Tomorrow will be an easy 1hr ride followed by another day off on Wed.
For now, I'm gonna kick back, relax, and watch 24.
Monday, January 30, 2006
No guilt here.
Normally I'd feel guilty about taking a day off the bike, but not today. The very fact that I didn't have any misgivings about not getting on the bike tells me that I probably pushed myself too hard over the last few days. I'm not sore, and I'm not overly tired, I think it was pushing myself mentally.
Tomorrow will be an easy 1hr ride followed by another day off on Wed.
For now, I'm gonna kick back, relax, and watch 24.
Tomorrow will be an easy 1hr ride followed by another day off on Wed.
For now, I'm gonna kick back, relax, and watch 24.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
It's in the bag
Got my final 2hrs in today, totalling 11hrs and 200miles. There were times when I didn't think I'd make the full 11, and there were a number of times where I was ready to say the heck with this road training thing.
This coming week is a recovery week, with 3 days off the bike. After last week I'm looking forward to a lighter load. Although, I do have to do a test on one of the days...gonna make sure I'm thoroughly rested before I try it.
One more Base period after this.
This coming week is a recovery week, with 3 days off the bike. After last week I'm looking forward to a lighter load. Although, I do have to do a test on one of the days...gonna make sure I'm thoroughly rested before I try it.
One more Base period after this.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Humans...we're a curious lot
Humans are indeed a curious bunch. We have a dark side, but we are at our best when we are trying to push the limits of what is possible.
That can be especially true when you are talking about pushing the limits of human endurance. You don't have to look far to see instances of people pushing themselves practically to the breaking point, and in some cases, beyond the breaking point.
An event/race can be gruelling, leaving you physically and mentally wiped out, but yet, people will return to compete again, or to climb another mountain, etc. What is it that drives people to go back for more pain and punishment? I believe that the pain and punishment is part of the equation. You are testing yourself, suffering, and at the end you emerge... having beaten the suffering. Today, I was suffering with a headwind (my personal nemesis) and I was having thoughts of turning in my road tires to pursue my training on the trails, but no sooner had I finished my ride and started the drive home, than I was already thinking of the next day's riding. During the ride I was ready to throw in the towel, but once I got done I had a totally different outlook than I had 20 minutes earlier.
There's the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". While I would like to find the person who coined that phrase, and slap them, there are many times when that saying does in fact ring very true.
That can be especially true when you are talking about pushing the limits of human endurance. You don't have to look far to see instances of people pushing themselves practically to the breaking point, and in some cases, beyond the breaking point.
An event/race can be gruelling, leaving you physically and mentally wiped out, but yet, people will return to compete again, or to climb another mountain, etc. What is it that drives people to go back for more pain and punishment? I believe that the pain and punishment is part of the equation. You are testing yourself, suffering, and at the end you emerge... having beaten the suffering. Today, I was suffering with a headwind (my personal nemesis) and I was having thoughts of turning in my road tires to pursue my training on the trails, but no sooner had I finished my ride and started the drive home, than I was already thinking of the next day's riding. During the ride I was ready to throw in the towel, but once I got done I had a totally different outlook than I had 20 minutes earlier.
There's the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". While I would like to find the person who coined that phrase, and slap them, there are many times when that saying does in fact ring very true.
Can I do it?
I got in a good 55 mile/3hr ride today, but the big question is...will the weather hold for me to get my last two rides in over the weekend? Saturday seems doable, but Sunday is kinda iffy. We'll see.
In the course of my training I've seen how beneficial training with power would be. Training with HR can be a real frustration. If I back off even for a moment on my intensity, my HR will drop 5 or 6 bpm in seconds...of course, that is a benefit when racing, but it makes training more difficult. When I say "back off", I don't mean taking a breather. For example; I climb a hill and my HR is...we'll say 150bpm, and my cadence is 94rpm. I crest that hill with my cadence still around 94rpm, maybe even up to 97 or 98rpm. At this point, unless I accelerate, my HR will be down to 142 or lower within seconds. I haven't technically 'backed off', I've kept the same intensity that it took to get up the hill, but the moment the road descends, I need to rapidly accelerate to keep my HR in the proper zone. Now maybe I'm doing something wrong, maybe it's because I'm using a mtn bike and the gearing is all wrong, or perhaps it is totally normal, but for whatever reasons, I have to be on my toes less my HR takes a nose dive.
I'm learning throughout this process though. I've already seen some things that I'll do differently next season. Despite the...challenges, I know I'm getting stronger, and that's what is most important.
Time for some sleep, I'm tired.
In the course of my training I've seen how beneficial training with power would be. Training with HR can be a real frustration. If I back off even for a moment on my intensity, my HR will drop 5 or 6 bpm in seconds...of course, that is a benefit when racing, but it makes training more difficult. When I say "back off", I don't mean taking a breather. For example; I climb a hill and my HR is...we'll say 150bpm, and my cadence is 94rpm. I crest that hill with my cadence still around 94rpm, maybe even up to 97 or 98rpm. At this point, unless I accelerate, my HR will be down to 142 or lower within seconds. I haven't technically 'backed off', I've kept the same intensity that it took to get up the hill, but the moment the road descends, I need to rapidly accelerate to keep my HR in the proper zone. Now maybe I'm doing something wrong, maybe it's because I'm using a mtn bike and the gearing is all wrong, or perhaps it is totally normal, but for whatever reasons, I have to be on my toes less my HR takes a nose dive.
I'm learning throughout this process though. I've already seen some things that I'll do differently next season. Despite the...challenges, I know I'm getting stronger, and that's what is most important.
Time for some sleep, I'm tired.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Too many races, too little time
Today was another good ride. Attempted the big gear climbs again, this time on a different hill. This hill is a little longer, but lacks a place to be able to get the HR up prior to hitting the climb. Instead, I just focused on turning a big gear and said "the hell with the heart rate". Also, I made a point of turning a lower RPM than the exercise calls for. I think it might be a decent substitute...all things considered.
I just learned of a new race. The Santos Triple Bypass, which takes place on April 22-23. The idea of a stage race sounds very cool, but earlier in the month (the 9th, to be exact) is the Bryson City (Tsali) stop on the SERC series. Since I'll be in the midst of a Build period, I don't want too many races early on. I was planning on using the SERC race as an early season test of my fitness level. I'm afraid that if I do another race a few weeks later that would do some harm to my long term race fitness, despite having a blast doing the race. Of course, I could bypass the SERC race and just do the Triple Bypass instead. That is definitely something to consider.
Decisions, decisions.
I just learned of a new race. The Santos Triple Bypass, which takes place on April 22-23. The idea of a stage race sounds very cool, but earlier in the month (the 9th, to be exact) is the Bryson City (Tsali) stop on the SERC series. Since I'll be in the midst of a Build period, I don't want too many races early on. I was planning on using the SERC race as an early season test of my fitness level. I'm afraid that if I do another race a few weeks later that would do some harm to my long term race fitness, despite having a blast doing the race. Of course, I could bypass the SERC race and just do the Triple Bypass instead. That is definitely something to consider.
Decisions, decisions.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Hump day
It's Wednesday and I only have 2.5hrs in. I was hoping to get a 2hr ride in today, but life had other ideas. John Lennon was right..."life is what happens when you're making other plans." I usually plan my longest rides for the weekend, but with our recent weather, that proposition makes me a little nervous. I'm thinking of moving my 3hr ride to Friday, and do a 1.5hr ride tomorrow. That will put me at 7hrs by the end of Friday.
I know I'm obsessing over the amount of hours I'm getting in right now, but I'm just trying to do my best to get as much riding in as possible. I want my aerobic capacity to be at the best I can get it by the time I start upping the intensity in later periods. If I can get thru the next 5 1/2 weeks with as few disruptions to my schedule as possible, I'll feel really good.
Ohh, here is that pic of my poor spoke.
From the Random Files...
If you've not seen "Off Road to Athens", then you need to do yourself a favor and get it. I got ORtA as a Christmas gift, but if I had to I would've bought it myself. It's about several riders chasing 3 slots on the US Olympic Mtn Bike team. The story is very compelling, as there is some real drama taking place, especially among the women. The racing action is some of the best I've seen, and I can't say enough about the music. Haik Naltchayan did a great job of capturing the mood of the races and the locations that they take place. This is a first rate documentary, one guaranteed to entertain as well as ellicit some real emotion.
I know I'm obsessing over the amount of hours I'm getting in right now, but I'm just trying to do my best to get as much riding in as possible. I want my aerobic capacity to be at the best I can get it by the time I start upping the intensity in later periods. If I can get thru the next 5 1/2 weeks with as few disruptions to my schedule as possible, I'll feel really good.
Ohh, here is that pic of my poor spoke.
From the Random Files...
If you've not seen "Off Road to Athens", then you need to do yourself a favor and get it. I got ORtA as a Christmas gift, but if I had to I would've bought it myself. It's about several riders chasing 3 slots on the US Olympic Mtn Bike team. The story is very compelling, as there is some real drama taking place, especially among the women. The racing action is some of the best I've seen, and I can't say enough about the music. Haik Naltchayan did a great job of capturing the mood of the races and the locations that they take place. This is a first rate documentary, one guaranteed to entertain as well as ellicit some real emotion.
Trail Carnage
It was a beautiful day today, the kind of day that was meant for riding. No big surprise that I took the opportunity to log some miles. 30 miles in 1.5hrs made for a good workout, and a good start to the week's training.
In the late afternoon I did a night ride on the mtn bike with a group of friends. Felt pretty good considering I'd already logged a fair amount of miles. Early on in the ride I caught something, that for a split second brought me to a stop. I looked down but didn't see any problems. Near the end of the ride we were all stopped, waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. As I was getting on my bike, I thought I saw a stick or some pine straw stuck in my spokes. Unfortunately for me it was neither... it was a broken spoke (picture to follow). That really annoyed me, which goes without saying. But at least it is just a spoke. Those can be replaced fairly easy and without any major costs. What can you do?
I've got 9.5hrs of ride time to do over the next 5 days. I'm almost regretting having taken my one rest day already. 5 straight days of riding...I'm gonna be one tired fella.
In the late afternoon I did a night ride on the mtn bike with a group of friends. Felt pretty good considering I'd already logged a fair amount of miles. Early on in the ride I caught something, that for a split second brought me to a stop. I looked down but didn't see any problems. Near the end of the ride we were all stopped, waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. As I was getting on my bike, I thought I saw a stick or some pine straw stuck in my spokes. Unfortunately for me it was neither... it was a broken spoke (picture to follow). That really annoyed me, which goes without saying. But at least it is just a spoke. Those can be replaced fairly easy and without any major costs. What can you do?
I've got 9.5hrs of ride time to do over the next 5 days. I'm almost regretting having taken my one rest day already. 5 straight days of riding...I'm gonna be one tired fella.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Finding time
Yesterday finished up my required hours for the week, but it left me wondering...As I mentioned yesterday, I had plenty of time to "wonder" about things.
Besides wondering why I go thru this much trouble, I got to thinking about how hard it is to get even a small number of hours in, consistently. This year, my weekly hours will not go over 11.5 on any given week. Now, compared to expert and pro level riders, that number of hours is measly. It's not hard to imagine that a pro can/does have time to fit in their necessary training time...they're getting paid (more or less) to ride their bike. But for everyone else...how do you do it? I'm single, and I couldn't imagine jockeying family and training. All I really have to worry about is work, and that's more than enough to cause me grief in trying to get my necessary ride time in.
If you've got a family and still have time to train, I take my hat off to you. Hell, if you have a day job and train more than 13-14 hrs per week, you deserve some credit!
That's enough for now. Got things to do and people to annoy. Tomorrow training will resume, for now...recovery.
Besides wondering why I go thru this much trouble, I got to thinking about how hard it is to get even a small number of hours in, consistently. This year, my weekly hours will not go over 11.5 on any given week. Now, compared to expert and pro level riders, that number of hours is measly. It's not hard to imagine that a pro can/does have time to fit in their necessary training time...they're getting paid (more or less) to ride their bike. But for everyone else...how do you do it? I'm single, and I couldn't imagine jockeying family and training. All I really have to worry about is work, and that's more than enough to cause me grief in trying to get my necessary ride time in.
If you've got a family and still have time to train, I take my hat off to you. Hell, if you have a day job and train more than 13-14 hrs per week, you deserve some credit!
That's enough for now. Got things to do and people to annoy. Tomorrow training will resume, for now...recovery.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Thoughts from the Edge
I got my 3hrs in today, but it was a tough 3hrs. To call it a suffer fest would be fairly accurate. It started off bad when I realized I left my ipod at home. I had plenty of time to think about all manner of stuff during that time.
00:02:00-
I really wish I had my ipod.
00:05:00-
I'm feeling really strong, this should be a good ride.
00:10:00-
Hearing nothing but wind is getting old.
00:30:00-
I'm makin' really good time, but I've still got 2 and a half hours to go. Sigh.
00:40:00-
40 minutes to the second stop sign. Yes!
00:45:00-
Wind has started. Crap!
01:00:00-
Answer me this. How can I be getting a headwind in opposite directions?
01:15:00-
This old road is gonna beat me to death. Between the road and the wind I'm ready to smack someone. Wish I had my ipod.
01:20:00-
The wind is picking up. Figures.
01:30:00-
I am only half done.
01:40:00-
I hope that is fog, and not rain.
01:55:00-
F&%KING WIND!
02:00:00-
Only one hour left to go! Wish I had my ipod.
02:05:00-
Time for some Perpetuem.
02:20:00-
My legs are giving out. Fighting this friggin' wind has taken its toll.
02:22:00-
I think may be the only person on the planet right now. Am I in The Matrix?
02:25:00-
I see some people. Fellow riders! I am not alone.
02:30:00-
Aero bars on a mountain bike?!? Bwahahaha. That has to be the most retarded thing I've ever seen.
02:45:00-
I'm feeling a bit better. I think the Perpetuem is kicking in. I actually feel like I can finish this and not lay down on the side of the road.
02:50:00-
I'm almost done. Just. A little. Farther.
03:00:00-
Finished! No thanks to the damn wind. My legs are toast.
I'll write more later, but for now, I've gotta go raid the kitchen, and replace some calories.
00:02:00-
I really wish I had my ipod.
00:05:00-
I'm feeling really strong, this should be a good ride.
00:10:00-
Hearing nothing but wind is getting old.
00:30:00-
I'm makin' really good time, but I've still got 2 and a half hours to go. Sigh.
00:40:00-
40 minutes to the second stop sign. Yes!
00:45:00-
Wind has started. Crap!
01:00:00-
Answer me this. How can I be getting a headwind in opposite directions?
01:15:00-
This old road is gonna beat me to death. Between the road and the wind I'm ready to smack someone. Wish I had my ipod.
01:20:00-
The wind is picking up. Figures.
01:30:00-
I am only half done.
01:40:00-
I hope that is fog, and not rain.
01:55:00-
F&%KING WIND!
02:00:00-
Only one hour left to go! Wish I had my ipod.
02:05:00-
Time for some Perpetuem.
02:20:00-
My legs are giving out. Fighting this friggin' wind has taken its toll.
02:22:00-
I think may be the only person on the planet right now. Am I in The Matrix?
02:25:00-
I see some people. Fellow riders! I am not alone.
02:30:00-
Aero bars on a mountain bike?!? Bwahahaha. That has to be the most retarded thing I've ever seen.
02:45:00-
I'm feeling a bit better. I think the Perpetuem is kicking in. I actually feel like I can finish this and not lay down on the side of the road.
02:50:00-
I'm almost done. Just. A little. Farther.
03:00:00-
Finished! No thanks to the damn wind. My legs are toast.
I'll write more later, but for now, I've gotta go raid the kitchen, and replace some calories.
Plan B it is
My luck held out and the rain subsided, so I was able to get 2hrs of riding in. 38 miles in 2 hours was a good workout. Tomorrow I'll shoot for my 3hr ride. I think I'll have a chance of making it, as the rain should be over already. Starting Monday I'll have 2 weeks of Base 2 left, then it'll be on to my final Base period.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Plan B
Today, this morning to be exact, was to be my day for a 3hr ride. The weather has other plans.
Time for Plan B I guess. If the weather breaks any I'll shoot for 2hrs this afternoon, and save the 3 hr ride for tomorrow.
Time for Plan B I guess. If the weather breaks any I'll shoot for 2hrs this afternoon, and save the 3 hr ride for tomorrow.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Want to buy: Mtn for climbing intervals
I just want to do some good big gear intervals, is that too much to ask? I have had nothing but trouble, trying to do these friggin' intervals! As I previously wrote about, I have to get a running start so I can get my HR up and get it into the proper zone once I hit the climb. When I first started doing these, I found that if I hit 169-170bpm by the time I hit the base of the hill, I could finish the interval with my HR around 175-177bpm. Well, yesterday I would start the interval with my HR in the neighborhood of 169-171bpm and I only got over 174bpm one time. My heart rate would only climb 3 or 4 beats at best before I crested the hill.
To be honest, I'm not sure why either. Having only done big gear intervals 3 or 4 times so far, I wouldn't chalk it up to getting stronger, not in that short amount of time. But I can't really say why it is.
I have a couple ideas I'm gonna experiment with the next time I do these intervals. Maybe I'll find something that works, otherwise I'll have to look at an alternative exercise.
On a side note, I've decided to do the Endurance 100 in Utah. I'll be sending in my registration in the coming week. Some people might be wondering why a relative newcomer to racing would want to attempt a race like the E100... I'm doing it to test myself. I'm not looking to stand on the podium, but I just want to finish it, and not finish dead last. Considering that in September of '04 I weighed 310lbs and was in no condition to do ANY racing, much less a 100 mile race, and then less than 2yrs later compete and finish a 100 mile race... that would/will be a major victory for me.
To be honest, I'm not sure why either. Having only done big gear intervals 3 or 4 times so far, I wouldn't chalk it up to getting stronger, not in that short amount of time. But I can't really say why it is.
I have a couple ideas I'm gonna experiment with the next time I do these intervals. Maybe I'll find something that works, otherwise I'll have to look at an alternative exercise.
On a side note, I've decided to do the Endurance 100 in Utah. I'll be sending in my registration in the coming week. Some people might be wondering why a relative newcomer to racing would want to attempt a race like the E100... I'm doing it to test myself. I'm not looking to stand on the podium, but I just want to finish it, and not finish dead last. Considering that in September of '04 I weighed 310lbs and was in no condition to do ANY racing, much less a 100 mile race, and then less than 2yrs later compete and finish a 100 mile race... that would/will be a major victory for me.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Same ole, same ole
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Where's the snap, crackle, and pop?
The last two days on the bike have been kinda weird. On Sunday and Monday's rides my legs have lacked that "snap"... you mtn bikers out there know what I'm refering to. It's that liveliness, a certain zing in your legs that makes it possible for you to ride really hard, or ride all day long. If you have that "snap" in your legs come race day, good things are in store for you. Having done "big gear climbs" and some "tempo" work on Sunday, it's no surprise that yesterday my legs felt lifeless, but here's the weird part... On both days I had some of my best average speeds. Averages were in the 19mph range. I felt sluggish and expected my speeds to reflect that, but instead I had some times/speeds that were dang near personal bests.
That's just one of those things that makes you go, "hmm."
Over at The Biking Hub, there is a good article on losing weight... from either you or the bike. The article talks about how expensive it can be to drop weight from your bike, compared to dropping the same amount off of you. A couple of months ago I decided to see how much weight I could drop from my bike, and how much it'd cost to do it, just for grins. It would've cost me around $1100-$1200 to drop a pound and a half. That same $1200 could probably net me about 5 or 6 lbs off of my old Giant hardtail(even then I could buy a whole new bike for that much), but since my Santa Cruz is spec'd out so well it's hard to get much more than a couple of pounds off it.
I'm planning on getting a second set of wheels to use for racing, so that I can change tires to suit the course I'm racing but still be able to do my training rides/fun rides on my non race tires. I'll take that opportunity to get some uber light ones, but other than that I'm not gonna spend mega bucks to drop a pound or two off the bike. It's cheaper to take it off of me.
That's just one of those things that makes you go, "hmm."
Over at The Biking Hub, there is a good article on losing weight... from either you or the bike. The article talks about how expensive it can be to drop weight from your bike, compared to dropping the same amount off of you. A couple of months ago I decided to see how much weight I could drop from my bike, and how much it'd cost to do it, just for grins. It would've cost me around $1100-$1200 to drop a pound and a half. That same $1200 could probably net me about 5 or 6 lbs off of my old Giant hardtail(even then I could buy a whole new bike for that much), but since my Santa Cruz is spec'd out so well it's hard to get much more than a couple of pounds off it.
I'm planning on getting a second set of wheels to use for racing, so that I can change tires to suit the course I'm racing but still be able to do my training rides/fun rides on my non race tires. I'll take that opportunity to get some uber light ones, but other than that I'm not gonna spend mega bucks to drop a pound or two off the bike. It's cheaper to take it off of me.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Not off to a good start
My second Base period has not started well. What should've been a 9.5hr week will end up an 8hr week instead. A 20mph wind and the resulting windchill screwed up today's plan for a 3hr ride. Sigh.
Does everybody have this much trouble getting their hrs in the saddle?
Does everybody have this much trouble getting their hrs in the saddle?
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Big Gear climbs- Ghetto style
On the menu today was some force work...big gear climbs to be exact. As I previously noted, doing this particular interval was gonna be a challenge.
The tortuous, 45 second, N Florida version of the Alp D' Huez.
The exercise called for a climb that takes 1-2 minutes to complete, but this "hill" will have to do. In addition to doing the climb at 50-60rpm, I should be doing this at the 5a HR level, which is in the mid 170's (bpm) for me. To do that, I had to get a running start, and push my HR to around 168 at the base of the hill. That way I could be at or near 178bpm by the time I hit the top. Not the most effective way to do this interval, but you gotta work with what you got.
The tortuous, 45 second, N Florida version of the Alp D' Huez.The exercise called for a climb that takes 1-2 minutes to complete, but this "hill" will have to do. In addition to doing the climb at 50-60rpm, I should be doing this at the 5a HR level, which is in the mid 170's (bpm) for me. To do that, I had to get a running start, and push my HR to around 168 at the base of the hill. That way I could be at or near 178bpm by the time I hit the top. Not the most effective way to do this interval, but you gotta work with what you got.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Base 2: The Sequel
My second Base period started today. After that high intensity group ride yesterday, I kept it low key today, and did an hour. Included in that hour was 20 min. of Tempo. Tempo rides are done at a bit higher HR, higher than a standard endurance pace ride. For me, that translates to a HR between 156-162bpm. I'm glad to be getting into some different exercises within a given workout period. Along with the Tempo rides this week, I'm supposed to do some big gear climbs...and I'm not sure how effectively I can do them. I'm from "F is for Flat" Florida, and we're not blessed with many places to do any kind of climbing training. Granted, we've got a bit more elevation than my Southerly neighbors but that's of little consolation.
The exercise calls for a steep grade (8% or more) *that's problem one!, that takes one to two minutes to climb *that's problem two. Get in 6-30 minutes of climbing within a workout. Our "climbs" should probably be labeled "rises in elevation."
The route I take has some elevation gain, and the two longest "climbs" take probably 45sec-1min max, depending on how much speed you carry into it, or if you have a headwind/tailwind.
I HAVE to get some Force exercises in, so I'm either going to have to 'big gear' it no matter how big or small the climb, or do repeats on one particular climb. I might try both methods this week, and see which one I like better...not that I'm gonna enjoy either one.
The exercise calls for a steep grade (8% or more) *that's problem one!, that takes one to two minutes to climb *that's problem two. Get in 6-30 minutes of climbing within a workout. Our "climbs" should probably be labeled "rises in elevation."
The route I take has some elevation gain, and the two longest "climbs" take probably 45sec-1min max, depending on how much speed you carry into it, or if you have a headwind/tailwind.
I HAVE to get some Force exercises in, so I'm either going to have to 'big gear' it no matter how big or small the climb, or do repeats on one particular climb. I might try both methods this week, and see which one I like better...not that I'm gonna enjoy either one.
Stopping to smell the roses
This being the end of Base 1, today was to be a rest day since I finished up my weekly hrs on Saturday. I decided last minute though to join a group mtn bike ride over at the UWF trails in Pensacola. With all my training time spent in the saddle, rest days really should be taken, but I decided that it was high time for some fun. Lately, I've only been getting out on the mtn bike once a week for the usual Thursday night ride...and that's just not right.
No offense Lance, but compared to mtn biking, riding on the road is about as much fun as watching grass grow.
It was great getting out on the mtn bike and not worrying about cadences, heart rates, or training zones. The ride was a lot of fun, I've only ridden in P'cola a few times, and I've never ridden with this bunch before, so I'm glad I did it. There were some fast guys there. I was hustling to keep up, and I still think they coulda dropped me whenever they wanted to. But I held my own.
I'll go again soon, but for now, back to the training.
No offense Lance, but compared to mtn biking, riding on the road is about as much fun as watching grass grow.
It was great getting out on the mtn bike and not worrying about cadences, heart rates, or training zones. The ride was a lot of fun, I've only ridden in P'cola a few times, and I've never ridden with this bunch before, so I'm glad I did it. There were some fast guys there. I was hustling to keep up, and I still think they coulda dropped me whenever they wanted to. But I held my own.
I'll go again soon, but for now, back to the training.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Not according to plan
I've got some good news, and some bad news. The good news is, I closed out my Base 1 period with a 2hr ride today. The bad news is, my period end test was a disaster. It was a little...windy out.
The wind played havoc with my attempts at a time trial. I guess I'll just retest at the end of Base 2, and call it a day.
Time for some R&R.
The wind played havoc with my attempts at a time trial. I guess I'll just retest at the end of Base 2, and call it a day.
Time for some R&R.
1 down, 2 more to go
After I get in 2hrs of saddle time today, I'll have my first Base period in the history books. I'll be doing a test today as part of my 2hrs. We'll see what this riding has done for my LT. If my LT ends up being 2 or 3 beats higher, I'll be very pleased. I'd like to think that by the end of my Base periods, my LT is at or near the 180bpm mark. The highest my HR has ever gotten is 196bpm. Now if that is anywhere near my true max HR, then a LTHR of 180bpm would be around 92% of my max HR.
Those are some numbers I'd be VERY excited to have.
Those are some numbers I'd be VERY excited to have.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Philosophies
Allow me for a moment to get all Anthony Robbins on you...
The other night I was talking with some business associates, and the subject of my cycling came up. When I mentioned that I had put in 50 miles on Saturday, you would've thought I told them I pedaled to the moon. Most of these people were old enough to be my parents, but I've gotten similar responses from people my age or younger.
Because of my weight loss, some of these same people have come to me to ask about getting in shape. I'll half jokingly tell them they should get a mtn bike and come ride the trails. Well geez, you'd think I told them to take up BASE jumping or mtn climbing. Even though I'm joking, the responses are serious...and to me, quite disturbing. The most common response is, "I'm too old for that ****." Granted, many of the people that tell me that are in their late 50's and 60's, but an alarming number of them are in their 40's and early 50's. They're constantly saying how they're getting old...it's almost as if they revel in it.
Here's where I'm gonna get Anthony Robbins on you.
That "old" talk is, to me, a bad philosophy. Aging is a part of life, getting old is a mental state. How else can you explain how some people are so active well into their 80's and even 90's? I remember reading about the guy who started one of the big ski resorts out in California, and he's in his mid to late 80's and still skis and mtn bikes.
Some might argue that genetics plays a big part. Genetics does play a huge role in making it possible for a 50yr old like Ned Overend to stand on the podium at a mtn bike race against people half his age. The great thing is, you don't have to be a Ned Overend...
I guess what I'm getting at is that if you don't tell yourself at every turn that you're "getting old", you lead a healthy lifestyle, and stay fit, there's no reason that one can't be active well into their 70's on up to their 90's.
The other night I was talking with some business associates, and the subject of my cycling came up. When I mentioned that I had put in 50 miles on Saturday, you would've thought I told them I pedaled to the moon. Most of these people were old enough to be my parents, but I've gotten similar responses from people my age or younger.
Because of my weight loss, some of these same people have come to me to ask about getting in shape. I'll half jokingly tell them they should get a mtn bike and come ride the trails. Well geez, you'd think I told them to take up BASE jumping or mtn climbing. Even though I'm joking, the responses are serious...and to me, quite disturbing. The most common response is, "I'm too old for that ****." Granted, many of the people that tell me that are in their late 50's and 60's, but an alarming number of them are in their 40's and early 50's. They're constantly saying how they're getting old...it's almost as if they revel in it.
Here's where I'm gonna get Anthony Robbins on you.
That "old" talk is, to me, a bad philosophy. Aging is a part of life, getting old is a mental state. How else can you explain how some people are so active well into their 80's and even 90's? I remember reading about the guy who started one of the big ski resorts out in California, and he's in his mid to late 80's and still skis and mtn bikes.
Some might argue that genetics plays a big part. Genetics does play a huge role in making it possible for a 50yr old like Ned Overend to stand on the podium at a mtn bike race against people half his age. The great thing is, you don't have to be a Ned Overend...
I guess what I'm getting at is that if you don't tell yourself at every turn that you're "getting old", you lead a healthy lifestyle, and stay fit, there's no reason that one can't be active well into their 70's on up to their 90's.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Race planning begins
Now that the new year is upon us, it's time to start planning my race calendar. I already have a few events in place, but many have not nailed down their dates yet, so I have a number of question marks on my calendar.
One event that is set is the E100 in Utah. This race takes place in August. It's a 100 mile race thru some primo singletrack on the outskirts of Park City. I am planning on doing one ultra endurance race this year. It's either the E100, or the Off Road Assault on Mt Mitchell. I'm leaning towards the E100, just because it is a longer event and it'd be in a part of the country that I've never ridden before.
Here's the catch. I'm gonna have to make up my mind in the next couple of weeks. Registration for the E100 opens on 1/15, and they have a cap of 499 riders. I'd be surprised if the race didn't fill up within a few hours of registration opening.
Decision time. Anybody have any thoughts on the subject? I'd love to hear some feedback.
One event that is set is the E100 in Utah. This race takes place in August. It's a 100 mile race thru some primo singletrack on the outskirts of Park City. I am planning on doing one ultra endurance race this year. It's either the E100, or the Off Road Assault on Mt Mitchell. I'm leaning towards the E100, just because it is a longer event and it'd be in a part of the country that I've never ridden before.
Here's the catch. I'm gonna have to make up my mind in the next couple of weeks. Registration for the E100 opens on 1/15, and they have a cap of 499 riders. I'd be surprised if the race didn't fill up within a few hours of registration opening.
Decision time. Anybody have any thoughts on the subject? I'd love to hear some feedback.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Whipped
After 5hrs and 90 miles in the saddle this past weekend, I was smoked last night. I feel pretty good this morning, but I'm not going to lament having a day off the bike. I'm anxious to see myself getting stronger. I've already made huge progress, but I know that I can do better. I really think that I'm gonna see a noticeable difference by the end of the Base period, and some major differences by the time I peak for my first A race.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
First ride of 2006
After yesterday's 3hr run you'd think I'd be done for the week, but I had to get two more hours in. Despite it being another foggy day, it was a good ride. My week totals are 10.5hrs, 180 miles. Next week is a light week, only 5.5hrs and 3 days off the bike. I'll be looking forward to taking one of those days off tomorrow.
After this coming week, it'll be on to Base 2. Things are coming along nicely, I'm eager to get started on the more intense exercises. 9 more weeks and I'll be able to start on those routines.
After this coming week, it'll be on to Base 2. Things are coming along nicely, I'm eager to get started on the more intense exercises. 9 more weeks and I'll be able to start on those routines.
Ringin' in the New Year
Happy New Year!!!
I hope everyone has a prosperous and successful 2006. I'm looking forward to many great things in the coming year, especially some good racing.
I hope everyone has a prosperous and successful 2006. I'm looking forward to many great things in the coming year, especially some good racing.
Last ride of '05
What better way to end 2005, than with a nice long base ride. My training schedule called for 3hrs today, and to make sure I didn't spend the entire day out on some non descript military road, I planned to get my ride in early in the day. Getting up at 6:30am is quite the feat for me, but doggone it, I did it. I went to fix some breakfast and took a peek outside and saw... nothing. Of all days for it to be foggy.
I'm nervous about riding on the road anyway, and the idea of being out there in less than good conditions didn't seem to be a good idea. I'll speed up the narrative a bit...I finally hopped on the bike at 8:30am, and even then it was still foggy as hell. It made for a real soggy ride. It was a good ride though. It's the farthest and longest I've ridden/been on a bike at one time. 52 miles ridden with an average of 18mph, in 3hrs.
I didn't realize how hard it'd be to accumulate 3hrs, but parts of the road on the military land are in a, how do I put it...a state of disrepair. I could only manage about 30 minutes on that section, it was like riding a pogo stick. I couldn't imagine trying to ride over the cobblestones in the Paris-Roubaix. I thought my kidneys were gonna vibrate loose.
Good ride though. Gotta put in 2 more hrs tomorrow. Here's hoping the weather holds out.
I'm nervous about riding on the road anyway, and the idea of being out there in less than good conditions didn't seem to be a good idea. I'll speed up the narrative a bit...I finally hopped on the bike at 8:30am, and even then it was still foggy as hell. It made for a real soggy ride. It was a good ride though. It's the farthest and longest I've ridden/been on a bike at one time. 52 miles ridden with an average of 18mph, in 3hrs.
I didn't realize how hard it'd be to accumulate 3hrs, but parts of the road on the military land are in a, how do I put it...a state of disrepair. I could only manage about 30 minutes on that section, it was like riding a pogo stick. I couldn't imagine trying to ride over the cobblestones in the Paris-Roubaix. I thought my kidneys were gonna vibrate loose.
Good ride though. Gotta put in 2 more hrs tomorrow. Here's hoping the weather holds out.
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