Runoff on Latah Creek Along Valley-Chapel Road.
My training program is simple. Every month I ride more hours per week than the last month. The details and nuances beyond that are few. My long day is Monday and that begins my week. I try and accomplish up to half of my weekly riding on that day. The incentive is to front load the week with rides so that I earn more rest toward the end. If I fail at this I have Friday to make it up; that day I go to work later so I can ride four or five hours (not what I want to do before a tough Friday night at work in the kitchen). This is not a good training program from a scientific point of view but it is the only one I am willing to commit to. Basically, I would rather ride than train.
I suspect that I will be writing about my preparations less. I was eager to unload my thoughts when there seemed to be more thinking than doing. I have also begun to tire of talking about the race. I am known to be extremely talkative but there is not much new to say and the repetitiveness of explaining to people the event and my involvement is not benefiting me at all.
As much as i am worried about the fast approach of the start date, I really do want to get this thing under way. The getting ready isn't interesting anymore. The same old low elevation country roads don't inspire me. The compromises in my schedule between family, work and riding continue to get more difficult and snow still covers all of the trails even down in the valleys.
3 comments:
For what it's worth: don't forget the night. Nighttime rides free up time for family (most important) and other stuff. The first few times you ride solo at night are a little freaky, but if you keep moving and keep at it, that wears off and you're free; you have all these free hours. And, plus it makes boring/familiar routes feel fresh again.
During my years doing 24 hr races I rode a lot at night- 4 to 5 times a week. I do enjoy a good night ride but it doesn't make much since if my purpose is more family time. I work at night and use the time they are at work/school in the morning to ride. Most nights I can get home before everyone goes to bed and prefer to keep it that way as much as possible at least during the winter months. During the warmer months I can bookend two rides by riding after work, camping out for a few hours and riding back in the morning. I enjoy those quickie overnighters but could see how I might burn out on them if I made it a regular part of my week.
On the bright side, your days will be getting warmer and longer right up to the start of the GDR.
Down Under, things are just starting to get a tad dark and cold during the pre-work rides. No chance of snow though.
Gotta feel for Pete, Carl and Mike slugging it out in Alaska...nuts!
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