Ups and Downs

Yesterday was hopefully my last day of feeling jet-lagged. I was toast most of the afternoon at work (which is why I am back Saturday playing catch-up!) Anyway, I did have a good ride last night. 18 miles, as per my century training schedule. I didn't rock it too hard, just enough and my HR stayed very comfortable at 170 max and 138 average. I had a spike to 222, but that had to be a false read. Probably some old lady turning on Matlock just when I went by her mobile home (which, by the way,a re prevalent in my neck of town). So I felt good about things, popped a Chimay and chilled out for a while before some tastey Mexican food.

Up Saturday and off to spin class. Warmed up fine, started class and maxed at 240 bpm ( think that is my monitors max). Average was 171...WTF? I feel fine, just not sure what to think.

Tomorrow is a scheduled 60. I am going slow and resting often to beat the heat. Should be 100º + on the road.

Spin On

I'm Cranky

No, not as in Cranky Monkey, the enduro ride this weekend up north. Good luck to Jason and Travis! Hope you ride safe and swiftly and look forward to your reports.

Nope, I'm just cranky -- have been all week. Not sure really why. Could be adjusting to the jet-lag, adjusting to work, or just being maladjusted in general. I am looking forward to some riding and Spin class to level things back out. Work has caused my diet to go to H*ll too. From five course, wine ladened meals to McDonald's on the run throws one's system off.

Next Wednesday I go in for the Holter monitor. I should be able to workout that evening too so they can get accurate readings on what is going on with the rapid heart rate. My chest has felt tight the past couple days but I feel pretty certain it is just the pressure of pending presentations for work. I want to resolve these issues so I can train harder in preparation for Mountain Mama.

Back to Italy for a moment. This is about as close to that Italian frame as I could get.



I was flaberghasted when Nifi gave the frame purchase a green light! One cool wife. She said she understood that it is a dream of mine and now was the time and place to make it happen. To my surprise I did not see a single bike shop. We were of course in ancient cities and downtown areas. Guess I will just have to go back:)

Meat Pistons

Yesterday was a weird day. I was back from vacation, the dew was quickly off the lily and I wanted to curl up and ignore everyone. That is, of course, impossible. I did my best to remain silent and reserve the energy for a ride after work. I was amazed, first that I followed through and rode, secondly that the rain stayed away and lastly that I had one of my best average speed days in a long while. I managed 20+ miles and could of cranked a little longer but as I mentioned, it was a long day.

The highlight was smoking a Vespa on the long straight away road. Granted, I had a little tail wind, I started back with a running start as the the Vespa was near a dead stop and was probably running on a half cylinder. Still, I'll take Man Vs. Machine any day.

No ride or weights tonight, playing catch-up at work.

Spin On

Hot and Jet Lagged

So recovery begins a little slowly. I did a forty-five minute ride on the 6000 Saturday after lawn-work, a cheeseburger (thank God for American food and ice) and a nap. Sunday I woke up feeling good so I decided to head out for 25 before hitting training hard prior to Mountain Mama. I ended up doing 33 and finished in a puddle of sweat.

I know, Share the Road. Same Rules. Same Rights. But as I approached the toll booth for the Causeway I slowed at a red light, no cars so I went on. The toll keeper steps out and waves me down. S**t! busted for that? She wanted to tell me that they put in a "sidewalk" for cyclists to go past the toll. It is actually about 6 feet of curbed pavement with two 90º turns. That means going from 15-20 m.p.h. to 2 and starting the ascent. Sucks. I hope to ignore it in the future.

Heart rate was high again. Up to 212 at one point and the average with a cool down was 158 bpm. Thinking most of it is due to heat. We'll see, I get a Holter monitor later this month.

Two positives were being the "rabbit" and getting passed. I later caught up to a guy named Peter and we rode and chatted for a while. He does the same basic route I do weekly.

Hot, tired and sleepy I rested the bulk of the day watching Olympic Trials, wishing I had the thighs of a 14 year old gymnast and proud that I had a bigger chest. Saw Italy get beat in a shoot out and the end of the Tour de Suisse. Staying indoors felt great.



Here is a picture from the trip right outside our first hotel in Rome. It is the old wall built by Emperor Constantine in the year 400... still standing. Try that in modern times.