Seven weeks from today I'll be boarding the plane to LA. There's now a large map on wall in the breakfast nook that traces the route from LA to Revere Beach (Thanks, Mike!). I stare at it while eating my oatmeal and ponder....Man, it's a long trip.
The tour operator has been sending weekly emails consisting of training tips, favorite products and tools to consider, and an essay on her first cross country tour. It's intent is to encourage us and keep us motivated to keep training. It's working.
I'm now getting focused on compiling lists of things to do.
-Order shipping box for getting bike to LA
-Set up Bill payments for when I'm away
-Coordinate prescriptions for two month supply prior to departure
-Compile Email list of contacts
-Get fitted for new helmet (Smashed my other one in crash last September, broke clavicle)
-Get fitted for new shoes (starting to get hot foot in training. No. Not good)
Equipment:
-New tires / spare tubes / patch kit / CO2 cartridges
-Estimate in-ride and recovery nutrients. (Chewy vs Gels)
-Clothing- bibs, jerseys socks, arm/leg warmers/coolers, rain gear, jacket.
-Chamois Butt'er
-Check battery sizes and get new for Heart Rate Monitor, Speed Cadence sensors
-Test portable power-rechargers for cell phone and bike computer
-Test Bike Lights
-120 to USB connectors for daily recharging
I could go on but this is just a start.
In last two weeks I was able to set up a trainer in the attic and have spent 20 plus hours running drills recommended by my coach. Set up a TV with DVD and have been running through some old movies and a season of The Simpsons - a guilty pleasure. The final 4 indoor class training sessions started last night. Depending on weather and if snow banks continue to recede, Coach may take us out for road ride the next two Saturdays. I can't wait to see how I'll perform after the winter training program. Stay tuned for update.
My concern now is the foot issue I mentioned above. In last night's training I really noticed a hot foot issue I'd been ignoring. The ball of my right foot really began to burn so much that I had to stop pedaling in the middle of a drill to reposition my foot. Worse, favoring that foot made me overcompensate using left leg so I started feeling a shin strain. Coach believes its a shoe issue so we'll see what a new shoe does and if spraying Icy Hot on shin prior to riding alleviates the shin issue. Just a problem to be solved. Still optimistic.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Eight weeks before departure...
February was a rush of activity. Mid-month, on Friday the 13th, after nearly 30 years, I turned over my current office responsibilities to my successors and said good-bye to a company I've been proud to be associated with for a long time. Although leaving was hard, it was a good time to go. Had great fun compiling a list of people I encountered over those years with two other folks that have been there with me nearly as long - since 1985. The list was long and full of lots of laughs and some sighs, too. It's true. It's the people that give a company its spirit and sense of humor...
So what about the biking? Starting back in the first week of December, I started a Winter Training program for cyclists offered at a bike shop I support. I didn't know it at the time but it's exactly what I was looking for to help me prepare for my trip in May.
There are between 8 and 12 of us in each class depending on weather/work-life commitments. We each have our own bike set up on a trainer with a rubber mat and individual fans. Over the course of 90 minutes twice a week, our coach runs us through a series of drills. It was a 13 week commitment and this week is our final week.
Never having participated in any sport specific training before now, I'm surprised by what I was able to learn relative to pedaling efficiency, body positioning, nutrition and hydration. The classes have been progressively tougher each week. Using a heart rate monitor and bike computer, I learned how to use the data on my cadence/RPMs, heart rate and calories expended. Really can see the improvement since our first classes back in early December. (I never thought I could get my legs to spin that fast.) Although we had to reschedule 3 Monday classes to a Saturday morning due to the unending snow, I haven't missed a single one.
A couple weeks ago I talked to the coach about my goals for the spring ride because I was concerned that I might lose some of the skills I've built up before I can actually get outside. He decided I should add an hour on the the start of our last 5 classes. That's a long time riding. He also heard the same concern from others in our group and decided to offer an additional 2 weeks of "Endurance" sessions to the Winter Training group participants. Very cool.
So although tomorrow is my final "Winter Training" session, I'm set for 4 additional two and a half hour training days over the next three weeks. There's also a bonus Saturday classes, so I'm likely going to pick up those, too. Still lots of work to do.
With only 8 weeks left.... Should start outside training soon....Can't wait!
So what about the biking? Starting back in the first week of December, I started a Winter Training program for cyclists offered at a bike shop I support. I didn't know it at the time but it's exactly what I was looking for to help me prepare for my trip in May.
There are between 8 and 12 of us in each class depending on weather/work-life commitments. We each have our own bike set up on a trainer with a rubber mat and individual fans. Over the course of 90 minutes twice a week, our coach runs us through a series of drills. It was a 13 week commitment and this week is our final week.
Never having participated in any sport specific training before now, I'm surprised by what I was able to learn relative to pedaling efficiency, body positioning, nutrition and hydration. The classes have been progressively tougher each week. Using a heart rate monitor and bike computer, I learned how to use the data on my cadence/RPMs, heart rate and calories expended. Really can see the improvement since our first classes back in early December. (I never thought I could get my legs to spin that fast.) Although we had to reschedule 3 Monday classes to a Saturday morning due to the unending snow, I haven't missed a single one.
A couple weeks ago I talked to the coach about my goals for the spring ride because I was concerned that I might lose some of the skills I've built up before I can actually get outside. He decided I should add an hour on the the start of our last 5 classes. That's a long time riding. He also heard the same concern from others in our group and decided to offer an additional 2 weeks of "Endurance" sessions to the Winter Training group participants. Very cool.
So although tomorrow is my final "Winter Training" session, I'm set for 4 additional two and a half hour training days over the next three weeks. There's also a bonus Saturday classes, so I'm likely going to pick up those, too. Still lots of work to do.
With only 8 weeks left.... Should start outside training soon....Can't wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)