It’s finally here: taper. My last taper of 2009. Plus, I’m at the most physically and mentally healthy state of being in my athletic career. Now you might ask, “How can anyone even know that?†To which I would respond, “By reading my blog.†Obviously, if it says it on here it must be true.
I took my bike to Speedy Reedy for a quick tune up. I’m back to using a Dura-Ace crank after wearing out my FSA Team cranks in just one year. I love my Quarq Cinqo powermeter, (and I love my FSA bars, stem, seat post, etc.) but I would recommend the SSRAM S900 or the Specialized FACT cranks to anyone buying a new powermeter.
Speaking of ant+ gear, I just got one of the Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor Straps (it’s soft, unlike any other ant+ compatible HRM) and an FR60. The strap is nicer than its plastic predecessor, but after a couple of uses, I really can’t say there’s a huge difference in feel during a workout. However, unlike the plastic strap, this one is guaranteed waterproof (oops, I’ve been wearing the old one in the water for years!). It does seem to slip down less, but then the elastic is much newer than on my old strap.
The Garmin FR60 watch is definitely cool. Instead of GPS, it relies on a foot-pod to measure pace and distance. When ordering I didn’t realize that the colored version lacked the foot pod accessory, so I have only used the older foot-pod, which is quite a bit larger and slightly less accurate. The reason I wanted a running watch without GPS is because the FR60 is waterproof, and slim enough to wear during a race where GPS is less important than light-weight and swimmability. I’m also hoping that with the foot-pod I can keep a better log of my miles when I’m running through thick forest, like Saint Edwards State Park near my house.
Tuesday I leave for Huatulco Mexico, where hopefully there will be somebody to pick me up and take me to the host hotel. Right now I feel like crossing my fingers is the most proactive way for me to ensure a safe and successful trip – I’ve already done everything else.