Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 10.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
Woke up this morning and hit the exercise bikes at the hotel. Another good workout. I will bike for another day or two before allowing myself a couple of days of rest before the trip.
My girlfriend bought me a nice compact digital camera for the trip. Its really awesome how everyone has rallied to make this event such a success. So many people have joined our team by making very generous donations. Several people not only gave generously but also brought in donations from other people, many of whom I don't even know. My great friend, Betsy, hooked me up with the reporter from the Florida Today to do the newspaper article early on. My kids have been so supportive. Our coach and the rest of the team have been so supportive as well. Its been an awesome experience all the way around.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Training Log - 5/27/07 (Mickey Mouse ears)
Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 9.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
I love my recovery weekends. I actually get to kick back and do things like read a book or watch the Indianapolis 500. No groceries, laundry, house cleaning, or cooking!
OK... so here's an idea. At the team party last week, we had to decide how we are going to decorate our helmets to distinguish the cyclists on our team from everyone else. We decided to mount these little plastic Mickey Mouses atop our brain buckets. Pretty cool. But, for next year, I'm thinking we need to keep with the mouse theme but do what they do for the Truly Nolan cars. That is, spring loaded Mickey Mouse ears that flatten down in the wind. And, attached to the back of our helmets, a long thin mouse tail. So, what do you think of that idea?
I am so looking forward to this ride in Tahoe. I called and made a reservation for my daughter and I for a sunset cruise on the lake for Friday night. I want to make sure she has a good time as well and feels like she is a part of this too. She is. She has been very supportive of my doing this. She is part of my team.
Oh, yeah... the training thing... I spent another hour on the exercise bikes here. It really is a pretty good work out. After about 10 minutes I've worked up a good sweat and am breathing hard. The simulation of hills is great.
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 9.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
I love my recovery weekends. I actually get to kick back and do things like read a book or watch the Indianapolis 500. No groceries, laundry, house cleaning, or cooking!
OK... so here's an idea. At the team party last week, we had to decide how we are going to decorate our helmets to distinguish the cyclists on our team from everyone else. We decided to mount these little plastic Mickey Mouses atop our brain buckets. Pretty cool. But, for next year, I'm thinking we need to keep with the mouse theme but do what they do for the Truly Nolan cars. That is, spring loaded Mickey Mouse ears that flatten down in the wind. And, attached to the back of our helmets, a long thin mouse tail. So, what do you think of that idea?
I am so looking forward to this ride in Tahoe. I called and made a reservation for my daughter and I for a sunset cruise on the lake for Friday night. I want to make sure she has a good time as well and feels like she is a part of this too. She is. She has been very supportive of my doing this. She is part of my team.
Oh, yeah... the training thing... I spent another hour on the exercise bikes here. It really is a pretty good work out. After about 10 minutes I've worked up a good sweat and am breathing hard. The simulation of hills is great.
Training Log - 5/26/07
Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 8.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
Just like we on the cycling team plan our rest and recovery from training, I also plan personal rest and recovery weekends for myself. And, since your body treats stress the same whether its stress from physical training or from just a crazy busy life, this is a good time for a personal recovery weekend. I don't need more stress a week before our big ride. Plus, I get to spend the better part of a four day weekend with my girlfriend in DC.
Anyway, I found it pretty tough to get time in on the bike this past week. I was a little light on training. So I picked a hotel in DC with a nice exercise room which features Lifecycle exercise bikes. I dialed in the "Hill Plus" training setting and set it on 15 of 25 for intensity for 30 minutes on both the upright and recumbant exercise bikes. It's kind of funny but each of those bikes exercise a slightly different set of leg muscles. It was a good workout though. It got my heart rate up between 120 and 140, and it gave my legs a good workout.
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 8.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
Just like we on the cycling team plan our rest and recovery from training, I also plan personal rest and recovery weekends for myself. And, since your body treats stress the same whether its stress from physical training or from just a crazy busy life, this is a good time for a personal recovery weekend. I don't need more stress a week before our big ride. Plus, I get to spend the better part of a four day weekend with my girlfriend in DC.
Anyway, I found it pretty tough to get time in on the bike this past week. I was a little light on training. So I picked a hotel in DC with a nice exercise room which features Lifecycle exercise bikes. I dialed in the "Hill Plus" training setting and set it on 15 of 25 for intensity for 30 minutes on both the upright and recumbant exercise bikes. It's kind of funny but each of those bikes exercise a slightly different set of leg muscles. It was a good workout though. It got my heart rate up between 120 and 140, and it gave my legs a good workout.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Training Log - 5/24/07
Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 7.0 hours
Weight: 184.6 lbs
Last night was the Bon Voyage meeting/briefing with the team. My daughter attended as well. It was fun getting together with the team in a setting that didn't involve a bike. Everyone is excited about the event. Only one more week to go before we leave for Tahoe!
On my way to the party, I dropped off my bike to be shipped. Tonight, I pulled out an older road bike a friend of mine was gracious enough to lend me. Since it was raining, I put it on the trainer and pedaled for an hour. Actually, I did 4-15 minute sprints. It was good as I haven't ridden at all since our last team ride on Sunday.
Tomorrow I fly to DC for the long weekend. I made sure the hotel I am staying at has an exercise room with several exercise bikes. I can't do the spinning class with the rest of the team on Saturday, but I can hit the exercise bikes where I am staying.
I can't wait for Tahoe!
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 7.0 hours
Weight: 184.6 lbs
Last night was the Bon Voyage meeting/briefing with the team. My daughter attended as well. It was fun getting together with the team in a setting that didn't involve a bike. Everyone is excited about the event. Only one more week to go before we leave for Tahoe!
On my way to the party, I dropped off my bike to be shipped. Tonight, I pulled out an older road bike a friend of mine was gracious enough to lend me. Since it was raining, I put it on the trainer and pedaled for an hour. Actually, I did 4-15 minute sprints. It was good as I haven't ridden at all since our last team ride on Sunday.
Tomorrow I fly to DC for the long weekend. I made sure the hotel I am staying at has an exercise room with several exercise bikes. I can't do the spinning class with the rest of the team on Saturday, but I can hit the exercise bikes where I am staying.
I can't wait for Tahoe!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Training Log - 5/20/07 (I Found My Thrill on Sugarloaf Hill)
Distance: 60.8 miles
Max speed: 40.5 mph
Average speed: 14.9 mph
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Today's ride was the last ride with the team for this event. While I won't miss getting up at 4:30 in the morning to drive to Clermont, I will miss these rides with the team. All of my team mates have been friendly and supportive. And, Mark, our coach, has been awesome! We should start referring to him as Obi-Wan. ;-)
Anyway, I started out the ride feeling awesome. My legs were strong and had no problem keeping up or climbing. As a matter of fact, I was feeling so good that I decided to attack one of the challenging hills. I was going 20+ mph half way up when on of my team mates slipped her chain and fell right in front of me! I had to swerve quickly in order to keep from testing the structural integrity of her helmet. In the end, I think she escaped with just some scrapes and bruises. She probably won't be feeling too good when she wakes up tomorrow morning.
At mile 40, we hit Sugarloaf. I still felt good and decided to hit the hill with vigor. I started in the back and managed to pass everyone on the way to the top. Then I rode back down and hit it again. The second pass was tough and I thought I was going to lose my groceries as I crested the hill. But I made it.
The problem I have is, when I do repeats on Sugarloaf, I'm spent afterwards. The rest of the ride is tough. I have trouble doing the 18-20 mph the rest of the team wants to ride at. I still seem to be able to climb OK though but sustained effort is hard.
So, of course, the team decided to add a few miles onto this ride and tackle the hills around Citrus Tower. *laugh* The extra loop we took added some challenging climbs to our ride. And that was a good thing.
I can always tell when we have had a good team ride by what I do when I get home. I came home today, sat down in my chair and promptly fell fast asleep. I was zonked. Right now, my legs are tired but in a good way.
Max speed: 40.5 mph
Average speed: 14.9 mph
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Today's ride was the last ride with the team for this event. While I won't miss getting up at 4:30 in the morning to drive to Clermont, I will miss these rides with the team. All of my team mates have been friendly and supportive. And, Mark, our coach, has been awesome! We should start referring to him as Obi-Wan. ;-)
Anyway, I started out the ride feeling awesome. My legs were strong and had no problem keeping up or climbing. As a matter of fact, I was feeling so good that I decided to attack one of the challenging hills. I was going 20+ mph half way up when on of my team mates slipped her chain and fell right in front of me! I had to swerve quickly in order to keep from testing the structural integrity of her helmet. In the end, I think she escaped with just some scrapes and bruises. She probably won't be feeling too good when she wakes up tomorrow morning.
At mile 40, we hit Sugarloaf. I still felt good and decided to hit the hill with vigor. I started in the back and managed to pass everyone on the way to the top. Then I rode back down and hit it again. The second pass was tough and I thought I was going to lose my groceries as I crested the hill. But I made it.
The problem I have is, when I do repeats on Sugarloaf, I'm spent afterwards. The rest of the ride is tough. I have trouble doing the 18-20 mph the rest of the team wants to ride at. I still seem to be able to climb OK though but sustained effort is hard.
So, of course, the team decided to add a few miles onto this ride and tackle the hills around Citrus Tower. *laugh* The extra loop we took added some challenging climbs to our ride. And that was a good thing.
I can always tell when we have had a good team ride by what I do when I get home. I came home today, sat down in my chair and promptly fell fast asleep. I was zonked. Right now, my legs are tired but in a good way.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Training Log - 5/18/07
Distance: 25.3 miles
Max speed: 16.9 mph
Average speed: ??.? mph
Total Training Distance: 1201.2 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.4 lbs
OK, I was able to get in a decent ride tonight. I have been a little worried that I haven't gotten in enough miles this week. Too much to do though. Sometimes, the cycling has to take a back seat to other priorities.
Only two weeks to go before we leave for Tahoe! Can't wait!
Max speed: 16.9 mph
Average speed: ??.? mph
Total Training Distance: 1201.2 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.4 lbs
OK, I was able to get in a decent ride tonight. I have been a little worried that I haven't gotten in enough miles this week. Too much to do though. Sometimes, the cycling has to take a back seat to other priorities.
Only two weeks to go before we leave for Tahoe! Can't wait!
Training Log - 5/16/07
Distance: 16.4 miles
Max speed: 19.3 mph
Average speed: 16.3 mph
Total Training Distance: 1175.9 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 184.6 lbs
I meant to do a 25 mile ride but some family came into town and I had to cut my ride short. My son graduates from high school tomorrow night and its been a little crazy around here. I am so proud of him. He has set a very nice course for his future.
Max speed: 19.3 mph
Average speed: 16.3 mph
Total Training Distance: 1175.9 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 184.6 lbs
I meant to do a 25 mile ride but some family came into town and I had to cut my ride short. My son graduates from high school tomorrow night and its been a little crazy around here. I am so proud of him. He has set a very nice course for his future.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Training Log - 5/15/07
Distance: 20.4 miles
Max speed: 21.5 mph
Average speed: 17.8 mph
Total Training Distance: 1159.5 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Damn! I missed an average speed of 18 mph by just 2/10ths of an mph! I did pretty well though. Just call Speedy!
:-)
Max speed: 21.5 mph
Average speed: 17.8 mph
Total Training Distance: 1159.5 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Damn! I missed an average speed of 18 mph by just 2/10ths of an mph! I did pretty well though. Just call Speedy!
:-)
Monday, May 14, 2007
Training Log - 5/14/07
Distance: 4.9 miles
Max speed: ??.? mph
Average speed: 15.8 mph
Time on trainer: 30 minutes
Total Training Distance: 1139.1 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.4 lbs
I only biked about 5 miles before it started to rain and lightning. So... I pulled out the trainer and used that for 30 minutes. I dislike the trainer although it will do in a pinch.
I also noticed I've been eating everything in sight since the big ride on Saturday. I need to watch that as I'm starting to gain weight again.
Max speed: ??.? mph
Average speed: 15.8 mph
Time on trainer: 30 minutes
Total Training Distance: 1139.1 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.4 lbs
I only biked about 5 miles before it started to rain and lightning. So... I pulled out the trainer and used that for 30 minutes. I dislike the trainer although it will do in a pinch.
I also noticed I've been eating everything in sight since the big ride on Saturday. I need to watch that as I'm starting to gain weight again.
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother's Day is always a little tough at our house since Carol passed away. This is the third Mother's Day since her passing. She was on all of our minds. But, unlike the last two Mother's Day, it was not a sad day because we still feel her presence.
This leads me to post the lyrics of a song I've hesitated to post for a while now. Its a personal favorite of mine. One of the things I've wanted to do here in this blog is keep it positive. But you can't know life and love without understanding loss as well. So I don't consider it a sad song.
One More Day
~ Diamond Rio
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished for one more day with you
One more day, one more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again, I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you
One more day...
First thing I'd do is pray for time to crawl
I'd unplug the telephone and keep the TV off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million 'I Love You's'
That's what I'd do with one more day with you
One more day, one more time
One more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you
One more day, one more time
One more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day
Leave me wishing still for one more day
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you.
This leads me to post the lyrics of a song I've hesitated to post for a while now. Its a personal favorite of mine. One of the things I've wanted to do here in this blog is keep it positive. But you can't know life and love without understanding loss as well. So I don't consider it a sad song.
One More Day
~ Diamond Rio
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished for one more day with you
One more day, one more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again, I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you
One more day...
First thing I'd do is pray for time to crawl
I'd unplug the telephone and keep the TV off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million 'I Love You's'
That's what I'd do with one more day with you
One more day, one more time
One more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you
One more day, one more time
One more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day
Leave me wishing still for one more day
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you.
Training Log - 5/12/07
Distance: 67.7 miles
Max speed: 39.1 mph
Average speed: 15.4 mph
Total Training Distance: 1134.2 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 184.8 lbs
Another great ride with the team. It was a long one though. I did Sugarloaf twice with just a brief respite in between. Its getting easier every time we climb it. Mark told me that the pro cyclists recently had a race and they climbed Sugarloaf nine times and were climbing at 22 mph. I'm not sure that was the best strategy for motivating me when I was climbing at 4-5 mph! LOL
Anyway, I do agree with him on not even being able to comprehend what it takes to get to that fitness level. I find it tough to not try to go faster. It really helps me to watch my breathing and slow my pace to match while going up the hill. I think the hard part comes with being afraid that my legs will give out and I'll stop. But I've also learned to trust that my legs are stronger than I give them credit for. They haven't failed me yet.
Of course, the last 10-15 miles of this ride was tough. Melissa and I agreed we weren't sure we could have gone another 30 miles to finish the century. Mark told us that in Tahoe by 70 miles we will have hit 3-4 rest stops. So we'll be in good shape. I hope so.
Max speed: 39.1 mph
Average speed: 15.4 mph
Total Training Distance: 1134.2 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 184.8 lbs
Another great ride with the team. It was a long one though. I did Sugarloaf twice with just a brief respite in between. Its getting easier every time we climb it. Mark told me that the pro cyclists recently had a race and they climbed Sugarloaf nine times and were climbing at 22 mph. I'm not sure that was the best strategy for motivating me when I was climbing at 4-5 mph! LOL
Anyway, I do agree with him on not even being able to comprehend what it takes to get to that fitness level. I find it tough to not try to go faster. It really helps me to watch my breathing and slow my pace to match while going up the hill. I think the hard part comes with being afraid that my legs will give out and I'll stop. But I've also learned to trust that my legs are stronger than I give them credit for. They haven't failed me yet.
Of course, the last 10-15 miles of this ride was tough. Melissa and I agreed we weren't sure we could have gone another 30 miles to finish the century. Mark told us that in Tahoe by 70 miles we will have hit 3-4 rest stops. So we'll be in good shape. I hope so.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Training Log - 5/10/07
Distance: 20.8 miles
Max speed: 19.1 mph
Average speed: 16.6 mph
Total Training Distance: 1066.5 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.4 lbs
Max speed: 19.1 mph
Average speed: 16.6 mph
Total Training Distance: 1066.5 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.4 lbs
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Training Log - 5/9/07 (On the Road Again...)
Distance: 16.3 miles
Max speed: 18.3 mph
Average speed: 15.7 mph
Total Training Distance: 1045.7 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Picked up my bike from the bike shop earlier in the day. The new gel handlebar wrap is awesome. It keeps my fingers from going numb during long rides.
The ride of my bike is new and improved with the new tires and everything adjusted and lubed. It just seemed so much easier to ride. My only complaint was the gears on the front carriage is a little off which is kind of ironic as, before I brought it in to the shop, the front carriage was fine. It was the gears on the rear carriage I had problems with.
I'll ride tomorrow night to let things settle and then will adjust the gears on the front carriage on Friday.
Max speed: 18.3 mph
Average speed: 15.7 mph
Total Training Distance: 1045.7 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Picked up my bike from the bike shop earlier in the day. The new gel handlebar wrap is awesome. It keeps my fingers from going numb during long rides.
The ride of my bike is new and improved with the new tires and everything adjusted and lubed. It just seemed so much easier to ride. My only complaint was the gears on the front carriage is a little off which is kind of ironic as, before I brought it in to the shop, the front carriage was fine. It was the gears on the rear carriage I had problems with.
I'll ride tomorrow night to let things settle and then will adjust the gears on the front carriage on Friday.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Ramblings...
No bike ride tonight. My bike is in the shop getting some much needed loving. It actually was done around 4:00 but I couldn't get from where I work to the bike shop before it closed. So I'll pick it up during my lunch hour tomorrow. New tires, freshly lubed chain, gears and cables adjusted, and new gel padding and tape on the handlebars. Woo hoo! I will be cycling in style on Saturday.
I was god-awful sore yesterday. I had to force myself to go for some walks to get the blood moving and wash out the lactic acid from my legs. Mark gave me a good suggestion to use a rolling pin on my legs to massage them. Worked great. I've also noticed that I am recovering a whole lot faster from these rides as my fitness level increases. I'm just a little sore today.
Now how crazy is this? I'm sitting in my family room typing away on my laptop while my 18 year old is sitting on the couch typing away on his laptop and my daughter is sitting next to him surfing the web on her PSP. OK, time for me to get them moving on the chores. So I'm opening up Instant Messenger...
"Matthew, time to take out the garbage!"
"Melanie, time to go clean the Johnny Depp Love Shrine!" (The Johnny Depp Love Shrine is an accurate depiction of her room.)
Hee hee... I love technology. They can't get away from me even on the Net!
Hey, I just realized both Johnny Depp and I are in our 40's. I better go tell my daughter. I'm sure she'll see the resemblance right away. Not!!! LOL
I was god-awful sore yesterday. I had to force myself to go for some walks to get the blood moving and wash out the lactic acid from my legs. Mark gave me a good suggestion to use a rolling pin on my legs to massage them. Worked great. I've also noticed that I am recovering a whole lot faster from these rides as my fitness level increases. I'm just a little sore today.
Now how crazy is this? I'm sitting in my family room typing away on my laptop while my 18 year old is sitting on the couch typing away on his laptop and my daughter is sitting next to him surfing the web on her PSP. OK, time for me to get them moving on the chores. So I'm opening up Instant Messenger...
"Matthew, time to take out the garbage!"
"Melanie, time to go clean the Johnny Depp Love Shrine!" (The Johnny Depp Love Shrine is an accurate depiction of her room.)
Hee hee... I love technology. They can't get away from me even on the Net!
Hey, I just realized both Johnny Depp and I are in our 40's. I better go tell my daughter. I'm sure she'll see the resemblance right away. Not!!! LOL
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Training Log - 5/6/07 (Think about going through chemo...)
Distance: 57.8 miles
Max speed: 36.3 mph
Average speed: 14.8 mph
Total Training Distance: 1029.4 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.2 lbs
I topped 1,000 miles with the ride with the team today. When I first started this adventure, I wondered if I would reach the 1,000 mile mark. I not only reached it but will pass it with room to spare. I wonder how many miles I'll wrack up by the time I cross the finish line in Tahoe. One thing is for sure. One hundred miles doesn't seem as daunting as it once did.
Today's ride was tough. It was hot and muggy. And, Mark had us climb Sugarloaf Mountain as slow as we could without falling over, then ride back down to climb back up again. The second ascent we were to give it everything we had. Somehow, I managed to get up the hill both times without stopping. It was hard, but it was also tremendously satisfying. It always is when you dig down and do something you are pretty sure you just can't do.
We joked with our coach afterwards on how hard the ride was, particularly the two rides up Sugarloaf, but then Michelle, our coordinator from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, asked us to think about what its like to go through chemo. Yeah, I remember sitting with my wife while she was getting sick from the chemo, holding her while she cried unconsolably because her beautiful hair was falling out in clumps. On so many occasions she dug down and did things she was sure she just couldn't do. But she never reached the top and never could enjoy the sense of accomplishment I had getting to the top of Sugarloaf.
I'm sitting here writing this and I am tired and my body is spent. But I know I could do this every day for the rest of my life and still not truly understand what my wife went through the last year of her life. Yeah, I need to keep thinking about that.
Max speed: 36.3 mph
Average speed: 14.8 mph
Total Training Distance: 1029.4 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.2 lbs
I topped 1,000 miles with the ride with the team today. When I first started this adventure, I wondered if I would reach the 1,000 mile mark. I not only reached it but will pass it with room to spare. I wonder how many miles I'll wrack up by the time I cross the finish line in Tahoe. One thing is for sure. One hundred miles doesn't seem as daunting as it once did.
Today's ride was tough. It was hot and muggy. And, Mark had us climb Sugarloaf Mountain as slow as we could without falling over, then ride back down to climb back up again. The second ascent we were to give it everything we had. Somehow, I managed to get up the hill both times without stopping. It was hard, but it was also tremendously satisfying. It always is when you dig down and do something you are pretty sure you just can't do.
We joked with our coach afterwards on how hard the ride was, particularly the two rides up Sugarloaf, but then Michelle, our coordinator from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, asked us to think about what its like to go through chemo. Yeah, I remember sitting with my wife while she was getting sick from the chemo, holding her while she cried unconsolably because her beautiful hair was falling out in clumps. On so many occasions she dug down and did things she was sure she just couldn't do. But she never reached the top and never could enjoy the sense of accomplishment I had getting to the top of Sugarloaf.
I'm sitting here writing this and I am tired and my body is spent. But I know I could do this every day for the rest of my life and still not truly understand what my wife went through the last year of her life. Yeah, I need to keep thinking about that.
Training Log - 5/5/07
Distance: 10.2 miles
Max speed: 20.0 mph
Average speed: 17.2 mph
Total Training Distance: 971.6 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
I just felt like riding today. I had to make it short though as I have a long ride with the team tomorrow.
Max speed: 20.0 mph
Average speed: 17.2 mph
Total Training Distance: 971.6 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
I just felt like riding today. I had to make it short though as I have a long ride with the team tomorrow.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Training Log - 5/4/07 (Speed)
Distance: 21.3 miles
Max speed: 22.0 mph
Average speed: 17.5 mph
Total Training Distance: 961.4 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.5 lbs
One of the guys I work with keeps telling me I need to strive to be in the top 10 finishers at Tahoe. Leaving aside how ridiculous that goal would be considering my average speeds don't really move me out of the category of recreational cyclist, finishing towards the front isn't my real goal here. Just finishing a 100 mile ride will be quite a feat in itself. I'm sure I won't be first and I'm sure I won't be last. According to the people who run the Team in Training program, this year less than one-tenth of one percent of the population will finish an endurance event--a marathon, century bike ride or triathelon. So, in my mind, just finishing the 100 miles will put me in good company.
Speed is something I am going to focus a little more on though, but not because I want to finish in the top 10. When I am riding during the week, I don't feel like I am getting as much out of the rides as I need because there aren't any hills here. Picking up the pace will give me a better work out. Also, I am a bit worried about the thin air in Tahoe. I figure the best way for me to prepare for that is to get my cardio conditioning in the best shape possible.
So tonight I pushed myself to finish my 21 mile ride with an average time better than 17 mph. I did that with room to spare. Now I need to work on an 18+ mph average time.
Only a month to go!
Max speed: 22.0 mph
Average speed: 17.5 mph
Total Training Distance: 961.4 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.5 lbs
One of the guys I work with keeps telling me I need to strive to be in the top 10 finishers at Tahoe. Leaving aside how ridiculous that goal would be considering my average speeds don't really move me out of the category of recreational cyclist, finishing towards the front isn't my real goal here. Just finishing a 100 mile ride will be quite a feat in itself. I'm sure I won't be first and I'm sure I won't be last. According to the people who run the Team in Training program, this year less than one-tenth of one percent of the population will finish an endurance event--a marathon, century bike ride or triathelon. So, in my mind, just finishing the 100 miles will put me in good company.
Speed is something I am going to focus a little more on though, but not because I want to finish in the top 10. When I am riding during the week, I don't feel like I am getting as much out of the rides as I need because there aren't any hills here. Picking up the pace will give me a better work out. Also, I am a bit worried about the thin air in Tahoe. I figure the best way for me to prepare for that is to get my cardio conditioning in the best shape possible.
So tonight I pushed myself to finish my 21 mile ride with an average time better than 17 mph. I did that with room to spare. Now I need to work on an 18+ mph average time.
Only a month to go!
Training Log - 5/3/07
Distance: 19.6 miles
Max speed: 18.3 mph
Average speed: 16.4 mph
Total Training Distance: 940.1 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.0 lbs
Max speed: 18.3 mph
Average speed: 16.4 mph
Total Training Distance: 940.1 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 185.0 lbs
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Training Log - 5/1/07 (Dead Man Riding)
Distance: 16.3 miles
Max speed: 18.7 mph
Average speed: 16.3 mph
Total Training Distance: 920.5 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 184.4 lbs
So I'm talking to one of the cool women I work with. She's cool because she is walking 60 miles in 3 days to raise money to combat breast cancer. Anyway, she asked me about the ride in Tahoe. So I tell her about my concerns about the distance and the thin air at the elevations there. And I discuss the tough climbs. She looks right at me and says, "You are going to die out there!"
hahahahahahahahaha
How's THAT for support?! LOL
Anyway, tonight's ride was fun. It was nice and cool. The air was calm and the moon was full. And, off in the distance, a mariachi band was playing. Heehee... I just made that last part up! *laugh*
Max speed: 18.7 mph
Average speed: 16.3 mph
Total Training Distance: 920.5 miles
Total Time on trainer: 5.5 hours
Weight: 184.4 lbs
So I'm talking to one of the cool women I work with. She's cool because she is walking 60 miles in 3 days to raise money to combat breast cancer. Anyway, she asked me about the ride in Tahoe. So I tell her about my concerns about the distance and the thin air at the elevations there. And I discuss the tough climbs. She looks right at me and says, "You are going to die out there!"
hahahahahahahahaha
How's THAT for support?! LOL
Anyway, tonight's ride was fun. It was nice and cool. The air was calm and the moon was full. And, off in the distance, a mariachi band was playing. Heehee... I just made that last part up! *laugh*
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