So much for being prepared for Spring!  I would never complain about beautiful weather in CNY, but since Spring seems to be here two months early, I have found myself completely Un-prepared.  I have sadly had to turn down three invites to ride with friends because I’m not ready to ride outside yet.  My front tire has been flat on the trainer for at least two weeks, and I’ve been saying I need to buy some tubes, and I think I have a new one around here somewhere. .  . I’ve been “planning” to get to Syracuse Bikes to restock my flat kit.  I’m also planning to pick up a light for the back of my bike, which is required in NC, where we are going in a few weeks.  I have known since last fall that I need new cycling sunglasses as mine broke back in August – I’m still planning to pick those up.  I’ve also been planning to pick up some cliff bars and shots.  All winter I have complained about how uncomfortable my new saddle is and that I need to get a bike fit since it has been two years since I got fitted.  All of these tasks were to be included in my preparation for Spring . . .

Though it doesn’t sound like it here, I actually am a huge planner when it comes to riding outside.  There are a few things that I actually have prepared for.  Since I am a mom first, I have sitters already lined up for a few upcoming Saturday long rides.  My team does a lot of group riding, which I don’t want to miss out on, so I have to be proactive in getting that set up.  I obviously can’t make it every time, but at least I know that I’ll be able to make some.  I also have my mother-in-law lined up for quite a few race and training weekends, as well as car pools set up for many of the kids’ activities.  My husband and I have also planned a few of our upcoming rides around different outings for the kids, so that one of us is “getting it done” while the other is taking them somewhere fun, like swimming or skateboarding lessons.

I have pre-planned routes that I tend to stick to when riding alone because I want to focus on my workout, instead of worrying about navigation.  Also, I always tell my hubby which route I’m doing, just so he knows approximately where I’m going to be.  But more importantly, I have certified potty stops along each route . . . they are as primitive as a dirt trail, a giant rock, and a huge tree, but I know where they are and exactly how long it takes me to get to each.

Other preparations:

• I never go out w/o my cell phone and I always text the hubby the exact same message, “Leaving on the bike keep ur phone on in case school calls.”

• I never go out w/o my Road ID.

• I always bring more nutrition and water than I think I’ll need.

• I always leave more time for the ride than required.  This is really important on the days I try to get in a bike ride while my little one is at pre-k.  I always have a back-up plan, as in a friend to pick him up if something happens.  Also, I make sure that the phone number for pre-k and my “back-up” person is in my contacts.

• I always keep a few bucks in my flat kit.

There are just a few other Spring Preparation items that the guys on my team probably wouldn’t understand.  I have to get my Spring pedicure!  My feet can get pretty ugly after being stuffed into boots and wool socks all winter.  There has been more than one occasion when I’ve shown up at Jamesville Beach for an open water swim, and found myself burying my toes in the sand, praying that nobody notices how disgusting my toes are.  Then there is the issue of the bike shorts.  I’ve said it before – no one looks good in bike shorts!  Still it never fails, every Spring I find myself twisted around looking at my back side in the mirror and then deciding that I’m done snacking after dinner!  I know that we as triathletes are expected to be hardcore, but there is still just a little bit of girliness in me as well.  So, do what needs to be done to get prepped and get outside!