Bumps In The Road

Okay, it has been a few days off the Blog and the training. Up 22 hours traveling and meeting in Chicago my system said "WHOA!" Got some rest and feeling human again.

Bike is back thanks to Al at the Bike Route www.thebikeroute.com. Headset spacer, rebuilt bottom bracket and a call to Trek for a warranty claim and I'm good to go. Now I just have to go. Riding this weekend despite oppressive temps.

Bob, send me the article please, sounds interesting. I am going to order more FRS for recovery and some gels from Accelerade to compare to Hammer.

All the chemistry aside, it will be the miles that make the difference.

Happy Friday!

Steady Riding Diet

Riding is supposed to be a hobby, right? I have to keep reminding myself that this is for fun and not to stress when I can't hit the road "on schedule". My trusty steed is in the shop getting the afore mentioned problems fixed -- minor adjustment they tell me. Work has been very busy and taken the forefront over many things -- including training. I hope to hit it again tonight. I think the rest may be good for my knee in any event.

Bob, thanks for the "sugar" research. Unfortunately science was never my strong suit. I thought the periodic table was well designed from a graphic stand point but it defied me mentally. My only concern about extra weight comes from a long-haul perspective. While I am within my BMI range, I could be a little lighter. I figure 5 pounds multiplied by 100 miles is a quarter ton of weight I do not need to lug up hills. I have leveled out now and think that is where I will land for the MM.

Thanks again for the research!!

Motivational No-Show

Sunday. I was scheduled to get up and do 40. My body said "Whoa Big Fella, you need sleep! Remember getting up at 4:00 to train during the week? Remember that one extra glass of red wine and piece of cheese cake after dinner?" Okay, still two weekends to do long rides and decent distances during the week until I taper down to the MM. The sleep felt great, I have to admit. I can still get on the trainer this afternoon for a good spin.

Equipment problems are popping up now. For on is my left knee. It is feeling a little "wonkey". It gave out one morning standing. Not pain, just weakness. My bike is acting up too. The headset is loose as a goose! I have about .25 - .5 back and forth play in it. I broke it down and noted a retaing ring is broken, that might be the problem. Also the lower end has a tiny bit of side-to-side play which might get worse as I crank harder. Might have to shoot it. I'll start by getting it in to the shop ASAP Monday. Reason to buy that new bike...Hmmm.

The chemistry experiment was very usefull -- glad I did it this far out. Tried the HEED Electrolyte powder Friday. It went right to my gut (now, it could have been the ruben and 6 doughnut holes -- I have issues:) but didn't sit right. Worked well for the energy portion though. I found Accelerade (at the grocery store by our house) and tried that Saturday. It worked fine too, a bit tastier (un-natural colors and all. Can you say Ridalyn Smoothie?) and left me less thirsty and more refreshed. I followed both by FRS concentrate as a recovery drink -- I think that is a good part of either routine. Today I'll try some Hammer Gel.

Bob, can you give me a little lesson on sugar Vs. sucrose? Gatorade has sucrose, Accelerade ahs sugar. Will one help keep weight off better?

Gotta go, Sunday at the office.