Hello to Mark (Coach) and Other Stuff

As mentioned in a previous post I have been considering hiring a coach. I looked around and found a coach here in Evanston. We met and hit it off so he is now my coach!!!! His name is Mark Payares...everyone say HI! Here is Mark's Profile. I have been working on the program outlined by Mark for a little over a week and early returns are positive. I feel like the discipline required by the program is helpful, I have a focus I didn't have before, there is more variety and I am using a methodology that has been used by other successful cyclists. I am really excited to see where this goes. Obviously the main goal for this year remains the LOTOJA, but I am considering entering some races to build some points in the USCF (US Cycling Federation) classification system and also to get some racing experience. I haven't determined which events but I will post them when I know which ones.
Now, to the wheels. I love them! They are solid, they roll well and I feel strong riding them. In other words, money well spent. Not much else to say on that front.
As you can see, mileage is up this week. The weather has improved, that coupled with longer days has allowed me to ride to work (I rode Tuesday - Friday at least one way each day, with strategic car swapping mixed in). I also was able to get 50 miles in today (Sat.), not a huge ride but pretty long for this time of year. A mileage total of 145 for the week is a good number considering I have been in the 50 miles/week range over the past two months. The mileage will continue to increase as the year progresses. I am hoping to be somewhere in the 250-300 per week range within the next few weeks.

FINALLY!!!!

They are here, let's all take in their beauty together...

I am so excited to use them but the Chicago weather isn't going to co-operate. I won't use them on the rollers because I don't want to wear out the tires (I bought them with the wheels). I will post an update when I ride on them and let you know how they are. Stay tuned...