Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Riding in Shorts...finally (for now).

Piss...the next few days are slotted to be cooler, wet, and possible snow. Not what I was hoping for. I don't need it warm just consistent would be nice. Oh well, never happy.

Tuesday, however, was a gorgeous day, minus the crazy wind out of the southwest. For the group ride I was in just jersey and shorts for the first time this year! Nine of us rolled out and finished together...a good ride. We skipped the Alp this week, finally, and headed out towards Kimball and Power Bump. Some rollers here and there but the real killer was the wind. My heart rate would go from 110 in the back to about 160 or so up front.
I took off on some fliers and felt pretty good. I feel I am currently able to hold that speed for a bit longer than times in the past. I also feel I am recovering a bit faster too. I am not the best at reacting to others attacks, I'm a bit slow, but am guessing that is to do with my training...long and slow. With the addition of new guys to the our Masters Team and the continued enjoyment of the Tuesday rides I find myself really contemplating doing a few road races with them. But that requires me putting in for and upgrade, getting a USA cycling licence, and putting up with roadies. Gravel is so much better. But never say never, right?

Today I plan on some gravel for a few hours. If life and weather allow it I hope to do one more "long" ride this weekend and cut it back from there in preparation for the TransIowa V7. I also need to finalize my bike setup, get all my gear set, make a map (cue card) holder, etc. Time is ticking down.

Later.

1 comment:

Eric said...

I've got a couple workouts for you.

I did this one today: 20x20s

20 20-second intervals, all-out. a minute and a half rest in between.

there are other interval workouts, but you're going to have to step up to a power meter.

the other thing I would incorporate into your workouts are plyometrics. using stairs or a box 18-24 inches high, compress like a squat, jump up to the top of the box or stair, compress and spring back down 3x10-15 reps.

both of these are good for building explosive power (not that I've exploded recently, but that's what I hear)

word.