November Training

I'm going to be spending the next month or so running. Some parts on my bike need to be replaced so I'm in the process of finding those parts on eBay, etc. The training program starts in December or January. Plus, I wouldn't mind doing a duathlon this spring, so the running will do me some good.

Don't Slow Down

I was talking to another cyclist on a group bike ride the other day. As we were riding, this individual was talking about an experience riding with a pro cyclist. They were headed out on a race that had some difficult climbs. The pro cyclist offered this advice, "You'll feel great for the first part of the ride when it's flat. When we get to the climb, just don't slow down." I really like that advice which is easier said than done. I'm learning that if I want to be faster on my bike, I need to be faster on the hills. Anyone can go 40mph downhill, but it takes training to do 20mph uphill.
I still remember one of the first group rides I participated in with Austin Tri-Cyclist. They leave early every Saturday morning and head out for the famous "Dam Loop" from SW Parkway-71-2244-2222-360. It's a tough ride under any circumstances. That morning, we left the shop and headed up Barton Springs to MoPac and then out SW Parkway. I felt good for the first portion and was hanging with the pack. But once we reached the hill at AMD, these guys took off uphill going 25mph. I trailed to hang for a minute then realized I was out of my league. Luckily there were a few others in similar shape as I, so I didn't have to ride completely alone.
In the last month, I've been focussing on my endurance uphill and it has paid off. I started the month averaging around 17mph on my daily ride. By the end of the month I was averaging closer to 20mph. While is was riding slower, I remember pushing myself harder down the hills to makeup time lost on the hills. However, when I started pushing harder uphill, I realized that I was actually going faster downhill with less effort because of the constant momentum. I'm pretty sure there's a pretty good life application in this idea, but I'll write about that later.
My training goal in the next few months is "Don't Slow Down". Like I said before, it's easier said than done.

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

10,867' is the highest elevation on Highway 550 between Durango, CO and Silverton, CO. It is a stretch of highway that covers 47 miles with 6,650' of ascent. Durango and Silverton are best known for the railroad that runs between them. Every year, around Memorial Day, there is a bicycle race held to "race the train". My birthday present this year is enrollment in the training program for the race and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to do this ride. I've dreamt of doing this for years and if the Lord wills, I'll get a chance this year. I want to remember this experience forever, so I started this blog to journal my training and progress. Enjoy!