Moronacity Cycling Journal » Entries tagged with "Training"
Season Review – Assessment of 2008 Cycling Goals
In March, I wrote about my goals for 2008. I have shown some definite improvements, and have failed miserably in an area that is most important to me. The point of today’s post is to review those goals, assess my strengths and weaknesses, and make a new plan for the fall and winter. Podium Finishes For All My Races In My Age Group; First Place Age Group Finishes For the Keweenaw Chain Drive, Great Deer Chase, and Fat Tire Festival I was a little skeptical about this goal, but I chose to go for it anyway. Unfortunately, I didn’t train quite as well as I could have, but it was pointed out to me that “that is what ever racer says.” Ok, point taken. Since my … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Momentary Lapse of Willpower . . . Strange Revival
Beer . . . or ride? Hm . . . well, I could sneak a ride in tomorrow even though I’m on call. I’ve done it several times before. I used to do it all the time when I worked full time and fifty percent of my free time really wasn’t free at all . . . because I was on call. That beer really sounds good. I don’t know if I’ve told you this, but I’ve given up beer until Fat Tire weekend (that is Labor Day weekend for you non-cycling folk). My friend, Pat, is trying to lose five pounds before the race, and I’m trying to get down to 165 pounds. I was 175 a couple days ago, and it might very … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
Keweenaw Chain Drive Pre-Ride
Pat and James after conquering a Maasto Hiihto hill I can’t climb. My team mates James, Pat, and I embarked on a “32-mile” ride today. Our course wasn’t really 32 miles because we were doing the Keweenaw Chain Drive long course sans parade rollout. The “long course” consists partly of all the trails in the Churning Rapids trail system. These are the trails near my home that I will be riding the most … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
National Bike Month in Review
Yesterday marked the end of National Bike Month. At the beginning of the month, I set a mileage goal of 400 miles. With the cold, wet weather we had this May, I did not find the motivation to get out much. When the weather was nice, I chose to mountain bike instead of riding the road. Combining these two factors, it is easy to see why I did not reach my mileage goal. I completed about 274 miles. Still, it’s not so shabby. Now that mountain biking is in full swing in the Keweenaw, I am switching my goal from mileage to hours. I plan to spend ten hours per week on the bike. I figure this is a good amount for promoting … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advocacy
Review of Monthly Goal
As we enter our last week of National Bike Month, I hope you have found the inspiration to stand up for cyclists’ rights in a diplomatic manner and, least of all, ride your bike. I hope you have found new ways, partly inspired by this blog, to enhance your cycling experience or think about it in a new light. Earlier this month, I mentioned setting goals. My goal was to reach 400 miles. I’m a tad bit away from that at 228 miles. That means I need to do a lot of road riding this week. We were supposed to have thunderstorms today. However, the sun came out and it was a beautiful 60 degree F day. It’s trying really hard. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Improve Your Riding With a Good Book
I like books. Whenever I start a new hobby, I buy books. Bicycling wasn’t any different. When I started mountain biking, it was pretty obvious I had a lot to learn regarding technique. I didn’t know how to climb steep hills or maneuver through rock gardens, and the only advice I was given was “ride more.” Well, that advice really doesn’t work. The following are the books in my … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Exercise Is a Benefit of Commuting
One of the first things I noticed when I began commuting by bike is the lack of guilt I would often feel when I chose not to ride after work. This is probably because I got my ride in on my way to and from work. Go figure. My work place is only about six miles away, and school is eleven. Even though it takes longer to get to school and work, I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Commuting
Set a Mileage Goal
Someone from one of the mountain biking forums I frequent gave me the idea of making a mileage goal each month. I have been tracking my mileage for a couple years. Adding a goal gives it more purpose. Last month, I set my goal at 400 miles. For whatever reason, I only reached 250 miles, 84 miles more than last April. In comparison, it’s not too shabby! Last May, I did 193 miles. All of that was mountain biking. This year, I’ll be commuting as well. I’ll set a goal of 400 miles for May. We’ll see how that goes. Tracking your miles can be a very useful tool. As you have already seen, I was able to determine this month’s goal … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Weather-Induced Rest Days
Rest day. That special day in between workouts that allows your body to repair itself and prepare for another hard workout. Magazines often provide workout programs that tell you which days to ride and which to rest. It’s a no-brainer. These rest days are necessary to prevent overtraining. Another guideline I really like is resting heart rate. No, it is not your heart rate while sitting in front of the television watch the most recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy. It is your heart rate before you get out of bed in the morning. Recently, mine has been between 55 and 60 beats per minute. If I wake up to a heart rate that is significantly higher, 75 or 80 bpm for … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cycling
Secret Weapon Training Method
It is no secret that road riding is quite beneficial to competitive mountain bikers. It promotes endurance at a steady pace and allows the rider to work on techniques such as more efficient pedaling. I chose to trade in my Nissan Pathfinder for a Kona Jake the Snake. Jake and I spend a lot of time together. We roll to school and work and we’re even starting to shop and attend meetings together. Currently, our shopping is limited to a new stem and a rear view mirror for Jake. Jake will be sporting the new goods, but I’ll be able to ride with more comfort and with a visual on traffic approaching from behind. Jake and I will be safe together. In … Read entire article »
Filed under: Road Riding
