Let it snow... just take the training inside.

Silly me, I left my scarf and hat in the car this morning, so I had to brave the elements to teach the noon spin class at the downtown YMCA today.

Luckily, it wasn't like the deep-freeze of last week, where the 30+ mph winds sweeping over the ice of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers made my teeth ache from the cold.

Today's class had nine queue up for the workout - yet another endurance test. The meat of the workout was two ten-minute climbs. In the saddle... out of the saddle... hovering over the saddle... slow grind... quick step... all over the place. At least we had a little Ben Folds, Tom Petty and Stray Cats to keep the motivation coming.

Motivation is huge this time of year - it is easy to skip workouts and put off the work to later. The base of endurance from this time of year is irreplaceable, and gives motivation for bigger and better work through the season. Also, the attention paid to health, diet and stress helps lay the foundation for peace of mind while others are sniffling and sneezing.

Keep up the good work. It will pay off shortly.