Recent activity

Of late, I've been backing off just a touch, trying to lower my training score a little bit week to week in an effort to "true the blade" so to speak. My rides on the river path have been at a lower HR range, while I've been cutting back on the road rides off Old Spanish Trail and points nearby.

The most curious thing happened as a result of that. When I went off to my river park ride last week, my HR (and HR Zone) were in good averages while my speed was improved (just a little ... I mean, from 11.8 mph to 12.3, but 0.5 mph improvement with a concomitant reduction in HR to output that velocity is pretty much the point of training, right?). Ever since then, I've been able to average 12+ mph on rides that used to be in the 11 or less range, and have been able to push 13+ on some rides. I think I might be getting the hang of this cycling thing.

In addition I've been able to upgrade some of my non-bike gear (selling back old cell phones can be a nice way to do that!), including a second pair of the Bellwether Axiom shorts, which I will review later in the week. I also have been experimenting with various drink mixes for both during-activity hydration/electrolyte and calorie intake as well as post-workout recovery, including a new jug of Cytomax sports drink mix that I will review next week as well (a preview: I got the 4.5 pound jug of Pomegranate Berry ... and it is DELICIOUS). Also new: a doo-rag (the Halo Protex bandana), a pair of cold-weather tights (which haven't arrived yet; when they do, I'll review them), and also some stuff that's not really new but that I need to talk with you about: the Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence sensor, and the Respiro Sport Men's Saddle.

Here's a list of recent workouts, including a link to view them and time/distance (reverse chrono order):

03 December 2011 1 hour 32 minutes, 18.73 miles
28 November 2011 48 minutes, 9.37 miles
26 November 2011 1 hour 23 minutes, 18.52 miles
22 November 2011 1 hour 20 minutes, 16.79 miles
17 November 2011 1 hour 49 minutes, 23.49 miles
15 November 2011 2 hours 6 minutes, 25.28 miles

Tomorrow's a shift day, so there will be no workout but I will do a weigh-in first thing in the morning, and I have a 33 mile ride (probably take a hair under 3 hours) planned on Monday. I'll let you know how that goes.

Oh ! I almost forgot, I am officially a USA Cycling Category 5 road racer, as of today, and that license carries through all of 2012. I have been scheduling next year's training periods, and my races, in Training Peaks, and when I get confirmation of the dates for my chosen races I'll be sure to post them here.