Called with Transavia today to book a box for my bike on the plane....totally booked!
Right, minor detail, can't bring my bike. Help?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Sticking to the plan
Yes, my life is still controlled by Cycling Dave.
Followed the plan last week, can't be bothered to fill in the day to day plan anymore (does anybody read this?), so just a brief summary. Tortured my legs on the two-hour grinding session, did it in the gym, pain from ankles to thighs, didn't recover until days after. As mentioned before, discovered some Dutch mountains, so went there again last sunday, love riding uphil, unfortunately my bike doesn't feel the same way. Something with my 'lagers' (that's dutch, don't know the word) the thingy inside the cranck thing, of course you'll understand. It makes a funny ticking sound.... so will have to fix it.
All the work does seem to pay off, I'm died tired all the time, but still, feeling stronger every time on the bike.
Received the confirmation from the Etape-people this week, it's on.
Followed the plan last week, can't be bothered to fill in the day to day plan anymore (does anybody read this?), so just a brief summary. Tortured my legs on the two-hour grinding session, did it in the gym, pain from ankles to thighs, didn't recover until days after. As mentioned before, discovered some Dutch mountains, so went there again last sunday, love riding uphil, unfortunately my bike doesn't feel the same way. Something with my 'lagers' (that's dutch, don't know the word) the thingy inside the cranck thing, of course you'll understand. It makes a funny ticking sound.... so will have to fix it.
All the work does seem to pay off, I'm died tired all the time, but still, feeling stronger every time on the bike.
Received the confirmation from the Etape-people this week, it's on.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
the longest ride of my life
Last week went well. Pretty much fitted everything in - but instead of a 3 hour and 4 hour ride on Sat and Sun, I did an 8 hour ride and then a 1.5 hour ride. Dunno why.
But managed a 112 mile ride in 8 hours (6 hours 50 mins moving). Which averaged about 16.4 mph over the journey when moving. Then did 27 miles next day warm down.
Back in the saddle tonight. Should be going to a l'etape meeting tomorrow night to find out more, hopefully will see Fran there.
Oh, and my race number arrived in the post. In the guide it mentions how many people underestimate the itinerary of l'etape, which I take to mean 'don't realise how hard it is...'
But managed a 112 mile ride in 8 hours (6 hours 50 mins moving). Which averaged about 16.4 mph over the journey when moving. Then did 27 miles next day warm down.
Back in the saddle tonight. Should be going to a l'etape meeting tomorrow night to find out more, hopefully will see Fran there.
Oh, and my race number arrived in the post. In the guide it mentions how many people underestimate the itinerary of l'etape, which I take to mean 'don't realise how hard it is...'
Monday, June 2, 2008
Doing well
Yes, a small message that I am still alive!!! I am doing well, trying to stick more or less to trainingschedule! I am doing my kilometers on the bike and paying attention on eating and drinking while racing. So far it goes smooth on the flat, they only thing is that I am a little bit worried for the real climbs cos I am noticing my 84 kilo doesnt help me that much. Aiming on loosing 2 or 3 extra kilo, can do no more.
Next weekend forecasting to do 220 kilometers, with two stops and a climb at the end.
Next weekend forecasting to do 220 kilometers, with two stops and a climb at the end.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Hello zone-5 and the Dutch mountains
Oh yes, this week was the introduction of the highly anticipated zone-5 sessions! Eyes and mouth wide open, tongue nearly touching your chest, sweating like hell; it's the real cycling experience! Dave's training camp seems to start working, getting fitter and stronger. No way I'm shaving my legs though.
Wednesday
2 hours zone 3 on bigger gear: progress is here! Did it on a bigger gear with higher revs, felt pretty pleased with myself, painful but rewarding. HR in zone 4
Thursday
Only did the PM session: was great, this is what I like: in the gym, for an hour, going absolutely crazy on the bike, revving away, 3x 10 minute sprint intervals on a big gear, sweating like (I can't think of a new comparison) HR touched zone 5
Friday
Don't do fruit, but did the 30 minute revving on a low gear, HR in zone 3 and 4
Saturday
Went to the beach, sorry
Sunday
I discoverd Dutch mountains!! Went all the way south and yes, there they were, lots of hills, not big ones, but still, did about 8/9 climbs in a 4 hour ride, did around 90 kms, didn't look at HR, was enjoying the scenery. Swallowing energy bars every half hour.
Wednesday
2 hours zone 3 on bigger gear: progress is here! Did it on a bigger gear with higher revs, felt pretty pleased with myself, painful but rewarding. HR in zone 4
Thursday
Only did the PM session: was great, this is what I like: in the gym, for an hour, going absolutely crazy on the bike, revving away, 3x 10 minute sprint intervals on a big gear, sweating like (I can't think of a new comparison) HR touched zone 5
Friday
Don't do fruit, but did the 30 minute revving on a low gear, HR in zone 3 and 4
Saturday
Went to the beach, sorry
Sunday
I discoverd Dutch mountains!! Went all the way south and yes, there they were, lots of hills, not big ones, but still, did about 8/9 climbs in a 4 hour ride, did around 90 kms, didn't look at HR, was enjoying the scenery. Swallowing energy bars every half hour.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Last week was a bit of a disappointment. After the joys of the Dartmoor Classic I did the indoor/turbo stuff as prescribed but instead of a weekend of cycling and did my alternative to fruit days -- diarrhoea days. These days comprise eating nothing and going to the loo every hour. Not great for fitness but I lost a KG at least. This week I have had a conference in London and the in laws visiting so moved the schedule around a bit but just have the two turbo sessions to do today to complete the tasks.
Friday -- attempted the 2hr z3 outdoors, 65km. It is hard to maintain z3 when you cant control the traffic, terrain. Got behind a good club rider for an hour which help. In the end did 2.5 hrs.
Stick to 2hr z3 indoors next time
Saturday -- 4hrs, v. hilly route, 95km
Sunday --- club run in wind and rain, moderately hilly, 4hrs, 85km
Despite lots of cycling with the club I still think I am very poor at group riding and decending (the rain didnt help much). We started as a group of about 12 but the rain and two broken chains reduced the group to 6. I was the youngest of this group with 48 being the next age up --- there were two guys in the seventies! Never mind about being that fit at their age --- i'd like to be that fit now!
Two indoor sessions to do today.
Friday -- attempted the 2hr z3 outdoors, 65km. It is hard to maintain z3 when you cant control the traffic, terrain. Got behind a good club rider for an hour which help. In the end did 2.5 hrs.
Stick to 2hr z3 indoors next time
Saturday -- 4hrs, v. hilly route, 95km
Sunday --- club run in wind and rain, moderately hilly, 4hrs, 85km
Despite lots of cycling with the club I still think I am very poor at group riding and decending (the rain didnt help much). We started as a group of about 12 but the rain and two broken chains reduced the group to 6. I was the youngest of this group with 48 being the next age up --- there were two guys in the seventies! Never mind about being that fit at their age --- i'd like to be that fit now!
Two indoor sessions to do today.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The feeling of guilt
Yes, not a good week. As far as cycling goes that is, cos besides that, it was a great week, with good drinks, good food, good clubs, good people. Go to Oslo if you get the chance!I'm not even gonna bother putting my training week results here, it's too embarrasing. I know Dave, I am not worthy, but I'll do better this week. Promise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)