More Snow in Portland.

We had more snow here a couple of days ago. Big fat flakes, about 1-2 inches accumulation and it should all be gone by tonight when the freezing rain comes. Just the perfect storm to keep me off the bike and move me indoors (again).

I have been pretty consistent about my training. I have scheduled my off days around my time with my daughters and spent quite a bit of time on the trainer. The intervals are hard but rewarding. Really what keeps me focused is my yoga practice. By taking the time for the mental rejuvenation that yoga provides I have found my motivation is not wavering as it has done in the past.

My recovery is also faster, or at least it feels faster. My waking pulse rate is lower after I finish my workouts with a 30-45 minute yin practice. My muscles seem less sore than they should. I can't really quantify the feeling, but I have pushed myself pretty hard and I don't find my muscles feeling it so much the next day.

Speaking of Yin Yoga (all respect and honor to Paul Grilley and his partners for bringing Yin Yoga to the people), I do not think there is a better way to actively recover from strenuous exercise. Holding an asana with good form for 3-5 minutes (each side if it is an asymmetrical asana) seems to open the nadis and release the lactic acid buildup much more effectively than any other technique I have used. After a really long ride of, say 240 miles, a simple asana such as "legs up the wall" seems to clean out the muscles and allow you to finish the 600 KM brevet the next day with pretty fresh legs. It also really help me to sleep. Supine twists and legs up the wall do not elevate heart rate, an important consideration before bed. The release I get in my back after doing these asanas is astounding and sleeping with an open spine is wonderful.

For the record, tonight I did 1:50 on the trainer, holding my heart rate between 145 and 151 (1:36 in zone, according to my HRM), with seven reps of what Chris Carmichael calls "Power Starts" or something like that. I feel great, but I always seem to after any form of riding, even inside. Two hours is a long time to spend on a trainer, but Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix help the time go.

Namaste.