PLRA Race Day

I made it through the heat (85 and humid). The race went well for the most part. I finished in 2:20:00, 12th of 19. Not the greatest, but I learned a few things. I need to start quicker, work on endurance and be more aggressive.

I started dead last and settled into the race. The first lap felt good, no pain or soar muscles. It was very humid and I needed to drink often. Lap 1 - 44:00. Lap 2 started as good if not better, about half way through I started getting cold sweats and tingly. (could be trouble?) Lap 2 - 46:XX. Lap 3 started with a quick stop for a stashed water bottle, were I got past by a few people. Then I was off for the final lap. I was feelings about the same until the first big climb. I just couldn't,t get the power down. The few people I managed to pass back now are going by again. This is how things went the rest of the race. I wold catch people and pass on the flats / descents and they would get me on the climbs. It was very aggravating! The final climb blew by the top and struggled to the finish. Lap 3 - 49:XX (NOT GOOD)

I did put in a couple days of hard intervals this week so I wasn't completely rested. No excuses! Need to get back to 3 - 3.5 hr. rides on the weekend so I don't fade so bad.

More set backs

Another week gone by and very little riding. Had a great 2.5 hrs on Tuesday and then I got a summer cold. It started with a horrible soar throat, then congestion, and finally a dry cough. Not out of the woods yet, but I feel better. Going out for a 3-3.5 easy mtb ride to addison oaks. Then spending some time with the family before another week of work.

July so far.....

It's the middle of July and the TDF is a week old. It's been great to watch and I'm sure it will only get better.

The weekly ride time is about 8 hours for the last 3 weeks. I've been increasing the intensity of the rides to include more interval and zone 4/5 work. The power and speed are starting to come, but I need to start sprint work in a few weeks. In races I typically start off slow and work my way through the pack. By focusing on faster starts and doing more cyclocross races I should improve on this trouble spot.

Today is going to be a road ride of around 2-2.5 hours at zone 2. Next weekend I am at scout camp with my son, so no riding. I will go hard this week and use the weekend for rest.

One More Week?

We are in the first full week of June and my weekly bike time has not increased since the last post. I did get out yesterday for a 3:45:00 / 55 mile ride. I took Squirrel to Kern and finally to Bald Mtn. for 1 lap of the North Loop then back home. Everything felt surprisingly good until the last 20 minutes. My thighs suddenly loaded up and I struggled the last 5 miles. I made it home and enjoyed an afternoon of F1, nascar and the Dauphine. One more week until the wife is out of school and morning 'prework' riding can start.

2 weeks until the Stony Creek Marathon, so I will need to spend more time on the bike the next few weeks so I don't go in too sluggish.

It was nice seeing Tim D. on the ride yesterday and going over the season plans. Lastly, welcome back Jeff aka 'lil pony'. I enjoy your P.O.V. and keeping me upto date on the goings on w/ cycing.