I will have to do some skill drills if I want to keep from face-planting the barriers.