As for what I have in store for 2021, that is a rather fluid plan at the moment. I know what I would like to do and accomplish but that plan depends on a lot of different things.
My work schedule is one of the big "ifs." At the end of 2020 my employer offered buy outs/early retirements to some employees. 4 people in the department I work in left on December 31. That may not seem like much but that is 4 people in a department of 16. Close to 140 years of experience. Now we're short handed. Training new employees. On top of considerably more work. 12 hour shifts. Time off being denied. I'm not sure how long this will continue but it has already impacted my schedule. Hopefully this will change but I'm not holding my breath.
Events scheduling is another big "if." If they're going to be held. If they get rescheduled. If they are virtual. My vacation time is scheduled from May to May (due to contract.) I pick in early January. That means that I choose my vacations for most of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. I have to hope I can get the weeks I want/need if I'm registering for a race. If the race holds a lottery or is first come first served I have to hope that week is available. I do have first choice in my department but also work with 15 others. That means that races that involve some travel/hotels/advance planning are a crap shoot most years. Toss in the specter of the race being cancelled and 2021 will be interesting.
Next issue is health. I am 100 percent planning on being healthy! Positive thinking. To me there is no question. As for my fitness.....that's another issue!
The last few weeks have been a struggle. I hate to admit that. I am doing my best to keep my chin up but some days are more difficult than others. Just when I string a couple good days together the next day comes along and kicks me in the ass. Running really seems to take everything I've got. I believe it's a combination of the radiation treatment and the Lupron. Blocking testosterone and vigorous (for me) weight bearing activity don't seem to go together well. I haven't found any good research studies to back this up. It's just my first hand experience and opinion. Cycling doesn't seem to be as bad. I've definitely slowed and have to work harder at what seems to be an easy effort but it does seem easier than running. I've done a few Zwift rides and really have to push to stay with the group. Again, I believe it's weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing. *Seek a real doctor for intelligent advice* Hopefully once the effects of the Lupron fade my fitness level will grow.
I have a few events on the back burner but I honestly don't plan on setting any records this year. Slow and steady is my new motto. I'll be glad to just toe the line and feel that race day adrenaline. I've signed up for Point Bock 5 mile (virtual-early March) and Wausau24 (4 person 24 hour mountain bike event.) I'm hoping for a late spring/early summer gravel race but I don't have anything firm yet. I'm crossing my fingers for a few WORS races and maybe a fall gravel event. It all depends on scheduling. I'd love to work up to a 50K again but that is a big goal and I need to be realistic. Like I said above, I know I won't be setting the courses on fire but I don't want any of these to turn in to an all out sufferfest! I mainly want to have fun!
That's where I am to start 2021. I hope all of you are doing well. If you're training I hope that is going strong and that race season, whatever that may be, finds you fit and fast.
Now, I'm off to test out some new studded road bike tires. Although it's been in the mid 30's the past few days maybe I can find some snow/ice. Outside surely beats inside staring at a virtual course. I'll let you know how it goes next time.
That's all I have for now. As always, thank you for following along. I appreciate it. Comments and questions are welcome (good and bad.)
And of course-FUCK CANCER!!
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