A Little Spin

Work and weather allowed so I got out for a little spin last night for about an hour. Though my training hasn't been to the level I would hope for, as Jason Mahokey at http://soiledchamois.blogspot.com said, it keeps my "meat sticks" from turning into sticks of butter. Lots of head wind yesterday which is oddly a challenge like hills, but different. It does raise the heart rate and ping the legs.

Team jersey's sould be in process by now -- hopefully we will be "geared up" by Seagull.

K-Spun suggested matching socks and shorts. I looked at sockguy.com but no dog oriented designs. They do custom as well but time is short.

Gotta Go

Still Feelin' It

Wow! I guess I did myself in on Sunday. Still feeling the effects of the ride with over-training symptoms. I can't tell if the chest ache is from muscle (like heart muscle) or ligaments. Stress hits me that way too. I did note some salt on my shorts after I finshed -- what was the electrolyte pill link? In any event, tonight is off for meeting anyway.

Bike is all clean and ready to go -- when ever I am.

Really looking forward to pushing the Team R2R concepts. I will work out some stickers for our rides (four and two wheel).

More later.

Training resumed last week. I wanted to take a week of two off but mind, body and the pending Seagull Century wouldn't allow it. Friday was to be riding day, but the body/mind said "no." Saturday I got a little later then wanted start and just did 14 of 16 but the heat had really cranked up. I am still feeling the effects of yesterdays 40/2:25 ride with Mark H. We took it out well and had a consistently good ride. The way back was rough. Headwind all the way. I was feeling a bonk coming on -- glad we stopped when we did. The way out was cool and comfortable and I know I did not hydrate enough. Started cramping a little at 25 miles. I felt bad because Mark was feeling strong and thinking about his racing days. But, like a real team member, he found a gear that allowed me to keep up. Thanks! Maybe Mama beat me more then I thought!

I have to re-evaluate my heart monitor settings. I should be at 175 bpm for my max according the the book. I think I am a little higher. I ran between 174 and 177 for ten miles. Like Mark said, that is eather really good or really ineffcient. I feel like I have squirrel heart beating in my chest! Anyway, today is a rest day as I await the arrival of my ebay purchase, a carbon Botnrager triple crank, new in box for a steal of a deal.

Spin on.

What Doesn't Kill Ya...

Had a great ride last night. Temps were low (83º) due to overcast skies all day. Did 18/1:07. I pushed a few simulated "hills" by kicking it to the highest gear and evenly cranking.

Mama threw some crap at me/us but we survived and I think my legs are stronger for the effort.

I am looking at switching out my 53/39 for a triple 52/42/30. Ebay is my helper with a whole new carbon crank, shimano levers and front deraillure. I'll accept opinions.

Spin on!

I Got A Fever

In the words of Christopher Walken on SNL "I got a fever and the cure call for more cow bells." Well okay, mine calls for more bike parts. I took my ride in for warranty repair and ended up with a new Bontrager X Lite Race saddle and carry-all bag. THe saddle is carbon based with the "labiator" slot down the center on hollow titanium rails. My first ride Sunday was a wee bit uncomfortable at the start but I settled in as the heat pain replaced the a** pain. A little more time and we should both be fine.
Also looking at a carbon compact drive on ebay. After the abuse "Mama" threw at me, any weapon I can put in my arsenal is worth exploring.

Trying to get back in a routine for Seagull -- sign up soon!!

Pedal & Paddle

Back in the Saddle

I made it! It was only 12 miles but it felt good to spin on the road. After the mountains I was able to laugh at the head-wind. It brought back some of that lacking energy too. I have to include longer recovery times now that I'm "old."

My heart rate started at a good 70 bpm (resting) and I never reached my max. When we rode the MM I started at 101 resting. I attribute that to the 27 mile ride, elevation and adrenaline, but it really makes a difference to start low. My buddy Mark tells me that they never trained with a high resting heart rate -- mean you were over-training or getting sick.

My goal for the next few months is to spin, build back to some distance and work on controlling my breating.

Have a good weekend all -- pedal and paddle!

Ps. Thanks to all the R2R donors -- we raised $2,150 and awsome start!!

Who's On First

Just a quick query to see who on Team R2R is going to be the first to ride again after the MM. I hope to get a spin in tonight.

The event was great after all the mind numbing climbs eased a bit. Legs still feel a little sore and more sleep is needed -- but duty calls. Thank Heaven 7-11 for Stok shots:)

Pedal & Paddle