Game on

I had one of my best, if not THE best training ride I've ever done. My game was on! I got a Polar cadence sensor for Christmas, and since I began using it, it has really helped my training.
Previously, I had a hard time judging my cadence (I'd count the number of times my knee would be at the top of the pedal stroke.), and keeping it within the recommended 80-90rpm range while at the same time keeping my HR in the proper zone. Until I got the cadence sensor I would finish my rides with my average HR on the very low end of the range I needed to be in. Knowing my cadence has really helped alot.


Anyway...on to today's ride. As I took off on my ride, another rider was prepping to go out as well. As far as I know he left a couple of minutes behind me. As he was on a road bike and I was on my mtn bike, I fully expected him to catch me about half way to the first stop sign(about 15 minutes out). Well, I reached the first stop sign, but that guy hadn't caught me. I chalked it up to him not being in a rush, or took longer to leave. Due to a military exercise, I had to turn around at the stop sign and head back. 2 or 3 minutes after heading back, I pass that fella. This time I just knew he'd catch me before I'd get back to the car. To make a long story short (too late, I know), he never caught me. About 2 minutes after I arrived, he showed up. As he came past me he said, "damn, you're fast on that thing!" We talked for a few minutes. I complimented him on his spiffy new carbon fiber Trek road bike. He said that he was going as hard as he could to catch me, but just couldn't catch up to me.
Now, I'm not one to boast about this sort of thing normally, as you can read just about any mtn biking forum and see many a tall tale of a guy on his mtn bike putting the hurt on some road bikers. Generally, it's a load of crap. I don't put a lot of stock in what happened today...it's not like I held off Lance Armstrong or nothin', but the fact that a reasonably fit guy, riding a 17lb carbon fiber road bike, couldn't catch me on my 30+lb mtn bike, complete with improper gearing for road riding and...well, it made me feel good. To be honest, I sat there smiling about it for a good 10 minutes.


Couple that with a really good mtn bike ride later in the day, and it was just a good riding day.

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas Eve, and I hope everyone is all ready for Christmas? I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas. I'll be back next week.

Pullin' the plug

After doing a couple of hypertrophy workouts, I've made a big decision. I'm pulling the plug on this hypertrophy stuff... not because I don't believe it will work, or because it's too painful. Granted, it IS painful but that's not the reason why. Just like everyone said, I was uber sore after the initial heavy day, and that first ride was tough. I struggled to get my HR up into the proper zone. At this stage I can't afford to miss too much riding/training time. I'll substitute some other weight program, and try this hypertrophy thing before next season.


Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go lick my wounds.

Hypertrophy-Day one

Ouch!


Not much need in expounding on that, but for my loyal readers (all two of you) I shall elaborate more.


Monday I started the hypertrophy phase of my weight training. I had heard that this phase makes you sore...and let me tell you, they were not kidding. I've done a heavy day and a light day, and right now my legs are smoked. Unfortunately, I've got to keep riding thru this phase or else I'll be behind in my training, and won't be able to be at my best for my first races. Ordinarily, you wouldn't ride during this phase because of the soreness of your legs. Ohh well, I won't make that mistake next season.

Change of plans

My training time has gotten marginally better, but I'm still not riding as much as I want/should be. I have had a little shake up in my training plan. Previously, I was using a rough draft of Chris Carmichael's plan, but the testing (which didn't seem to work for me, for some reason.), and no real mtn bike workouts left me wanting something better, or at least geared more towards a mtn biker.



Joe Friel's book, "The Mountain Biker's Training Bible", seemed to fit the bill. The interesting thing is, I've had this book for a couple of years. When I got it, I wasn't as commited to the process, and so the training concepts went right over my head. I've since dusted off the book and read it cover to cover and started implementing what I've read.
I've now developed a season long training program, complete with easy weeks and peaks for racing. I am making one change though. I'm using the weight training program developed by Coach David Morris. Ashwinearl was kind enough to send me the specifics of the weight program.
If I can just get in consistent riding, then I'll be VERY happy. More to come.

BTW, over at ashwinearl's blog, he's got some cool interviews with pro mtb racers. Check 'em out!

Word-a-day

I learned a new word today... asstastic. I think that word sums up my recent training to a tee. Asstastic.

Why am I using such a label? I'll tell you why. Lately, no matter how much I wanted to get out and ride, something has gotten in the way of it. Holidays, weather, work commitments... it's damned irritating. I see myself getting stronger and faster already, but I can just imagine how much better I'll be in a few months. That's my big personal goal for '06. I want to be as fit as I possibly can be (within the bounds of living a somewhat normal life). I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to win some races, and move up to sport class... but I can't control that stuff. I can control me. I figure if I'm in really good riding/racing shape, the rest will take care of itself.

Next week I'll get a full week of training/riding in even if it hairlips Lance.