Yesterday was the first true recovery ride I've done. Met Dixie and the club guys at the church. Monday night recovery route was going to do 2 loops through the park, which meant Dog Hill and Hogan's Hill twice. Dixie said we need to skip the hills and just ride so that's what we did. We rode with the club until the first ascent and turned around. We rode 19 mile, which is 7 miles further than the club ride, but took it easy. Felt great after and through the night.
We met today at Thurman Hutchins park like last week. She put her aero bars on her bike and adjusted mine. We rode down River Road to Indian Hills. Turned onto Country Club road and went all the way to the top. I worried that someone was going to chase us off the property. They have signs posted everywhere, no trepassing, no joggers, cyclists, etc. The few we saw were cool and waved at us. :-) We rode back down and did Indian HIlls three times. Then we took Arrowhead to the right, next we took Arrowhead to the left - this had some grade. Finished with Indian hills one last time. I can feel that I'm getting stronger. It's still tough stuff.
Dixie was great. Telling me to relax, work on breathing easy, keep my heart from burning up too fast. She gave me several tips. Talked about the road race and things to expect. Practice starting from a slow pace, not too slow to have to unclip, Stand and get to a speed I'm ready to ride at and then sit. Make sure my gearing is right. So much more, but I can't give away everything. ;-)
I need to spin in the trainer tomorrow, even though I'm "off". I have to get used to the aero bars, find a comfort zone.
Thursday will be more hill repeats. Friday is off night. Saturday and Sunday will see 2 rides each days. Saturday will be hillly rides. All weekend rides will be 30 miles or less. I need to gauge being in the saddle, like I will be on race day, throughout the day. Need to make sure I understand what nutrition works as well as hydration. I'm wondering about down time and then warm up time. I'm sure it will all come together.
Full moon is approaching. Wonder what crazy things will happen?
Post script: I had an almost overwhelming urge to smoke a cigarette today. Took a walk around the builiding. It worked.
Showing posts with label cycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycle. Show all posts
12 August, 2008
01 April, 2008
Skirt Ride #2
I'm not sure it if qualifies as a Skirt ride, technically. You tell me:
Life is an adventure, you just never know what's gonna happen, what might be right around the corner, etc. I took a vacation day on Monday. I really needed a mental health day. Hadn't had one in months. Mostly I vegged and looked forward to my Skirt ride with the ladies. I had a 20+mile drive to the ride. Planned on leaving an hour ahead of start time, but got out of the house about 10 minutes behind schedule. I'm driving down Interstate-64 and there's a wreck around Cannon's Lane. Traffic was slow, but moving so I got off at Cannon's. Mistake, this was bumper to bumper for at least a mile. I started worrying about getting to the ride start on time. I called my Bro who knows how to get most anywhere in the city and took some pointers from him.
Whew, I get to the ride start about 10 minutes til 6. Get my bike and gear in order and meet the ladies. We had a nice turn out. I didn't do an official count (should have), but think there were at least a dozen to fifteen. There were supposed to be 3 groups. One would stay in Seneca/Cherokee and do the loops there. The other two were going to Iroquois with the faster doing the hill and the slower group wouldn't.
It was beautiful weather. Seventy degrees at 6 pm ride start with a few clouds in the sky overhead, but the sunshine was everywhere. We leave Cycler's and head to Seneca Park. The first group stays behind and we proceed to Eastern Parkway. We are in one big group, not two. Never really split off or discussed who would be in which one, at least not that I was aware. All is going well and we get to the intersection of Bardstown Rd. This is where I need work. I'm getting to the traffic signal and the rest of the group makes the light. I didn't make the light. So I'm at this fairly busy intersection watching the rest of the group get further and further away. The light changed, I clipped in and pedalled as hard as I could. I could see the group at the next intersection. This happened for three different intersections with traffic lights. After the third, I never saw them again. Period.
At some point I realise that I don't have my fast acting inhaler with me. I start thinking about that and realise I have at least 7 miles to go to get to Iroquois and then at least 10 to get back. I've lost my group. Hmm. The weather was good. My lungs felt clear. I had taken my Advair before leaving home along with a couple of puffs on the inhaler. (I always do that prior to real exertion). I had done my homework, studied the ride route on Google Maps, know my way around Jefferson County fairly well and decided to continue on. Why spend all that gas money to what, go home? I think not!
It was so good to spend time outside in warm temps and sunshine. So many people were out and about, pushing strollers, playing catch with the kids, running, jogging, cycling, washing cars. The route followed Eastern Parkway to Third Street which turns into Southern Parkway. Louisville has a beautiful park system. The parkways are 4 lane roads separated by a median with mature trees. At Southern Parkway, on either side of the road are smaller access roads that have (for the most part) been barriers in place preventing vehicle traffic, but allowing pedestrian and bicycle traffic. All along the way people smiled and acknowledged each other.
Iroquois has a lower road that loops the entire park, a 1.5 mile road that leads to the upper loop on Iroquois Hill. And the the upper loop road. By the time I got to the park I had already decided that if I was to do the hill, 1 - I wasn't going to see the others and 2 - I might run out of daylight before getting back as clouds were starting to float in from the west/northwest. I decide to ride around the lower loop and did about 1/3 of it before turning around and heading back.
The ride back seemed easier. At least the Southern Parkway to Eastern Parkway portion. Guess my legs had really warmed up. I was in my big ring most of the time and had a nice cadence of 95 RPM or more. I get to Eastern Parkway and I was going way too fast for the turn at the viaduct. Went a little wide, but all turned out okay. I'm working my way down Eastern Parkway, feeling really good. I've finally gotten a rhythm at the traffic signals. I'm unclipping my left foot and leaving my right one clipped. Still not terribly graceful getting the left clipped back in, but it was getting more and more smooth. I get to the Medical Arts Building intersection and hit a red light. This really hurt. I had to start climbing that hill from a dead stop. I made it, though slow. One of those moments I am so happy to have a "granny" ring. As I enter Cherokee Park I notice most cars have their headlights on and I start to get a little concerned, but I am closing in on Cycler's Cafe. Hoagland Hill was a little tough, but Dog Hill wasn't bad at all. Making my way down Cannon's Lane and then Lexington Road all I could do was think pedal faster. All cars had their headlights on now. The sky was almost full of clouds which were blocking what little daylight was left.
I pull in right about 7:50. There were 3 cyclists chatting from the ride. That was an interesting conversation. But I told the ride captain not to worry. I had been prepared. But next time we probably need to have a better system in place in case we have some inexperienced people that aren't quite so well prepared with knowing the route, etc.
I learned a few things. I need more work on my stop and starts, clipping in and out. I need to get some more miles behind me along with more hill work. I need to stay with the group and in the group, not at the back. Sometimes I just have to learn the hard way. Those seem to be the best lessons learned. I completed 25 miles so my ODO said, it took me close over and hour an da half to do it, probably closer to 1:45. That's okay. I spent plenty of time at red lights. One, I sat through 3 before getting a green.
Last week was 8 months tobacco free. I was riding about 10 minutes at a time on the stationary bike in June of 2007. I have come a very, very long way. But I'm not satisfied. I want to get stronger, faster, and keep building lung capacity.
The Skirts are talking about entering a race before the month is over. I'd love to do that! I guess I could let it intimidate me and not do it. Nah, somebody has to come in last. I have no problem if it's me, the first few times anyway. Because I know at some point, I won't be last anymore.
Life is an adventure, you just never know what's gonna happen, what might be right around the corner, etc. I took a vacation day on Monday. I really needed a mental health day. Hadn't had one in months. Mostly I vegged and looked forward to my Skirt ride with the ladies. I had a 20+mile drive to the ride. Planned on leaving an hour ahead of start time, but got out of the house about 10 minutes behind schedule. I'm driving down Interstate-64 and there's a wreck around Cannon's Lane. Traffic was slow, but moving so I got off at Cannon's. Mistake, this was bumper to bumper for at least a mile. I started worrying about getting to the ride start on time. I called my Bro who knows how to get most anywhere in the city and took some pointers from him.
Whew, I get to the ride start about 10 minutes til 6. Get my bike and gear in order and meet the ladies. We had a nice turn out. I didn't do an official count (should have), but think there were at least a dozen to fifteen. There were supposed to be 3 groups. One would stay in Seneca/Cherokee and do the loops there. The other two were going to Iroquois with the faster doing the hill and the slower group wouldn't.
It was beautiful weather. Seventy degrees at 6 pm ride start with a few clouds in the sky overhead, but the sunshine was everywhere. We leave Cycler's and head to Seneca Park. The first group stays behind and we proceed to Eastern Parkway. We are in one big group, not two. Never really split off or discussed who would be in which one, at least not that I was aware. All is going well and we get to the intersection of Bardstown Rd. This is where I need work. I'm getting to the traffic signal and the rest of the group makes the light. I didn't make the light. So I'm at this fairly busy intersection watching the rest of the group get further and further away. The light changed, I clipped in and pedalled as hard as I could. I could see the group at the next intersection. This happened for three different intersections with traffic lights. After the third, I never saw them again. Period.
At some point I realise that I don't have my fast acting inhaler with me. I start thinking about that and realise I have at least 7 miles to go to get to Iroquois and then at least 10 to get back. I've lost my group. Hmm. The weather was good. My lungs felt clear. I had taken my Advair before leaving home along with a couple of puffs on the inhaler. (I always do that prior to real exertion). I had done my homework, studied the ride route on Google Maps, know my way around Jefferson County fairly well and decided to continue on. Why spend all that gas money to what, go home? I think not!
It was so good to spend time outside in warm temps and sunshine. So many people were out and about, pushing strollers, playing catch with the kids, running, jogging, cycling, washing cars. The route followed Eastern Parkway to Third Street which turns into Southern Parkway. Louisville has a beautiful park system. The parkways are 4 lane roads separated by a median with mature trees. At Southern Parkway, on either side of the road are smaller access roads that have (for the most part) been barriers in place preventing vehicle traffic, but allowing pedestrian and bicycle traffic. All along the way people smiled and acknowledged each other.
Iroquois has a lower road that loops the entire park, a 1.5 mile road that leads to the upper loop on Iroquois Hill. And the the upper loop road. By the time I got to the park I had already decided that if I was to do the hill, 1 - I wasn't going to see the others and 2 - I might run out of daylight before getting back as clouds were starting to float in from the west/northwest. I decide to ride around the lower loop and did about 1/3 of it before turning around and heading back.
The ride back seemed easier. At least the Southern Parkway to Eastern Parkway portion. Guess my legs had really warmed up. I was in my big ring most of the time and had a nice cadence of 95 RPM or more. I get to Eastern Parkway and I was going way too fast for the turn at the viaduct. Went a little wide, but all turned out okay. I'm working my way down Eastern Parkway, feeling really good. I've finally gotten a rhythm at the traffic signals. I'm unclipping my left foot and leaving my right one clipped. Still not terribly graceful getting the left clipped back in, but it was getting more and more smooth. I get to the Medical Arts Building intersection and hit a red light. This really hurt. I had to start climbing that hill from a dead stop. I made it, though slow. One of those moments I am so happy to have a "granny" ring. As I enter Cherokee Park I notice most cars have their headlights on and I start to get a little concerned, but I am closing in on Cycler's Cafe. Hoagland Hill was a little tough, but Dog Hill wasn't bad at all. Making my way down Cannon's Lane and then Lexington Road all I could do was think pedal faster. All cars had their headlights on now. The sky was almost full of clouds which were blocking what little daylight was left.
I pull in right about 7:50. There were 3 cyclists chatting from the ride. That was an interesting conversation. But I told the ride captain not to worry. I had been prepared. But next time we probably need to have a better system in place in case we have some inexperienced people that aren't quite so well prepared with knowing the route, etc.
I learned a few things. I need more work on my stop and starts, clipping in and out. I need to get some more miles behind me along with more hill work. I need to stay with the group and in the group, not at the back. Sometimes I just have to learn the hard way. Those seem to be the best lessons learned. I completed 25 miles so my ODO said, it took me close over and hour an da half to do it, probably closer to 1:45. That's okay. I spent plenty of time at red lights. One, I sat through 3 before getting a green.
Last week was 8 months tobacco free. I was riding about 10 minutes at a time on the stationary bike in June of 2007. I have come a very, very long way. But I'm not satisfied. I want to get stronger, faster, and keep building lung capacity.
The Skirts are talking about entering a race before the month is over. I'd love to do that! I guess I could let it intimidate me and not do it. Nah, somebody has to come in last. I have no problem if it's me, the first few times anyway. Because I know at some point, I won't be last anymore.
23 February, 2008
Time to start planning again
This virus has had it's turn, it slowed me down. So did the cold weather (I know we don't really have cold weather). I am not ready for the 5K next Saturday, but I'm gonna do it. I told my BFF that I was so sorry that I'm going to disappoint her at this race. She just comes back with, "don't worry about me, I was just doing it because you wanted to". Thank god she urged me to stop smoking with her. Best thing I've done in a long while.
I was looking at my training log. I haven't run enough in a long while. Most weeks I've had 4.5 - 5 hours on the bike with one or two coming up around 3. This week I've already got 4:15 and still have tomorrow, which should be at least an hour. I put in 1:45 today. 45 early and an hour after dinner. Just easy spins this week. Barely raised my HR each time. Just nice spinning on 42/19 about 95 RPM. Trying to stay in form, but this saddle is wearing on me. I noticed it more today after the second ride. So I've been out surfing for ergonomic saddles. I found one I'd love to test drive, just not sure I can locate one close enough. I need to check out the return policy, 'cause I'd like to try it and know I can return it if it's not right. It's pricey, running over $200. But I think I can splurge since my bonus should be in my account at the end of the month. :-)
I want to get back outside. Trainer and basement are starting to wear thin. Guess I should've looked into some videos, but there's always next winter for that. I missed the Trainer Tour on Tuesday night this week due to a business dinner. Weather cancelled the one on Thursday, which was good as I wasn't well enough to attend. This is the last week for it, so I hope I can get out there and get in a really good workout or two.
Think I need to start looking at nutrition if I'm going to start trying to run several times a week on top of riding. I'd love to get to around 10 hours a week of training during spring and summer.
Speaking of planning, I need to get a vacation scheduled. My Sis is getting married in June, so I'm thinking maybe taking time late June or early July. Time to get the calendars out and see if there are any races/rides I can start penciling in.
I was looking at my training log. I haven't run enough in a long while. Most weeks I've had 4.5 - 5 hours on the bike with one or two coming up around 3. This week I've already got 4:15 and still have tomorrow, which should be at least an hour. I put in 1:45 today. 45 early and an hour after dinner. Just easy spins this week. Barely raised my HR each time. Just nice spinning on 42/19 about 95 RPM. Trying to stay in form, but this saddle is wearing on me. I noticed it more today after the second ride. So I've been out surfing for ergonomic saddles. I found one I'd love to test drive, just not sure I can locate one close enough. I need to check out the return policy, 'cause I'd like to try it and know I can return it if it's not right. It's pricey, running over $200. But I think I can splurge since my bonus should be in my account at the end of the month. :-)
I want to get back outside. Trainer and basement are starting to wear thin. Guess I should've looked into some videos, but there's always next winter for that. I missed the Trainer Tour on Tuesday night this week due to a business dinner. Weather cancelled the one on Thursday, which was good as I wasn't well enough to attend. This is the last week for it, so I hope I can get out there and get in a really good workout or two.
Think I need to start looking at nutrition if I'm going to start trying to run several times a week on top of riding. I'd love to get to around 10 hours a week of training during spring and summer.
Speaking of planning, I need to get a vacation scheduled. My Sis is getting married in June, so I'm thinking maybe taking time late June or early July. Time to get the calendars out and see if there are any races/rides I can start penciling in.
03 February, 2008
Hills!
Maybe I shouldn't get too excited too soon as there are lots bigger hills in this world and my local vicinity than the little bumps I rode today. I'm definitely in need of a lot more work and need to focus on wattage (somehow). I think that means either increase resistance on my trainer or weight training. We'll start with the former before considering the latter. :-)
I took off on a very nice sunny Sunday afternoon that started about 50F and by the time I returned was it 55F, but starting to cloud up. I decided that I could ride Routte Road end to end for my first attempt to attack a few hills. I realised on my way up the first decent incline (my definition which most seasoned cyclists would smirk about I'm sure) that I should've spent at least 10 - 15 minutes of riding some flat just to get everything warmed up instead of the 5 it took to get there. Live and learn! I tried to make sure I was planning ahead for my gears, I tried to remember what I've read and been told about climbing. I worked to keep my cadence up, this is going to take plenty more hours of training to improve. The closer I would get to the top of a hill the slower and slower my cadence. This is so very frustrating! But reinforces that I just need to train harder.
What did I enjoy? The downhill run. Oh My Goodness what a thrill! I crammed my sunglasses against my face, crouched down with hands on drops and my butt slightly off the saddle tilted facing anything following me. I have no idea how fast I was going, but if I had hit any gravel and wiped out I would be limping by now. So now, my inspiration is to work very hard to climb taller hills just so I can scream down the other side. Yeehaww!
The route is right at 7 miles from my house to the end of Routte Rd at Taylorsville Lake Rd. (http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=7446). I had some disappointment on the way back. There's a nice one that I could not keep going all the way to the top. I got off and pushed the last 100 yards. I was so PO'd at myself. But it is what it is and each time I 'hit a wall' it's that much harder that I'll work for the next time. If I stop and think about this past week and how light the training regimen was, I guess that contributed to my less than stellar performance. (is that rationalising?) I decided to stop at the Pantry and get a banana and power bar. I needed to take 5 (more like 10 - 15) and catch my breath after 14 miles. I was feeling great, the sun was still shining, so I took off down King's Church. Then I got totally psyched! I was averaging 100 rpm the whole way, which is 4.3 miles. My total ride time was an hour and 15 minutes. Total time out was about and hour and 45 I guess.
Well, now to get out and run in a little while. I've not done enough of that either and the 5K is going to be here in no time. My bff has been training on her new treadmill and did the full 3 miles early this past week. I am so proud of her! I'll get back in time to clean up and get ready to pull for the NE Patriots. I love Tom Brady!
Tomorrow and Tuesday are supposed to be 65F with rain. I wish I could work from home. I'll have to check and see what I can work out. It does look like the next 10 days of weather will be at least in the high 40s except for Wednesday. Yoga is Tuesday! I am definitely hitting the trainer tour on Thursday this week. This is the last month to take advantage.
Oh yeah, I found this triathlon/duathlon event the weekend before my birthday in June. The duathlon is a 5k, 40k, 10k. I've got until March to sign up and I'm thinking this could be a fun thing to do. A nice accomplishment before hitting that half century mark.
I took off on a very nice sunny Sunday afternoon that started about 50F and by the time I returned was it 55F, but starting to cloud up. I decided that I could ride Routte Road end to end for my first attempt to attack a few hills. I realised on my way up the first decent incline (my definition which most seasoned cyclists would smirk about I'm sure) that I should've spent at least 10 - 15 minutes of riding some flat just to get everything warmed up instead of the 5 it took to get there. Live and learn! I tried to make sure I was planning ahead for my gears, I tried to remember what I've read and been told about climbing. I worked to keep my cadence up, this is going to take plenty more hours of training to improve. The closer I would get to the top of a hill the slower and slower my cadence. This is so very frustrating! But reinforces that I just need to train harder.
What did I enjoy? The downhill run. Oh My Goodness what a thrill! I crammed my sunglasses against my face, crouched down with hands on drops and my butt slightly off the saddle tilted facing anything following me. I have no idea how fast I was going, but if I had hit any gravel and wiped out I would be limping by now. So now, my inspiration is to work very hard to climb taller hills just so I can scream down the other side. Yeehaww!
The route is right at 7 miles from my house to the end of Routte Rd at Taylorsville Lake Rd. (http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=7446). I had some disappointment on the way back. There's a nice one that I could not keep going all the way to the top. I got off and pushed the last 100 yards. I was so PO'd at myself. But it is what it is and each time I 'hit a wall' it's that much harder that I'll work for the next time. If I stop and think about this past week and how light the training regimen was, I guess that contributed to my less than stellar performance. (is that rationalising?) I decided to stop at the Pantry and get a banana and power bar. I needed to take 5 (more like 10 - 15) and catch my breath after 14 miles. I was feeling great, the sun was still shining, so I took off down King's Church. Then I got totally psyched! I was averaging 100 rpm the whole way, which is 4.3 miles. My total ride time was an hour and 15 minutes. Total time out was about and hour and 45 I guess.
Well, now to get out and run in a little while. I've not done enough of that either and the 5K is going to be here in no time. My bff has been training on her new treadmill and did the full 3 miles early this past week. I am so proud of her! I'll get back in time to clean up and get ready to pull for the NE Patriots. I love Tom Brady!
Tomorrow and Tuesday are supposed to be 65F with rain. I wish I could work from home. I'll have to check and see what I can work out. It does look like the next 10 days of weather will be at least in the high 40s except for Wednesday. Yoga is Tuesday! I am definitely hitting the trainer tour on Thursday this week. This is the last month to take advantage.
Oh yeah, I found this triathlon/duathlon event the weekend before my birthday in June. The duathlon is a 5k, 40k, 10k. I've got until March to sign up and I'm thinking this could be a fun thing to do. A nice accomplishment before hitting that half century mark.
02 February, 2008
Full week with not enough training
Lot's of people were in from out of town for retreat. Tonight is the holiday party. I missed riding Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week. This is too much miss for me. Two days were only 30 minutes each.
Funny thing having a holiday party on Feb 2. But it should be fun no matter what we call it.
I plan on being good tonight with much less drinking than last night and definitely more food intake. It was a beautiful day and I blew it big time for fitness training.
Tomorrow should be better. I hope I can ride outdoors and get in a run, too.
I'm sure I'll post all about it before bedtime tomorrow night.
Funny thing having a holiday party on Feb 2. But it should be fun no matter what we call it.
I plan on being good tonight with much less drinking than last night and definitely more food intake. It was a beautiful day and I blew it big time for fitness training.
Tomorrow should be better. I hope I can ride outdoors and get in a run, too.
I'm sure I'll post all about it before bedtime tomorrow night.
20 January, 2008
Never get too comfortable - it's all gonna change again
That's the fun of it! This is the adventure of life.
Found out this week I get to move to a new place in the office, but no one can tell me exactly where, yet. I was asked my preferences, which was good. For this I am grateful. I requested a window and cubicle with tall walls. I could be put on any of 3.5 floors that our group occupies. As long as I have a place to call home in the tower I will be happy. I like the flexibility of working remotely, but wouldn't be good if it was 100% of the time.
The weather! It has been cold, it's winter time and it should be cold. But it is detrimental to my work-out agenda. I'm losing time to get my training for the 5K. Today's high got to 18F I think, wind-chill was bitter.
I'm still learning and increasing my vocabulary. Balaclava is something that keeps coming up when I read about cold weather fitness. It's on my list of items to purchase.
It's been a good weekend. I rode 50 minutes Saturday. Oldest daughter came by and spent some time visiting and doing laundry. Hubby fixed a big pot of cabbage, potatoes and kielbasa. YUM! We watched my Cardinals lose. :-(
Today, I simmered a pot of white chili (http://www.courier-journal.com/features/food/requests/recipes/timothys_white_chili.html). I've used this recipe for years, always with modifications. Remember to soak your dried beans overnight, this helps reduce gas and cook time. I get a little more generous with garlic. If you like it with more heat, increase the cayenne or better yet, have a jar of jalapenos handy.
I rode the trainer for an hour and a half today. I didn't use a workout. I decided to spin and just have some added Time In The Saddle. I ran through 3 gears with a warm-up and cool-down around 85RPM, cruised the rest of the time between 95 and 105. Watched New England win again during my ride! I love Tom Brady. Hubby rode yesterday and today during the times I was riding. He's said that he's sticking to 25 minutes easy minutes. My reward was a great big bowl of chili, with jack cheese, sour cream, salsa and tortilla chips. I treated myself to a Mountain Dew! (first one in a quite some time). After finishing off the last drops, I ran a tub full of hot water and sat with the jets on for 30 minutes. Guess I'm gonna spend the next little while watching Green Bay and New York.
Have you noticed the longer days? I know it's not much, but it is enough to be encouraging!
Tomorrow we'll see 42F, that's a heatwave! Plan on doing a run, gotta get one in! We have more cold days ahead. But change is always a day or two ahead. Keeps me on my toes!
Found out this week I get to move to a new place in the office, but no one can tell me exactly where, yet. I was asked my preferences, which was good. For this I am grateful. I requested a window and cubicle with tall walls. I could be put on any of 3.5 floors that our group occupies. As long as I have a place to call home in the tower I will be happy. I like the flexibility of working remotely, but wouldn't be good if it was 100% of the time.
The weather! It has been cold, it's winter time and it should be cold. But it is detrimental to my work-out agenda. I'm losing time to get my training for the 5K. Today's high got to 18F I think, wind-chill was bitter.
I'm still learning and increasing my vocabulary. Balaclava is something that keeps coming up when I read about cold weather fitness. It's on my list of items to purchase.
It's been a good weekend. I rode 50 minutes Saturday. Oldest daughter came by and spent some time visiting and doing laundry. Hubby fixed a big pot of cabbage, potatoes and kielbasa. YUM! We watched my Cardinals lose. :-(
Today, I simmered a pot of white chili (http://www.courier-journal.com/features/food/requests/recipes/timothys_white_chili.html). I've used this recipe for years, always with modifications. Remember to soak your dried beans overnight, this helps reduce gas and cook time. I get a little more generous with garlic. If you like it with more heat, increase the cayenne or better yet, have a jar of jalapenos handy.
I rode the trainer for an hour and a half today. I didn't use a workout. I decided to spin and just have some added Time In The Saddle. I ran through 3 gears with a warm-up and cool-down around 85RPM, cruised the rest of the time between 95 and 105. Watched New England win again during my ride! I love Tom Brady. Hubby rode yesterday and today during the times I was riding. He's said that he's sticking to 25 minutes easy minutes. My reward was a great big bowl of chili, with jack cheese, sour cream, salsa and tortilla chips. I treated myself to a Mountain Dew! (first one in a quite some time). After finishing off the last drops, I ran a tub full of hot water and sat with the jets on for 30 minutes. Guess I'm gonna spend the next little while watching Green Bay and New York.
Have you noticed the longer days? I know it's not much, but it is enough to be encouraging!
Tomorrow we'll see 42F, that's a heatwave! Plan on doing a run, gotta get one in! We have more cold days ahead. But change is always a day or two ahead. Keeps me on my toes!
02 December, 2007
I brought it home!
The new bicycle is in the trainer, just waiting for me to jump on anytime I want. It's very different riding from the stationary. I think I need (want) a gadget (odometer) so I'll have an idea of the distance I'm travelling and then can determine my mph.
The stationary's front wheel has a fan blade built-in, this is what creates the resistance. However, it also provides a nice breeze in your face while you are riding, which helps to keep your core temperature cool. It has a gadget that tells distance and estimates calories burned, etc. The handle bars also move alternating in a front to back motion which gives some upper body workout, though not a tremendous amount. Helps tighten up those loose areas though.
The road bike in a trainer is just that. The trainer fits the rear wheel between 2 connectors and there is a metal roller you adjust against the tire. This roller is what provides resistance. I can manually adjust the resistance or use a remote. For now, the front tire in sitting on the Yellow Pages to keep the bike level. Not exactly making any fashion statements, but I'm not trying to impress anyone, YET!
My first time out, I decided on 30 minutes, 'cause that's what I've been doing this week. Within 5-6 minutes I was sweating profusely! I was getting much warmer much faster than on the stationary. I need a box fan, in the worst way! I ran through the gears a few times, spending time in each one. Then I settled in and just rode. It's gonna take a few days to get comfy in the seat I think. I haven't been leaning so forward as I do on this bike. Need to work on my core abs a little more strenuously. These should keep my back in better alignment while riding.
I was very surprised by the fact that my right leg is stronger than my left. I am ambidextrious and I thought most tendencies were to my left. I didn't realise how uneven my gait/cadence is from left to right leg. It made the bike and pedals bump and clink a bit while riding.
The clipless pedals allow for working on one leg at a time as well as take advantage of the 'upswing' part of the pedaling. This is going to take patience and perseverance on my part. Find a comfortable way to sit and pedal one leg at a time and find a place to put the other foot. This is also going to be working new muscle groups. I could feel some new sensations in my legs both as I was riding and this morning before getting out of bed.
It's raining this morning, but forecast says it should get to 66F. If the hour-by-hour is accurate, I may be able to get outside and ride the neighborhood around 1pm or 2. I would love to get out on the road, even if it's only 10 or 15 minutes. Just to get the feel one time. If not, I'll ride indoors. If I get bored, I can pop in the racing DVD that came with the bike. That should provide some inspiration!
Just need to stay hydrated and find that fan!
The stationary's front wheel has a fan blade built-in, this is what creates the resistance. However, it also provides a nice breeze in your face while you are riding, which helps to keep your core temperature cool. It has a gadget that tells distance and estimates calories burned, etc. The handle bars also move alternating in a front to back motion which gives some upper body workout, though not a tremendous amount. Helps tighten up those loose areas though.
The road bike in a trainer is just that. The trainer fits the rear wheel between 2 connectors and there is a metal roller you adjust against the tire. This roller is what provides resistance. I can manually adjust the resistance or use a remote. For now, the front tire in sitting on the Yellow Pages to keep the bike level. Not exactly making any fashion statements, but I'm not trying to impress anyone, YET!
My first time out, I decided on 30 minutes, 'cause that's what I've been doing this week. Within 5-6 minutes I was sweating profusely! I was getting much warmer much faster than on the stationary. I need a box fan, in the worst way! I ran through the gears a few times, spending time in each one. Then I settled in and just rode. It's gonna take a few days to get comfy in the seat I think. I haven't been leaning so forward as I do on this bike. Need to work on my core abs a little more strenuously. These should keep my back in better alignment while riding.
I was very surprised by the fact that my right leg is stronger than my left. I am ambidextrious and I thought most tendencies were to my left. I didn't realise how uneven my gait/cadence is from left to right leg. It made the bike and pedals bump and clink a bit while riding.
The clipless pedals allow for working on one leg at a time as well as take advantage of the 'upswing' part of the pedaling. This is going to take patience and perseverance on my part. Find a comfortable way to sit and pedal one leg at a time and find a place to put the other foot. This is also going to be working new muscle groups. I could feel some new sensations in my legs both as I was riding and this morning before getting out of bed.
It's raining this morning, but forecast says it should get to 66F. If the hour-by-hour is accurate, I may be able to get outside and ride the neighborhood around 1pm or 2. I would love to get out on the road, even if it's only 10 or 15 minutes. Just to get the feel one time. If not, I'll ride indoors. If I get bored, I can pop in the racing DVD that came with the bike. That should provide some inspiration!
Just need to stay hydrated and find that fan!
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