Skip to main content

Road thoughts

Another good ride at White today. Lisa Randall was kind enough to give me another tour, this time of the 45-mile route. I was worried about my left knee which had tendinitis all last week from a poor bike fit and probably too much mileage too soon on the new road bike.  I finally had the bike fit a few days ago and wow did it make a difference today!  No knee pain, shoulder tightness, neck tightness.  Only a little bit of lower back stiffness toward the end of the ride.
Had a banana, peanut butter, and peppermint mocha for breakfast then rolled in to White around 9:45 with a pretty high stoke level. I think this road riding is just what I need to break up the rough and tumble of trail riding.  Geared up and rolled out at 10am. It was about 50 degrees, overcast. I didn't need my jacket though packed it in my rear pocket anyway. Had my booties on and heavy duty gloves. Felt comfortable. Wind began to cut through me some so I was wishing I had my jacket on in a few spots. We ran in to some rain about 90 minutes in and it lasted about 15 min at most.The pace was quick (for me), about 17.8 mph this time around vs. 16.4 mph last time. I can tell I am getting slightly stronger and faster. Stronger due to a strength training routine that includes squats since Dec. 3 and faster probably because I'm biking less and more rested.
More cars on the road today than last time so that was a little dodgy. Chased by a dog who's owner reassured me that "the dog is slow." Well thanks for that comfort. The route included a section that had some pretty good rollers. I was laboring over those and was breathing pretty hard when we stopped at an intersection that had a convenience store. Saw a few bikers but not as many as I expected.  I began to lag behind Lisa about halfway through since she's such a strong rider and I was getting tired. My legs were really feeling heavy and thick on the last third of the ride. I couldn't believe it was 45 miles. It went by so fast. Also,  I missed that last long head-wind straightaway that is a cruel but satisfying way to end the ride. Apparently we can return to base using more than one way.
Overall, I am really enjoying my road riding and can only hope that it is helping my mountain bike racing in the long run. I am beginning to feel like a real cyclist.

Popular posts from this blog

The milk of human kindness isn't spoiled

Something wonderful is happening. I am being serious. For the past year or so I've been developing this sense of love and compassion for humanity.  That sounds like a really broad, general statement but it's true. I'm becoming more perceptive of others and more forgiving. I believe we're all doing the best with the hand we're given. I use these words because I don't know how else to describe this very subtle feeling. It's a swelling in the heart and a sense of well-being and contentment.  Some days it borders on joy. Sure, I still get irritated with nuisances like drivers when they tailgate me or cut me off in traffic but overall, I am developing something here. Maybe my soul is expanding. I'm beginning to feel as though I'm finally a part of the human race.  In the past, I've felt so aloof and misanthropic so this is strange for me. I can't exactly pinpoint when it began.  I wonder if it's just part of the maturation process but I hope...
Read more

Allatoona Creek trail run race report

First year doing the Allatoona Creek race. Missed it last year because I had a duathlon on the same day. This course is sneakily difficult with the most challenging being the Mason's Bridge section.  On a bike, it's easier and more fun because you can roll through all the dips but running through those is really tough.  There aren't very many climbs and no big hills but that course is a grinder.  There was a torrential rainfall a few days before the race so the first 3 miles was a mud run through open cross-country.  I really liked this part though felt I got off to a slow start.  Pacing is so difficult because I don't know how much energy I need to spare.   Feet were wet out of the gate but it was no big deal.  There's a twisted part of me that prefers adverse conditions. Went in to the singletrack section at Rusty Bucket and shuffled through twisty sections, not very fast through there.  In fact, I felt leaden the entire race. I had ran the da...
Read more

Swimming Fundraiser Charity

I've created this page because I want to make a difference. I'm inspired by the work of Heifer International and wanted to support them by raising money.   I believe in supporting Heifer because I feel strongly about people being empowered.  Heifer International espouses self-sufficiency through education and sustainable animal husbandry and agricultural efforts throughout the world. Please help me help them by giving whatever you can using the 'Give Now' button. The more people that know about Heifer International, the greater their impact, so please also spread the word by sharing my page with your friends and family. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot! (Briefly about me:) Swimming is my biggest fitness-related challenge and something that does not come easy to me.  I am always amazed at how much technique, dedication and focus it take to be a good swimmer. Some days in the pool or lake are faster than others!  I am a cyclist and runner by...
Read more