As I've written in the past, I just don't feel like I'm up to speed so far this year. Which is OK if its just a fitness thing but I also feel like I'm not riding with confidence. I don't feel like I'm riding well, riding too stiff, no flow, can't corner well, descending skills suck, I'm leaving big gaps when riding in a group, etc. It's not good and I feel like my lack of abilities is further hurting my confidence. I used to feel as though my skills were an advantage of mine, now they seem to be missing. I've had a few friends crash this season, and they're fine but I seem to have this mental block and fear of having to wear a little Tegaderm.
I need to get my mojo back. I need to get back to enjoying the wind in my face, leaving my worries behind. Not carrying them with me. Perhaps I need to set up for a few skills workouts and remember what I can do. Not sure there's time this week, but I'll set it as a priority.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Mid Week Update
This past weekend and week have been good for riding. Last Saturday I set a goal of riding 5 hours to make sure I was ready for that much saddle time during the Ridgeline Rampage which is coming up in 2 weeks. I wanted to make sure my body was ready to ride that long and that my nutrition plan would keep my power output up during that riding time.
The ride was a total success. I got in 4:52 and 84 miles, averaging over 17 mph with a normalized power just above my level 2 power level, 208W. My power to heartrate decouple was under 17%, which is pretty good for my outdoor rides.
The ride ended up being great. I'm glad I got that effort in. I'll need a few more like that in the coming months, however I'll need to put more climbing in the route.
On Sunday I was given a second hall pass so I hit the team ride. The legs felt pretty good and I put in a few efforts to remind the body what speed feels like. It's funny how much of a benefit those long endurance rides give me. During the ride we had a little snow squall got through, fortunately it wasn't even enough to get the pavement totally wet. In the end, I felt great and my nutrition plan worked well to tack on another 50 miles.
Monday I got a little skills lesson during a mountain bike ride, which frankly, was something I needed. Vincent offered up some pointers which captured the issues I has having and if I can get out and work on it, should help.
This weekend is going to be a little interesting in the riding department but I should be able to get in a few rides. And with the weather hitting the 70's this week, I'll certainly be out to enjoy and welcome spring.
The ride was a total success. I got in 4:52 and 84 miles, averaging over 17 mph with a normalized power just above my level 2 power level, 208W. My power to heartrate decouple was under 17%, which is pretty good for my outdoor rides.
The ride ended up being great. I'm glad I got that effort in. I'll need a few more like that in the coming months, however I'll need to put more climbing in the route.
On Sunday I was given a second hall pass so I hit the team ride. The legs felt pretty good and I put in a few efforts to remind the body what speed feels like. It's funny how much of a benefit those long endurance rides give me. During the ride we had a little snow squall got through, fortunately it wasn't even enough to get the pavement totally wet. In the end, I felt great and my nutrition plan worked well to tack on another 50 miles.
Monday I got a little skills lesson during a mountain bike ride, which frankly, was something I needed. Vincent offered up some pointers which captured the issues I has having and if I can get out and work on it, should help.
This weekend is going to be a little interesting in the riding department but I should be able to get in a few rides. And with the weather hitting the 70's this week, I'll certainly be out to enjoy and welcome spring.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
I Feel Way Behind
I was out for a mountain bike ride last night with a couple of friends, hitting some trails I haven't been on in a few years. It was great to get out for the evening ride and just enjoy the trail and competitive feel of riding with friends. The loop we were one was nothing difficult or technical but it had a few short punchy climbs and some 'few minute' climbs. I just kept feeling out of sorts and...... slow. Slow is a bummer.
Typically come April I'm starting to feel 'competitive', but not so far this year. It's certainly discouraging to feel this way. I'm trying to stay focused on the fact that I started training a month later than normal and I've been sick twice. So by default I should be a month or more back compared to normal. On top of that almost all my riding has been base miles, they're necessary but it's hard to get fast doing endurance rides.
In the end I need to keep plugging away at the plan and not get too anxious. I have the 50 mile Endurance race Ridgeline Rampage coming up in two and a half weeks. Then Battle the Bear in a month, again the 50 mile endurance race. I need to keep building the endurance miles to ensure I can survive those races. According to my plan, those will help get me through the Bailey Hundo. Time will tell.
Typically come April I'm starting to feel 'competitive', but not so far this year. It's certainly discouraging to feel this way. I'm trying to stay focused on the fact that I started training a month later than normal and I've been sick twice. So by default I should be a month or more back compared to normal. On top of that almost all my riding has been base miles, they're necessary but it's hard to get fast doing endurance rides.
In the end I need to keep plugging away at the plan and not get too anxious. I have the 50 mile Endurance race Ridgeline Rampage coming up in two and a half weeks. Then Battle the Bear in a month, again the 50 mile endurance race. I need to keep building the endurance miles to ensure I can survive those races. According to my plan, those will help get me through the Bailey Hundo. Time will tell.
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