So everybody went home for the holidays to enjoy time with their families and friends. In the midst of all the cheerful times and plethora of food, we as riders still needed to train so we didn't get soft. As one of the Fitness directors, I had to keep track of everybody to make sure they had some sort of fitness schedule throughout the break. Everybody seemed to be on top of it. I hope they are all making blog post on their training and the things they went through. I myself had an interesting time and learned some things over my break.

I come from a small town named El Campo. It is really flat terrain, and I saw it as a opportunity to get some wind resistance training in. I rode everyday the weather permitted me to and was doing weight training, core building, and cardio as well. It was really weird working out by myself though. I am use to having my teammates training with me which we all benefit from in terms of pushing each other and entertainment. The long, flat, back roads gave me a lot of thinking time about life in general but most importantly Texas 4000.

There was moments were I was the only thing on a county road for miles, and I was surrounded by beautiful pastures, ponds, cattle, and other surrounding country things. It was very peaceful, simple, and something I wish everyone could enjoy. In those moments I thought about the people who were in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, homes praying and hoping that they or their loved ones will make a recovery from the dangerous disease. Those thoughts made every pedal stroke easier and meaningful.

I had never thought the place I had spent 18 yeas of my life was so beautiful. This fact gets me really excited thinking about the beautiful landscapes I will be seeing along my trek to Alaska. I can only imagine what thoughts will be running through my head when the time comes.

Less than 150 days left....