I have been riding a lot lately. I’ve been averaging around 175 miles a week over the previous 6 weeks. To compare, I achieved my mileage goal last year of 3,000 miles with an average of just 58 miles a week.
Riding with the Descenders a lot has also turned up my intensity. I’ve been riding lots more elevation and the rides have been getting longer and faster.
And to be honest, I’ve been reaping the rewards of my hard work. I finished first (with Mark) at the Tour de Cure century ride. I finished around 10th in the Alpine Challenge. I was even voted the “Alpha Rider” on last week’s Descenders ride for cycling home instead of getting in the minivan.
Cyclists around me talk about “over-training” and periodization schedules where you plan on “peaking” at a certain point of the year. The thing is I have no idea what my training limit is or how hard I can go – and riding 3 days a week isn’t exactly a pro-level riding schedule. So, I decided to keep slowly turning up the intensity and wait for my body to tell me when to slow down.
Well, today my body told me to slow down. We started the conversation Monday actually. After Saturday’s century with over 8,000′ of elevation, my legs were a bit blown. On Monday, instead of rolling on the trainer, I went for a brisk 40-mile ride with Dave. Ouch, my legs ached afterwards. Today, I attempted a 72-mile climbing route with Mike. My legs mutinied at the high point of the ride, on Old Julian Hwy, 20+ miles from home.
I knew I was in trouble when it hurt more to stop pedaling than to keep going.
I’ve been remarking about the supportiveness of the Descenders and today was no exception. Mike pulled me all the way home, waiting for me on every incline, drafting on every flat. Neglecting to go home the “fun” way, but take the shortcut and get me home. Thanks Mike, I really appreciate the help.
So, where do I go from here? I’m taking the rest of this week and next “off”. That doesn’t mean no cycling, it just means I’m going low and slow when I do get on the saddle. I’d like to spin my legs on my trainer for an hour a day over the next week just so I can control my heart-rate and keep myself off the hills (there is almost no flat land in my neighborhood).
Next Saturday in a week is a HUGE climbing weekend to prepare for Monster Climbs. I want to be strong, healed and ready for that.
2010 Leadville Trail 100
2010 Julian Death March
I Do Not Ride Alone
My Secret Leadville Plan
Previewing the Leadville 100 MTB Course
2010 Triple Bypass
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post Arlyn. You really are doing some miles! I have never thought about it before as having a conversation with your body.
I have never got to the point of hurting more when not pedalling. The worst it has got for me is my legs have been sore to touch, like the whole length of them is bruised. This has come about when doing multi-day bike tours when you have no choice but to wake-up in the morning and drag yourself over that next climb.
Arlyn nice comment, did I really hear you say … “I got legs like overcooked spaghetti”
@thePig – I’ve got to figure out the multi-day thing. Both the Monster Climb trip and my TdF trip involve riding hard multiple days in a row.
@Mike – oh man, they were really bad. Even on the trainer today I had a hard time keeping the pace up and my HR at 70%.
I have felt that before. Not from over training, but I suspect from under training. See you Saturday.
Great miles… but yes… make yourself rest. Sure, it’s not the “Pro” kind of schedule but you’re cranking out some serious miles and I’m guessing you’re still on your feet in a regular lifestyle. Maybe not a lot of extra time for recovery sleep and no massages everyday. Take a couple of days off… meaning “NO” pedaling. You’ll feel so much better once you get going again. Your body will thank you.
Congratulations, it sounds like you have been doing some good riding.
One of my cycling partners always chides me for riding too much instead of training properly ….. and sometimes my legs get “bien cuit” – well cooked.
I think two days rest sometimes is a very good thing …. and can lead to feeling much better. At least for me. three days and I am too antsy.
My recent snow bonk ride was supposed to be a day off …. but when something fun beckons us addicted cyclists have no choice but to ride
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