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April 30, 2006
Last 10 days of Training...
Not a whole lot of activity. About 10 days ago I came down with a nasty head cold and have had trouble shaking it. I did an Opus Crit and then got sick, ran that following Friday and made things worse. I got better for Wednesday ride, and then rode again on Saturday. Not a lot of fitness building time.
Last Wednesday I had a nice ride. It was windy out and I was on my own due to missing the start of the group ride. I was all set, then had to take a phone call as everyone rode off. I did a modified route by heading out 15 to 19 combining the end of the short course and the long course to make up about 22 miles.
On Saturday I went out with Kris and Neil for a 2.5 hour ride. The weather totally sucked. It was raining, cold and windy. The ride out to Stillwater was windy and wet. I started to crack about the mid point of the ride. We took a coffee break and then headed back to the cars. The hills out of Stillwater were steep and once again I realized I did not have the fitness of last year. I suffered on and luckily Kris and Neil waited up for me. It felt great to get out for that kind of ride. It had been a while since I felt like that and I was quiet happy about it. It was also the first ride with the Power Tap. I did not get a whole lot out of it as I do not know how to train with it yet. The bummer is that I broke the computer harness already due to how I wired it up. I did not leave enough slack. Oh well.
Posted by kermisch at 08:38 PM
April 17, 2006
Hitting the Trails
The last two times I have been out for a run, I have hit the trails of French Park. I like trail running for a few reasons. First it is more interesting than just pounding the pavement. Second it is actually more peaceful as there are no cars or bikes whizzing by you. Third, you have to concentrate more as your footing is never assured. Finally, the hills are a great way to test your fitness. In the past days I have had more of a chance to workout than normal. I have had a good mix of riding and running and am starting to see some strength and even endurance return. I like my rides to work as they at least guarantee a short workout. I plan on extending my ride home today to get a few more miles in. When I ran the trails last night I felt stronger even though I did a two hour ride the day before. Tomorrow is the first Opus Crit and I hope to make it there. I don't have too many aspirations, but my goal would be to earn at least a point in one of the three sprints.
Posted by kermisch at 12:43 PM
April 15, 2006
2-hour Ride
Yesterday I went out and ran at French Park. The trails were in good condition and I had forgotten how steep some of the hills are. After 40 minutes my legs were shot. I am definitely not in great shape, but I am making progress.
Today I headed out with a bunch of Gear West Tri-club members on a ride. They were heading out for a 4 - 5 hour ride and I was going to tag along for the first hour and then turn back. On the way out the wind was at our backs, pushing us along at an easy pace of about 20 - 22. I sat back for most of the first hour, but as we turned into the wind I moved to the front and pulled. What I did not realize is that I kept popping off the front. It was not my intent as I wanted to keep it easy today. One other guy came with me, and eventually we held up and kept the pace down.
Unfortunately as we travelled West, my hour was up and I had to turn around and head back. For the most part the return ride was o.k. The wind really picked up and push back on me pretty hard. Finally in the last 5 - 6 miles I cracked. I eased up and rolled back to my car. All in all it was a great ride, but I am definitely still getting my legs back.
Posted by kermisch at 09:25 PM
April 13, 2006
G's first Burley Ride
Two days ago I took G out in the Burley for a run. She did o.k. for about 1/2 the run and then got fussy. I think she may have been a bit uncomfortable in the seat, as I have to play with the position for her. Then yesterday, I took her out on a bike ride. G was not so happy about that. The bumpiness of the sidewalk I think kept jolting her and making her nervous and unhappy. When I was able to find some smooth sidewalk and keep a very steady pace, she was o.k. and played with some toys. However every time I hit a bump she cried out in vain. We went out for about a 9 mile ride and she had to endure the Burley for about 30 minutes. As I was coming down the trails, everyone in front of me could hear me coming becuase G was announcing her displeasure in loud cries of agony. It certainly made me feel like a shitty father... I hope I can get her to enjoy the Burley as I would love to be able to take her out and around town.
Posted by kermisch at 08:29 AM
April 06, 2006
First Wed. Night Ride
This past Wed. was the first group ride of the season. The club has really grown. When I first showed up a few years ago I think there were about 4 or 5 riders. This year we had about 20 on our first ride. It was pretty cool. I hung with the core group this ride. There were a few guys that went with the hammer group, but I just don't have it in my legs yet. My knee felt better, but started to get a bit stiffa and sore by the end of the ride. We hammered for a bit, I pulled down 15 and really enjoyed it. Kris took me on the hill, but hopefull I will get some form back later in the season.
Posted by kermisch at 10:37 PM
April 04, 2006
Back on track?
After an extended absence (2 weeks) from working out due to a move, being sick, and plain life I have finally gotten back out there. Last Saturday I went out to meet the 'fast' guys for a 2 hour bike ride. Last year I would suffer, but could keep up no problem. This year, I got dropped after 12 miles. I then suffered the remaining 24 miles back to my car in the cold and wind. What I realized is that I was just happy to be out there. The bummer is that a few weeks ago during our move I dropped a 100 pound t.v. on my right knee. Yes, I know that sounds strange, but it is true. The t.v. fell onto the top of my knee scraping my lower thigh. It hurt like hell, but I was able to walk on it pretty quickly and within a day it felt fine. However, last Saturday was the first day I had excercised on it. After about an hour of riding, the knee really started to hurt. By the end of the ride I had trouble putting pressure on it. I took Sunday and Monday off and it felt sore to the touch and when I kneeled down for extended periods. Today I got out on the bike and did a short run. The knee was still sore, but felt better. By the end of the run though it started to feel tender again. I am thinking about riding again tomorrow, but plan to take it easy.
Posted by kermisch at 11:36 PM