Looking at the road ahead…
The road ahead always seems longer when you’ve been off your training plan for some time. I would say I pedaled off and on over the past two months. That means serious training was put on hold over the holidays. So, this past week was my first week back with multiple rides. I got on the bike four times. My mileage was 20 miles… 25 miles… 32 miles and 53 miles respectively. It felt so good…. but so bad at the same time. The last two rides I went out with my friend, Brian, who is 19 years old and on the NC State Cycling Team. Let’s just say I felt 39 years old when I hit the climbs (I’m 38).
But that’s just a number. Although I’ve lost my good form so quickly, the GOOD NEWS is… I know and remember well what that good form feels like. It’s right there on the edge of my saddle… right there on the hoods… right there in my legs. It so close I can taste it… I just have to be patient to get up that hill.
My first big ride is a century in the mountains. Blood, Sweat & Gears is at the end of June and it’s a great ride with 13,000+feet of climbing including Snake Mountain which hits 18-20% grade at the top. Then, at the end of July, I’ll ride 24 Hours of Booty. I talked about that in my last post. I’ll also definitely ride Bridge to Bridge again this year. That’s another century in September and it ends at the top off Grandfather Mountain. I’d like to do something in between. Last year, I also rode Blue Ridge Brutal but I’m not sure about this year. The big factor… we are expecting our second son in March so that could really throw off the schedule. It will be tough training with the baby and with my usual 2am wake up call for work. I’m sure I’ll figure it out. At least I’m on “that road” and I’m looking ahead.
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Comments
Sounds like you got a busy schedule ahead of you, especially with that baby on the way! At least you have a few months ahead of the first ride to get back into training.
Training with a new infant is hard, but you will get it figured out. Form goes away quick when you are off the bike. All we can do is do our best with what time we have and be happy enough we can get out there at all.
Will… good job keeping up the training… notes for races sounds so professional.
Jennifer… my 2am brain still leaves me wondering?
Courtney… positive thinking counts!
Chris… I know you been there… it’ll be awesome having that little guy there so I’ll forget about the next ride if I have to.
Ron… great point… I really think I could do that!
First of all welcome to my blog. You’re right, I should rest, but as you know it’s very hard when you are an active person. Your blog really makes me miss the bike. Spring can’t come soon enough!! Have a great weekend.
Yes, starting the year and getting back in shape always hurts a little - I’ve been riding hard through the winter to try and finally avoid this
Those events look great! Last year was the first time I had ever entered big, long, hard organized events (I did three) - SO MUCH fun and it provides clear training goals.
I just booked a doctor appointment today in anticipation of entering some more in 2008 - (most french events require a note).
38? You’re a young pup!