The numbers are indicating stronger cycling performance in '08 on less training volume. Some numbers from lap number two of the 112 mile loop as compared to '07:
2007: Time = 3:24, Normalized power = 169 watts.
2008: Time = 3:08, Normalized power = 188 watts.
I think two factors are at play. #1 - I'm stronger and #2 - I have more confidence in my ability to survive!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Day 3 Thursday
101 miles for me. That's 36 longer than my previous long ride this season. Coach P threw in a 13-mile time trial at mile 75... OUCH! I was just happy not to finish last.
Another long one on tap for tomorrow. I'm really tired, but the group dynamic pushes us all harder than we would push ourselves.
Just had some Ben & Jerry's. I earned it! That's all I have the energy to write this evening...
Another long one on tap for tomorrow. I'm really tired, but the group dynamic pushes us all harder than we would push ourselves.
Just had some Ben & Jerry's. I earned it! That's all I have the energy to write this evening...
Wednesday - Day 2
56 miles of intervals followed by a 30-minute run. I'll be interested to see how long riding feels after two hard riding days. I'm definitely stronger than last year, riding primarily the big chain ring up Whiteface. Now it's time to further develop the endurance engine.
A great group of athletes this year. Everyone gets along. We're up to 16 including coaches.
Photos and more thoughts later.
A great group of athletes this year. Everyone gets along. We're up to 16 including coaches.
Photos and more thoughts later.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Lake Placid Camp - Day 1
Tuesday: After a tough 5:30 am 18.5-mile hill ride, Mike and I hit the road. We made good time and arrived around 4:30 pm. In the evening we got aquainted with the other campers and reviewed a basic agenda for the week. A nice group of 12 campers this year with widely ranging abilities. It was good to see a couple of the guys from last year's camp.
84 miles on tap for me on Wednesday, with maybe a swim in the morning. The camp rumor is that the water is 47 degrees. I will most definitely NOT be swimming if that's the case! With no Ironman race hanging over my head, I feel free to do whatever I want.
84 miles on tap for me on Wednesday, with maybe a swim in the morning. The camp rumor is that the water is 47 degrees. I will most definitely NOT be swimming if that's the case! With no Ironman race hanging over my head, I feel free to do whatever I want.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Training Focus
Partly out of necessity, partly as a result of experience, I'm not competing in any "B" races this year. I don't enjoy racing in less than peak fitness. The "B" races feel like lost training opportunities.
Instead of racing, I'm focusing my energy solely on getting faster through training. On Tuesday I leave for training camp in Lake Placid. My time there and the following week of recovery will be very telling. I'm planning about 375 miles of cycling in 4-days. I really want to bust through to a new cycling fitness plateau.
I'm pondering Ironman again. I feel great and my training metrics are showing solid improvement.
Instead of racing, I'm focusing my energy solely on getting faster through training. On Tuesday I leave for training camp in Lake Placid. My time there and the following week of recovery will be very telling. I'm planning about 375 miles of cycling in 4-days. I really want to bust through to a new cycling fitness plateau.
I'm pondering Ironman again. I feel great and my training metrics are showing solid improvement.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Got the Nerve Triathlon
Nice photo of about 3/4 of our tri team this morning. I did not race, but provided support to other athletes. I'm in the midst of week #1 of my race specific program that ends in early September. My training jumped quickly from 7-1/2 hours per week to 13-hours. A lot of 4:30 am wake-up calls this week! So far so good!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Ugliness in Competition
I've tried to avoid using my blogging as a venue for spewing negativity, but tonight's baseball game was another example of why competitively-minded adults should keep physically active with competitive outlets of their OWN. Read: NOT USING THEIR CHILDREN FOR SATIATING THEIR COMPETITIVENESS.
In the past two weeks, I've personally observed the following-
A 12 & under baseball team picked up players from another team and inserted them in their line-up to humiliate an opponent they classify as a rival...
In that same game, said team was up 12 - 0 in their last at bat and the coaches gave the steal sign. I guess they wanted to reach the teens. Maybe someone had a bet to fulfill...
A 10 & under team, losing to their "arch rival," tried to sneak a better hitter to the plate out of order...
In that same 10 & under game, an otherwise well respected dad publicly melted down on his son for making two errors in the same inning. It was very loud and very embarrassing. The boy is 10-years old...
Parents.... COACHES... Get a hold of yourselves! You're an embarrassment to your kids and not doing them any favors.
In the past two weeks, I've personally observed the following-
A 12 & under baseball team picked up players from another team and inserted them in their line-up to humiliate an opponent they classify as a rival...
In that same game, said team was up 12 - 0 in their last at bat and the coaches gave the steal sign. I guess they wanted to reach the teens. Maybe someone had a bet to fulfill...
A 10 & under team, losing to their "arch rival," tried to sneak a better hitter to the plate out of order...
In that same 10 & under game, an otherwise well respected dad publicly melted down on his son for making two errors in the same inning. It was very loud and very embarrassing. The boy is 10-years old...
Parents.... COACHES... Get a hold of yourselves! You're an embarrassment to your kids and not doing them any favors.
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