With only two more sessions to go, meeting with the trainer Tuesday felt good. We ran through set routine so I can continue on my own. My left arm has proven to be the weaker side, so I might have to concentrate on that a little. We upped the squats and weights a touch.
Wednesday was a trip to the bike shop to investigate a new saddle. No real luck, the one Specialized option in the shop was too big. Alvelo has offered me his as a trial on Friday. It seems very nimble. I am glad to have the trial opportunity, don't trust buying one online and the options are endless. I did find a nice Selle Italia that I might consider if I can find it locally.
That evening was a neighborhood spin, 16 miles in 1:02. I lumbered at the start but tried very hard to keep my cadence at about 85 the whole time. Difficulty is the stops, turns and turn-abouts knocking down my average speed.
Friday I hope to bug out early and give the loaner saddle a test run.
Spin On
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Training Wheels
First, for my dedicated readers (both of you) I changed the template to make the blog easier to read. The chunky type on reverse was too much eye strain for my aging optics.
Friday was a yard/birthday night. Nifi had a nice birthday -- lots of things to exchange or return. I knew if she was not thrilled with her birthday, Mother's day was going to suck for her -- started to develop plan B. Nice dinner, great wine and time with the girls for a late night stroll.
Saturday was up and at-em for Spin class. It was tough. The teacher was in a bad mood, I think, and took it out on us. People were bitching about the reconfigured space and little AC but it was fine for me, I consume tons of fluid so I never felt too depleted. I was ready to do some weights but felt it was not in my best interest since I was planning 50 for Sunday. Plus I had to enact Plan B. Ran errands all over town and got home to finish up the yard. Worked on the 6000 -- cool Ergon grips, thanks to some advice from Alvelo, they fit perfectly. Hanging Saturday night.
Sunday it was up, fuel, prep and head out for the 50 mile ride. I was not feeling it for a long while. I was into the wind, climbing the causeway was more difficult -- burning lungs, slow cadence and speed. My legs felt like two sausage casings filled with lead. I was trudging into the wind (hopeful that I would have some tailwind home) at a slower than normal average speed and high heart rate. I wanted to bag it. I was at the "why am I doing this?" point of training. I knew if I could push past that I would be okay. I made the half way destination, re-fueled, re-focused and headed back glad to have some tailwind this time.
By the time I hit the causeway back I sprinted over it 6+ MPH faster than on the original climb. It felt wonderful, plus I looked down and I was in a higher gear than I had planned -- bonus points! I ended up hitting the 40 mile mark just 17 seconds off two weeks ago surprisingly. The last 10 miles was a circuit around the neighborhood, with and without wind. I finished the 50 in 3:19. Guess that was okay based on how I started.
My body was showing signs of over-training during the night, restlessness, discomfort but today is a rest day.
I think a new saddle is in order. I am not digging the Bontrager and it distracts from my focus -- when you're focusing on your own a**. I'll take suggestions from the gallery on good saddles, please.
Spin On
Friday was a yard/birthday night. Nifi had a nice birthday -- lots of things to exchange or return. I knew if she was not thrilled with her birthday, Mother's day was going to suck for her -- started to develop plan B. Nice dinner, great wine and time with the girls for a late night stroll.
Saturday was up and at-em for Spin class. It was tough. The teacher was in a bad mood, I think, and took it out on us. People were bitching about the reconfigured space and little AC but it was fine for me, I consume tons of fluid so I never felt too depleted. I was ready to do some weights but felt it was not in my best interest since I was planning 50 for Sunday. Plus I had to enact Plan B. Ran errands all over town and got home to finish up the yard. Worked on the 6000 -- cool Ergon grips, thanks to some advice from Alvelo, they fit perfectly. Hanging Saturday night.
Sunday it was up, fuel, prep and head out for the 50 mile ride. I was not feeling it for a long while. I was into the wind, climbing the causeway was more difficult -- burning lungs, slow cadence and speed. My legs felt like two sausage casings filled with lead. I was trudging into the wind (hopeful that I would have some tailwind home) at a slower than normal average speed and high heart rate. I wanted to bag it. I was at the "why am I doing this?" point of training. I knew if I could push past that I would be okay. I made the half way destination, re-fueled, re-focused and headed back glad to have some tailwind this time.
By the time I hit the causeway back I sprinted over it 6+ MPH faster than on the original climb. It felt wonderful, plus I looked down and I was in a higher gear than I had planned -- bonus points! I ended up hitting the 40 mile mark just 17 seconds off two weeks ago surprisingly. The last 10 miles was a circuit around the neighborhood, with and without wind. I finished the 50 in 3:19. Guess that was okay based on how I started.
My body was showing signs of over-training during the night, restlessness, discomfort but today is a rest day.
I think a new saddle is in order. I am not digging the Bontrager and it distracts from my focus -- when you're focusing on your own a**. I'll take suggestions from the gallery on good saddles, please.
Spin On
Friday, May 9, 2008
Birthday Wishes
Today is the Nifi's birthday. Being a good husband, I will not disclose how old she is, but suffice to say there is less emphasis placed on celebrating them the past few years:) I'm just glad that she is excited about her birthday this year and hopefully I will not disappoint in the gift giving department!
Being that it is a special day today, I felt it was best to do a longer ride last night and stay in tonight even though Thursday was a scheduled rest day. I did 20+ miles and kept a good clip going, upping my average speed again. I kept in the big chain-ring despite some hefty headwinds. I was amazed at how just a little more cadence or upping one free-wheel gear translated into instant speed. I am much more of a cadence rider, but pushing a big gear was fun last night.
The unknown cloud of Emily's prognosis hangs over my head like an annoying little drizzle. We are to hear back no sooner than Monday. I promised Nifi not to tell her on her birthday if we get bad news so I am hoping for no news today. She seems very active and happy so I am going with that and prayerful we will get a treatable diagnosis. Thanks to those who have wished us well and to those who visited Fat Cyclist. Fortunately, Susan is seeing some relief now.
It occurred to me last night as I rode into the wind, for the third time trying (successfully) to beat my last lap. One of my goals for Mountain Mama (and cycling in general) is not to give myself a mental "out". I think I have a stronger "flight" versus "fight" reaction. Mine comes in the form of seeking that little nagging rationalization to stop just short. It is also a creative minds excersize in finding alternative solutions, I believe. So, along with building muscle, I will continue to endeavor to build character.
Spin On
Being that it is a special day today, I felt it was best to do a longer ride last night and stay in tonight even though Thursday was a scheduled rest day. I did 20+ miles and kept a good clip going, upping my average speed again. I kept in the big chain-ring despite some hefty headwinds. I was amazed at how just a little more cadence or upping one free-wheel gear translated into instant speed. I am much more of a cadence rider, but pushing a big gear was fun last night.
The unknown cloud of Emily's prognosis hangs over my head like an annoying little drizzle. We are to hear back no sooner than Monday. I promised Nifi not to tell her on her birthday if we get bad news so I am hoping for no news today. She seems very active and happy so I am going with that and prayerful we will get a treatable diagnosis. Thanks to those who have wished us well and to those who visited Fat Cyclist. Fortunately, Susan is seeing some relief now.
It occurred to me last night as I rode into the wind, for the third time trying (successfully) to beat my last lap. One of my goals for Mountain Mama (and cycling in general) is not to give myself a mental "out". I think I have a stronger "flight" versus "fight" reaction. Mine comes in the form of seeking that little nagging rationalization to stop just short. It is also a creative minds excersize in finding alternative solutions, I believe. So, along with building muscle, I will continue to endeavor to build character.
Spin On
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Weight
Weight: As in mine and increase in lifting.
Last night was time at the gym with the trainer. We upped the leg weight a little and used more machines in faster succession. It was fun and better cardio. The most painful thing? My sunburn, still tender to the touch. Still can't seem to lose that extra 5-7 LBS despite my efforts.
Nifi is out tonight so it's me and the girls. I hope to pull the 6000 in and accomplish what I did not get done on it last night. Took all my might to remove one grip! But hey, i'm a roadie and we are not known for upper body strength.
Thanks to all those visiting the Ride2TheRescue site, pledging and bolgging. This little grass roots effort has legs!
Spin On.
Last night was time at the gym with the trainer. We upped the leg weight a little and used more machines in faster succession. It was fun and better cardio. The most painful thing? My sunburn, still tender to the touch. Still can't seem to lose that extra 5-7 LBS despite my efforts.
Nifi is out tonight so it's me and the girls. I hope to pull the 6000 in and accomplish what I did not get done on it last night. Took all my might to remove one grip! But hey, i'm a roadie and we are not known for upper body strength.
Thanks to all those visiting the Ride2TheRescue site, pledging and bolgging. This little grass roots effort has legs!
Spin On.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
How Cool
How cool is this:
Win Susan!
Got my Fat Cyclist socks today and my Ergon grips for the 6000 -- very comfy. I had hoped to put them on last night but put on layers of aloe instead to sooth the skin.
Hope to weight train tonight.
Spin On
Win Susan!
Got my Fat Cyclist socks today and my Ergon grips for the 6000 -- very comfy. I had hoped to put them on last night but put on layers of aloe instead to sooth the skin.
Hope to weight train tonight.
Spin On
Monday, May 5, 2008
Weakend
So, Friday pretty much sucked. My emotions were zapped all day long. I typically love to start my day reading various cycling blogs, but the news of Elden and Susan at Fat Cyclist came from out of the blue to me, and I am sure hundreds of other readers. The part that struck me as odd is the heartfelt connection I had to someone I have never met, nor even spoken to. I felt a little helpless in the fact I could only send a reply with words that can do little. Susan has been diagnosed as terminal now. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. If you can, send them a note of support and encouragement, he shares them with Susan and I am sure it is good medicine, too.
I had to say goodbye to an eight year employee at the days end. He is a friend too who really got me psyched to bike again a few years back -- we even rode over our lunch hour for a spell. Here I am optimistic for both our journey's as we move forward, hopeful we can still connect as friends.
On the way home I collected Emily from the vet. News there is inconclusive to bad. She has a bad left hip and bad right hock joint. They sent xrays out to be read by a radiologist (7-10 day wait) but there is a chance she has a tumor in the hock joint. The options are not good for treatment and make our choices quite clear. We are hopeful that it might be soft tissue damage from arthritis which we can treat. Seven plus days is a long time for us -- a gift for others.
Finally the AC went out that night. Fortunately it was cool out and dry so we were comfortable and it was fixed first thing in the morning.
As for cycling... I was too drained to do Spin Class and had to prep for a Client event that morning anyway. I did manage to get some supplies for the 6000 though and ride 27 miles that afternoon. I felt sort of slow and not much fight in me against the wind, but had to do the distance.
Sunday Nifi and I went boating with Todawgz. I wanted to ride, she wanted to garden and clean house but these opportunities don't come up often. The weather was fantastic, the beer was cold and the company was gracious. Now I have a nasty burn on my chest, stomach and tops of my feet! How long have I lived here?? What a rookie. I have some degree of sun poisoning and a massive peel to come. I might not ever eat lobster again.
Spin On
I had to say goodbye to an eight year employee at the days end. He is a friend too who really got me psyched to bike again a few years back -- we even rode over our lunch hour for a spell. Here I am optimistic for both our journey's as we move forward, hopeful we can still connect as friends.
On the way home I collected Emily from the vet. News there is inconclusive to bad. She has a bad left hip and bad right hock joint. They sent xrays out to be read by a radiologist (7-10 day wait) but there is a chance she has a tumor in the hock joint. The options are not good for treatment and make our choices quite clear. We are hopeful that it might be soft tissue damage from arthritis which we can treat. Seven plus days is a long time for us -- a gift for others.
Finally the AC went out that night. Fortunately it was cool out and dry so we were comfortable and it was fixed first thing in the morning.
As for cycling... I was too drained to do Spin Class and had to prep for a Client event that morning anyway. I did manage to get some supplies for the 6000 though and ride 27 miles that afternoon. I felt sort of slow and not much fight in me against the wind, but had to do the distance.
Sunday Nifi and I went boating with Todawgz. I wanted to ride, she wanted to garden and clean house but these opportunities don't come up often. The weather was fantastic, the beer was cold and the company was gracious. Now I have a nasty burn on my chest, stomach and tops of my feet! How long have I lived here?? What a rookie. I have some degree of sun poisoning and a massive peel to come. I might not ever eat lobster again.
Spin On
Friday, May 2, 2008
A different Perspective
I came in this morning concerned about what the surgeon will tell us about Emily. It is going to be a long day because she got moved to end of the day. I am hopeful we can be proactive with her care and resolve Emily's joint problems.
Then I read the Fat Cyclist blog. I nearly wept. His latest post "Like Dandelion Seeds" is heart wrenching. His wife has been battling cancer for some time now and just recovering from hip replacement. If you have some time, send his family some words of encouragement -- they need it more than ever.
Then I got a call from a friend who is going through some family issues and facing heavy decisions. Best of luck, dear friends.
So, I had to think hard about my own feelings. My perspectives are certainly different, as are my motivations. I'm not a big fan of "could be worse" but, I am a proponent of "be thankful for what you have". And I am.
Going to try and get in another series of rides and some distance this weekend.
Spin On.
Then I read the Fat Cyclist blog. I nearly wept. His latest post "Like Dandelion Seeds" is heart wrenching. His wife has been battling cancer for some time now and just recovering from hip replacement. If you have some time, send his family some words of encouragement -- they need it more than ever.
Then I got a call from a friend who is going through some family issues and facing heavy decisions. Best of luck, dear friends.
So, I had to think hard about my own feelings. My perspectives are certainly different, as are my motivations. I'm not a big fan of "could be worse" but, I am a proponent of "be thankful for what you have". And I am.
Going to try and get in another series of rides and some distance this weekend.
Spin On.
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