Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Have you ever noticed...

...in the cycling world...
  • That guys on a group ride do pretty much ANYTHING to not get outsprinted or dropped by a female? It is pretty funny actually.

  • When there is a car coming from the front guys always yell "car up" in a military tone...more like a "carrupp" where as women always sing "cahr uhup"...I wonder why...

  • That riding with a "triathlete group" is equally as good as riding with a "cyclist group"? The cyclist group allows you to go FAST the entire ride and learn new ways of attacking, but it is more of a constant all-out-or-get-dropped ride...the tri group is good because the groups slow down a lot after an attack/all out effort. It is more like intervals...stop and go and stop and go...there is also more slamming on the breaks going on which teaches you to react quickly which is really important at all times on the bike...

...just some observations...

Last weekend were the state TT championships. I got my bike out, ready to race. Not sure what to expect after some time without intervals/hard efforts on the bike or on the legs...but this is all part of becoming a better athlete:


And I am off...20 k out 20 k back. There was barely any wind, the pavement was ok, perfect for racing...

Unfortunately my strength only took me 20 k and then I settled into this pace where my HR was low, but my legs couldn't push any harder...still it was a great day for practicing (even though my time was not what I had hoped for)!!! My adductors were sore like crazy and it was a good feeling.

Next weekend I am competing in an open water swim on Saturday and a climbing TT on Sunday (11 miles of climbing). Practice practice practice. Racing always helps me get in great shape!!!

After we came back from the group ride our puppy was sooooo happy to see us:

Even though we were only gone for 2 hrs :-)

AZ is finally cooling off-just in time for me to start running again!!! Perfect. I am excited to be able to train through the "winter". And I am excited to harvest some Grapefruit, Oranges and Tangerines out of the yeard soon!!! Yummmmmmm...