My "A" events for this summer are looming. I am working hard to make sure I will be ready and capable. To prepare I have been doing long rides on Sundays, 75 miles, and intensity rides on Tuesdays and Fridays. I am always looking to update and advance my training practices. To help me train the best way possible I ask experienced cyclists during group rides what they are doing to train.
This week I learned I may not be doing enough intensity during my intensity ride, go figure. My intensity rides usually consist of 2 20mn periods where I am riding close to my lactate threshold. The goal is to increase my ability to withstand mountains. Harry B, my hill training guru, said that I may want to do 2x20s followed by 2x10s at lower intensity. The goal is to increase my endurance by doing more at lower wattages.
But wait I thought my training was in the grove, was settled, was maximized. I thought I had dialed in everything; and now I have to change? I am whining not because of the change but because I am feeling the effects of training so hard. Yesterday I was tired after my 75 mile ride and the ride was not as intense as in prior weeks. Today, the day after the ride, my legs feel gimpy and rubber-bandy. The good news is that my knees are in great shape and I have no pain from this weeks exertions. However, can I ramp up and maintain my ability to compete?
Some factoids: Strength comes from from rest and recovery. If I over-train and do not recover then I am doing my body a disservice. I am measuring my success by time to completion of some very intense rides. To get that success I need balance, stretching and strength. I am working hard, the body is getting stronger.
A bad day riding outside is better than a good day inside. The weather in Chitown has be cold and rainy. Tuesdays ride was both wet and cold. I love riding outside.
Whenever I have a great day on the bike I am pumped and can't wait to ride again.
The key to my success will be riding intensity, recovering and riding distance. I will up my hours per week to 12 and my miles to over 160. I also want to keep increasing my intensity factor, TSS score, every week. So far so good.
So much for whining. I am on the road so look for me.
