Quad Killers

So, based on last weeks apathy, I determined that it is best if I put my sessions with T3 on hold until after my Century season. Thankfully, I got his voice mail. Last Friday we did balance basics, like one leg hops forward and backward, trying to stick the landing on one goat-like foot while not touching down or hopping. Man it was hard and hugely cardio. I was not great and wobbled a lot. I did that until I could do each set with five "perfect" landing. Take that Mary Lou Reton! Now I'm just dating myself. Which leads me to say I am glad to have Nifi back in town. So is Shilo -- I think she smiled for an hour.

Anyway, I did make Spin twice this week and the road once so far. I am amazed that my quads are still a little tender from last Friday's antics but nothing to keep a good goat down.

I am getting really excited about the upcoming Riverlution and getting all my schwag in order.

The Cycle Continues

Condolences

August 5, Susan, the wife of rider/blogger Elden "Fatty" Nelson lost her brave battle against cancer.

In the past year she also inspired over $500,000 in donations for cancer research.

Take a minute today to think quietly of someone you know/love who has been afflicted with cancer and how they have inspired you.

The Cycle Continues

Hossenfeffer Anyone?

I was the rabbit again today -- twice to the same group of riders...

Due to work constraints I missed my mid-week spin and T3 session. I did pick up a couple rides and some trainer time though and did some core work at home. Saturday spin was fine, challenging but doable. I figure it equates to about a 16 mile ride, calorie-wise and a century sweat wise. I like this instructor though because he "climbs" versus "jumps" much of the class.
The balance of Saturday brought chores and a relaxing evening at home.

My Sunday plan was to do 40. I felt rested and had prepped the night before so I was ready to roll earlier and beat some of the heat. Just as I was hitting my stride I realized I had failed to use/bring my inhaler to ward off my excursional asthma. I felt fine and these are really flat roads so I just kept going. Hindsight is 20/20.

I was heading home and I noted a group behind me. They caught me a while later and I was able to keep close to them for a while but the eventually slipped out of sight. As I was cranking home, ready to hit the causeway there they were, pulling out of a parking lot. I couldn't resist and said "Hey, what took you so long?" They laughed and one guy said "Just for that smart-a** comment you can pull us over the bridge." And I did for about 2 miles and upwards of 20 miles an hour. They left me again and got over the big bridge well ahead of me -- again -- we’re dedicated not fast! The big climb (laughable) did me in. My lungs were toast and I eeked out all I could to get over the top. Sad.

At mile 33 I bonked. I figured I could just finish even if it was just circles around the neighborhood but then I ran out of water. In the 92+º heat I did not want to push it. I watch my heart monitor pretty closely in the heat and if it sticks in zone 3 on an easy flat, that usually says "bag it." So I ended at 35+ for the day.

I was encouraged though that I wanted to cool off and go do it again later that day. Sunday afternoon was spent cleaning up the machine and adding the double water bottle cage!

The Cycle Continues

Spinning A Tale...

The prior week has been somewhat dedicated to working out, two spin classes and a session with T3.

I was feeling pretty sure of myself for the Wednesday Spin Class, it is shorter and not well attended. Well, never judge a skinny b***h by her cover. She was feeling spanky and kicked our butts in a very intense session. At one point this almost happened!

Saturday Spin was okay, seemed long but I did not have the afore mentioned episode. What did get under my chamois was the lady who rode a bike like this. Her Native American name would be Spins Like Humping Dog. I am a rule follower. Okay, I am just a follower. But, when an instructor builds a program -- follow it! She kept going counter to all his cues. Even more irritating was her incessant need to yell "Whoooo!" during the class and every musical change. Just as I was wallowing deeper into my Pain Cave, there she'd go "Whooo!" Like that gets us all fired up!

What did get me fired up was my ride Saturday morning. Instead of going to Spin for their Open House day, I hit the road. Invigorated by watching the Tour assault of Mont Ventux and a Coke I attacked my only climb -- fastest ever in the big gear. Most everyone would laugh at my conquest, but it was a first for me. I was definitely the hound on the way out -- catching at least four rabbits. The way back proved different -- I was the rabbit and was cooked for dinner. I got in some good base mileage though.

Nifi and I have had some real emotional days lately in the adoption of a younger dog and it has sacked my desire and energy to ride. Sadly, she is going back to her foster. Just not in the cards for us to have a younger dog. It is painful how you can so quickly become attached. But, we lead with our hearts and not our gut feeling. I feel confident we are the only ones paying the price for a freely given love. Bree will keep a place in our hearts even though she was with us a short time.

The Cycle Continues.

Sunday is a day of rest...

...and that is just what I intend to do.

I did some sort of training every day this week, core, riding, spin and a Friday session with T3. I had hoped to get in 40 miles this morning but my arms are toast -- from my last T3 session -- and absolutely no mojo. Plus I dreamt of work all night so I just went in and started some projects that will be hot tomorrow. My arms were so dead that I caught myself bending my head down to reach my coffee mug this morning!

Training has been going better -- more weight, longer reps but my roadie arms are terribly week. I was like a little girl at the gym. I was being out done by two chickies who cranked out bigger reps and weight than I was able to do -- my ego is a little weaker now too! So, the afternoon calls for FRS and the TdF recap.

I did get new shoes that come in narrow:



And I am lusting after these for some fixie and retro rides:



As for more Bike Porn and in prep for the upcoming rides I got a steal on a new Giro Ionos helmet. My current Atmos has a crack (from being dropped) right on the front which makes me feel that it might fail if stressed. Hope I never have to find out, but better to be covered up and ride secure.


More later, this is days late.

The Cycle Continues

For Sale?

Long story tolerable I built this as a bike for Spengahli to ride when he came to town. It was too big for me, so I know it will be too big for him. Then, I offered it to my nephew who was looking for a city bike to get around the Twin Cities. Dog ate my homework, sun got in my eyes, bla, bla, bla it took much longer to finish than anticipated. Add more time trying to fit modern components to vintage parts is never a perfect fit without some creative purchasing/modifications.

So, if you know an intereted party for a 1984 Raleigh SS/Fixed 53Cm, drop me a note!

I Found A Way

...that is sure fire to make the Nifi laugh, nearly uncontrollably.

Basically no cycling took place the week after the Ball of Pain, aside from the Saturday Spin Class. Looking for help here, but work and obligations seemingly manage to sabotage any training. Any suggestions/practices anyone can lend would be much appreciated. I am by nature a terrible procrastinator and with rides being delayed until September/October, I put off the bike time and miles. Nothing like a deadline to motivate me. In fact, if I did not have my current deadline driven job I am certain I would be working for FedEx or in a watch shop!

Anyway, my back had been holding tension all day last Thursday. I went in to the gym and warmed up a little on a spin bike before meeting with T3 -- felt good. Then we hit the floor and started doing some squats and lunges. He is challenged by my balance (or lack there of) and had me doing lunges without touching a machine for support. (Start genetic complaint) I have ZERO arch, B width feet that barely support me for waking, let alone lunging (End genetic complaint). That tightened the back a little more. Then machines, racing heart and sweating like a whore in church. Tried one legged stands with 40 pounds of weight, no go, then 20, then just my body weight. The rubber-band tightened like a balsa airplane's. We finished with some Ball of Pain and a severely tight back.

By the time I go home, I thought I was going to have to call Nifi to get me out the the car! But I managed and began a regiment of ice and ibuprofen. Seemed to help. The night and next day were a little restless, but moving it felt good and I tried not to overdo anything. Then some heat and beer -- whalla! much better.

Relaxing Saturday morning, all set for spin, just finishing a cup of java -- then it happened. I sneezed, not huge, just sneezed, which I would do for the next three mornings about 9:18 a.m. Anyway, a searing, stabbing pain hit me in the back, like a knife wound! I clipped and f-bomb and shot up from my chair and proclaimed "Good God!" I literally staggered to the bedroom door, now just reacting not thinking -- I needed sanctuary from the pain. I held on to the door jab and asked Nifi to come help me. Then I heard it... that near tearing-up laughter she gets. A laughter so deep hardly a sound comes out. Finally, she laughed her way over, shouldered me to bed, lifted my legs carefully up into bed and got an ice-pack for me. Nice. I hope I never choke in front of her, the humor in the situation might put her in a coma.

Back to T3 tonight... what malady will befall me now?

Spin On