I just cannot sit around, but I can lay down...

The last blog is already a month old and was also not about cycling, but about my job as a teacher. Last month was chaotic and I did not had the time for an update, because I had to work, train and take care of my dad. This blog will be all about cycling and a bit about my dad.

After our trip to Mallorca, it was time to combine work and training again. I just love to be outside, and training in the winter when it is cold and dark is perhaps not my first choice, but warming up with hot chocolate and a warm shower is something to look forward to when you toes feel liking being in the -80 degrees freezer for over three weeks.

How does a week of training in the winter looks like? Restday on Monday (which means I go to work by bike), strength training on Tuesday (also go to work by bike), bike training on Wednesday (go to work by bike), strength training on Thursday (go to work by bik... oh no, by motorbike or car), bike training on Friday (working at home), Saturday and Sunday. I have been a bitt ill in the beginning of November, but so far the trainings goes well and I feel stronger than last year in December.

Besides riding on my road bike, I ride my mountainbike as well. Last year I already trained a lot of hours in the forest and this year I chose to continue that, because it makes great fun. Also when the roads are to slippery for the road bike or when it is too cold, it is nice to be in the woods. This year I decided to take part in fun-class MTB races. This is a winter competition to experience MTB races and the level is just a bit lower. Yes, I can ride my bikes fast, but I lack some MTB skills, so riding on national level does not make any sense for me. So far, I raced two races which was like a roller coaster when you looked into my head. Exploration of the course just before the race led to anxiety and insecurity, but during the race my race mode was on and afterwards I felt just pure joy. Riding a MTB race really pushes my boundaries, but it also helps to improve my technical skills.

And what about my title... well learning how to race with a mountainbike is not that easy, although I get great help from Geerte Hoeke. Not only by allowing me to borrow her bike (I am looking for a new one, but have difficulties deciding which one I want), but also by giving me really helpful suggestion how to ride better. She helped me improving my technical skills, which makes it even nicer to ride in the forest. You learn the best by making mistakes and making mistakes on a bike means (small) crashes and leading to bruises. So that's about my title.

Then the part about taking care of my dad. He had a small accident with major consequences, because he has a torned tendon in both legs, just above his knee. The doctor fixed it during a surgery and put a red cast on both legs. After being in the hospital for a week, he is now at home for recovery and when the casts are removed a heavy rehabilitation period will start. At the moment I try to be there for my parents as much as I can and try to put a smile on my dads face by sending really bad (but funny) poetries by mail.

And how is life as a teacher? I still love my job and it is a pleasure to work with the students. However, combining work, sports and family care was a bit too much. Till Christmas somebody else takes one of my classes over, so I have time to take care of my dad. Sports helps me in this period to clear my head and to relax.

Next blog will be about strength training and goals for 2018. Hopefully I write it before Christmas, but otherwise: Merry Christmas!