Thursday after my dentist appt. I had that great ride where I worked hard to get at 13.5 for a pace.
Today I went back to where I rode on Mother's Day. (above) That day I pushed hard and I was at 14 on a flatter route, slightly longer (23 miles) Today I went alone again knowing I wanted to see if I could increase that. Well I ended up at 15.4 which I was thrilled with. I actually passed someone. (There are a lot of bikers on this route each time I go as it is part of the Champlain Bikeway.) My tri's route is just 15 I think and today I did that in slightly less than an hour. But how much do I push in the tri knowing I have to get off and swim? I think the terrain is similar to what I did today. I hope to get down and ride it beforehand.
On a side note I came close to taking the wet suit out of the package but I didn't quite get there. It will happen. Yes, it will happen. Yes, it will.
Last week I had the best morning ride. No speed to speak of just a wonderful ride with a great appreciation of that time of day. I don't know why I don't do it more often. It was bliss. I had fun taking pictures and stopped for a few. I took the shadow ones as I was riding with no idea of how they would come out.
We had another good field trip. It involved a great museum at Chimney Point, a walk across the new Lake Champlain Bridge, a historic boat cruise which included seeing Fort Ticonderoga. We have lucked out and had only good weather for our various field trips! This is the last week of school and I am ready although I have had a pretty terrific year!
I don't care what the calendar says, the beginning of summer is this Friday! Woot! Woot!
22 comments:
Well done on such a good ride. It's so encouraging for your training to be making good improvements. Lake Champlain is beautiful - no wonder you enjoy riding there.
Such a beautiful place to live, lucky lady! I love your bike too...do you? My friend wants a bike and I think she should get a specialized. I wish I could bike more...I love it!
Nice improvement in your bike speed! You do have to push to get faster. You can do bike intervals just like running intervals and you'll get faster. Just pay attention to your knees.
Regarding tapering, I would stick with your regular plan until Monday or Tuesday, then just cut the Wednesday and Thursday workouts to half or a third of what you usually do. Two days before the race, I've seen it done three ways. Two days completely off, a short swim, bike, run on Friday with Saturday off or a short swim, bike, run on Saturday with Friday off. I like the third approach. I like to go to the race site a day early and swim part of the course to get use to the water, the weather and my wet suit. I'll stop and tread water, visit with other racers, etc. Trying to get comfortable is the name of the game. After the swim, I take my time then go for a short ride, preferably riding the run course. You can put a couple quick short speed ups in there just to loosen the legs up. Then sometimes I'll run for 10 minutes or so, again just to loosen up. Go by feel. If you are rested and loose, skip the run. If you are a little tight, do a loosen up jog. Make sure to get a good night sleep two nights before the race since race night can be tough to sleep. The sleep two nights before is more important than the one the night before anyway.
As for how hard to go on the bike, you have to decide. For my first couple of races, I didn't go all out to make sure I had something left for the run. For the last couple of races, I went all out and just tried to hang on. Racing that way hurts and I ended up being more sore after my last Sprint than I was after my last Oly.
What day is your race?
Sounds like the biking is going really well! enjoy your last week of school!
Nice bike ride!
Summer is starting for me to this Friday, our vacation starts then. But temperatures are as cold as in December today and yesterday. Glad I'm going to warmer places :)
15.4 is a fantastic pace! You are going to be awesome during your tri.
To answer your questions on my tri post - I swam with my head above the water because I am not very experienced at rhythmic breathing and the choppy water made it even more difficult. I didn't train very well for the swim so I hadn't worked on my breathing and it was just easier for me to have constant access to air and to be able to sight the entire way. If it hadn't been so choppy I would have tried to do rhythmic breathing but I probably wouldn't have lasted the entire way. Based on all the others swimming around me, there was no shame in keeping your head above water.
I only took gu in T1 just before heading out on the bike. My bike was only 8 miles but I think if it had been 15 I would have done the same thing. I only drank water the rest of the time but they did have sports drink available on the run if I had wanted/needed it.
To follow up with what Mike said, I wanted to get in the lake the day before the tri to test the water and see how it would feel. However, we had massive storms that day and there was no way I could get in the water. All I was able to do was touch it and that was scary because it started to lightning when I was on the beach!
I still remember when everyone was posting about the start of summer last year. Seems like last week... You are doing great with the bike.
Yay on the 15.4! Your speeds will gradually come up as you spend more time on the bike so no worries. Lovely pics - I love the one of your beautiful, trusty, new steed and the one with your shadow. Fun! Riding is pure bliss - especially cruising along on a quiet, beautiful road. Peaceful and contentment. We are looking forward, with great anticipation, to seeing you this weekend! :-)
Nice pics! They show a beautiful place to live, running and biking!
Great to hear you're improving biking and enjoying it!
Nice bike ride! And so pretty- once again I'm envious of your scenery. :-)
These are times that I wish I were still a teacher.
Great riding! Now for goodness sake get that wetsuit out!
I'm glad you are less nervous about the swim now. I believe you'll be fine. When you practice open water practice treading and/or floating in case you need a break. Or rolling onto your back. Pretty much anything goes and others will likely be doing the same thing. My husband said he saw someone doggie paddling. There is no shame. :)
In answer to your question, you raced the "Summer Roundup", which was on High Drive but not on the Roundup Trail - that is one big hill farther west :))
you are making want to buy a new bike. which i do need to do. need to ride again.
Answering you question: This year I didn't miss or feel bad or sad about not being at Comrades. I think it is because I decided long ago not to do it and I have many other goals to go for. It actually felt good to have other great goals.
Great job getting your speed up, that much have felt great! I love that route, your pics are so beautiful!
Great job on the bike, speedy! Love your pics. Isn't summer (or almost summer) grand??
Yes summer is coming!!!
Good job on the bike: the speed and also the "best morning ride" with the time to take pics to share.
Biking is one of those funny things...sometimes I average 11 sometimes 16...it all depends on the hills and the wind :).
I have no doubt that in a race situation you'll be able to pull off a 15 mile ride in under an hour. You definitely have it in you.
I still haven't quite figured out how hard to push on the bike knowing that I have to run after. I think I'll try to keep my bike at a "comfortably hard" level. We'll see what that turns out to be!
Nice riding!
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