Comin' Down the Home Stretch
Hey Folks!
Well, the AidsRide is 2 weeks from Thurs. (Day Zero -- Checkin Day is Wed.). I am coming down the home stretch in training and if I'm not ready now, I NEVER will be!
Debra: I broke down and bought a pair of long cycling pants (with padding)! I figured after 1600 miles, my butt deserved it. No sense tempting fate for 4 days of riding in a row. They are much more comfortable then the leggins'! So, I think it's a good thing. I have done two rides in them (one in 92 degree, hazy, hot & humid weather -- and one in HHH weather combined with thunder and a DOWNPOUR.... I HATE when that happens!)...
I'm getting very excited (and slightly nervous also), but can't wait. I am getting the eating/drinking down pat for the time and almost have it. That's what I'll spend the next 4 days perfecting, then one week of slow rides.. then several rest days (TOTALLY? YOWSERS! -- don't come around me...) I've trained since February for this event and I do think I'm ready!
I also went back and did a hill (THE ONLY HILL) that EVER defeated me. And I made it up and continued UPWARD over another road. I had mentally told myself, when I could do that road, I would be ready for the ride. Couple that with my century and the 1630+ miles on my bike and I'm there!
Ok, enough going on about myself ......
Here's my week:
Monday: Rest Day! YEP.. still need 'em!
Tuesday: Biked 28 miles before work
Wednesday: Biked 57 miles with partner who's doing the Alaska Vaccine Ride (500 miles/6 days!) in August. What an inspiration and motivator this gentleman is.. only wish I'd found him back in February instead of in June!!! ;-) We did some LONG steep climbs and I took him all over scenic roads I use to go on as a child. What a wonderful trip down memory lane. It was about 90 and the air was THICK as can be. I went through 200 oz. of water, 3 gatorades and a turkey sandwich... Not to mention my GU (my best friend ...)
Thurs: Got up at 5:00 a.m. and did Still Jumpin' ... Love, love, love, love that tape. Not like working out at all. It's as close to dancing as I'll ever come and it just seems to flow. This tape is a (personal) keeper for me.!!!
Friday: Step Aerobics at the Gym with favorite instructor (who I just found out is picking up a third night -- Thurs. of hi/lo. Told her I just don't know WHAT I'm going to do, I need to rest SOMETIME! ;-).. I will be doing her new class, but not till AFTER the ride.....
Sat: Biked 26.74 miles (this was the day I went back and did the hill that one time defeated me -- the ONLY hill that defeated me btw.. in all my training.. and this time? I WON!!!! Wahhhhhhhhooooooooo.....)
Sun: Biked 12 miles, but my average speed was up about 1.5 mph more than usual (can we say sprinting???) cuz I was racing thunderstorms ... got 6 miles out and it turned black. The one thing I hate about summer and humid days, these darn violent thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere. Ugggggggg..... I was so psyched for a long ride too. Guess it will have to wait till tomorrow... Calling for 70 degrees, less humidity and picture perfect. Maybe I'll just plan to be out of the house by 6:00 a.m. and ride till my heart's content.
I also had a back rack and pseudo trunk put on, which has added weight, but I must be stronger, as it hasn't affected my mph average too much! I'm by no means fast... average about 12 to 13 mph.. but that's PLENTY for me... and now I can carry my camera, gu, sunscreen etc, etc... I'm not racing, I'm riding! ;-)
Ok, enough from me, can you tell the endorphins are still flying from racing that thunderstorm home? Oh and NanC?? You can bet that every time I have to do that... I think of you on your step n' go last summer! ;-)
Happy Workout Week Everyone!
Cleda