I am faster than I was last year. I think my average watts on a ride is up 10-20 watts or about 8%. That is very significant for me but I still want to be be faster. Robbie said to be fast you need butt time on the bike. He suggested I retire. Unfortunately, the thought of riding full time and not working is not very appealing. This year I had the opportunity to retire but the professional circuit will have to wait until I turn 60+ if ever. As my coach Joe W says a large part of winning is just showing up and I am not quite ready to show up.
Riding is still fun. I have met men and women both faster and slower both younger and older. I enjoy my time with my biking buddies. I feel very close to them. The young ones keep me fresh and the older ones keep me laughing. There is no better Sunday then riding 50 miles in a pace line with people who like to ride.
I am not sure what my goals for 2011 should be. Should I race more TTs, should I try crits, or just focus on the long rides? I don't know; but i really don't think it matters because while I like to win I am not focusing on winning races. Yet the coaches say goals matter so I can keep training and not get burnt-out, and while I know it's time to think about riding and what to accomplish while riding I really hate goal setting.
I have not been able to keep my weight down. My winter goal is 140. I am now 146/7; pass the pie please. Not terrible but the holiday food has been great and the wine has been fantastic. As my buddy Dennis says.."Ah the good life."
Those are my rambling thoughts. I appreciate your patience and readership over the years. I will be blogging less in 2011 and I hope you have a great 2011.
Those are my rambling thoughts. I appreciate your patience and readership over the years. I will be blogging less in 2011 and I hope you have a great 2011.
