Endurable Me.
Archive for Cycling
August 21, 2006 at 10:47 pm · Filed under Cycling, Ironman Canada
It’s 11:34. I should be sleeping. But, clearly I’m not. I leave tomorrow for IMC and I have christmas eve anxiety. So, thought I’d make a post and share a discovery I happened upon this afternoon.
First, let me disclose that this will prove how poor my cycling is.
As previously posted, I prepared my bike yesterday. Put the rear bottle holder on, cleaned it up a bit, put on the Zipps and it’s ready to go. So I thought. Yesterday’s ride was a just a quick 45 minute ride, real easy, real short. Just to spin the legs after the mornings run and keep things loose. I have the new Zipps on and was definitely feeling a difference on the flats and downhills, but wasn’t noticing any improvements on the hills. Legs felt a bit heavy and sluggish, had a hard time spinning those second and third gears. Just sucked it up, mentioned it to Matt, along with the chain feeling like it was clicking. Thought maybe a new chain might be a good investment.
Anyway, went on another ride today. Thank God. It wasn’t on my schedule, but on Matt’s - and felt I should sync with his schedule for this final taper week as it’ll be easier since we’ll be traveling a bit over the next couple days. So out for my ride. It sucked. Climbs were tough, Wind was blowing going out and my average speed was low. Legs felt sluggish again. Chain was still clicking a bit in my middle gears. So, decided on the way home that maybe I should just put my training wheel’s cassette on the Zipps since I know the chain behaves well with it.
I think many of you now know where I’m going with this. The reason my legs feel sluggish and I’m not feeling right on the hills is because the cassettes are drastically different. The Zipps (Matt’s Zipps) have an 11-23 on them, while my training wheel’s have a 12-27. That’s right 
I’m really not that good of a climber, I thought I was at least pushing a 25 up the hills but I’m actually pushing a 27. In my defense though, most riders here have a 25 in the rear because of the mountain. Matt is just stupid strong. He likes to Ulrich up the mountain, I like spin a higher cadence.
Bad news, I’m still a weak cyclist. Good news is I discovered this glaring oversight before attempting Richter Pass and Yellow Lake. These last couple days on the Zipps I’ve been missing two gears and wondering why my legs feel heavy in gears I can normally turn at a fairly high rate. Your turning the wrong gear, novice… Well I felt stupid, but so glad I realized now and not 90 miles in. Now I know and will make the adjustment tomorrow of moving my cassette over to the Zipps.
No wonder I had such a hard time going up Sparks grade at Pacific Crest. Lesson learned.
May 22, 2006 at 8:19 am · Filed under Cycling, General
So my follow up from Day 1 and 2 of the bike block. Saturday (Day 3) was the Pedal Paddle Pole here in Bend. I was up early to head up the mountain to watch and take some photos. Was a good race and Matt friend ended up winning. Just crushed it on the Skate Ski and Bike ride. I’ll post up some pictures later.
So after running around the course lugging my camera around I headed home to psych myself up for the last day of my bike block. I decided to change things up a bit and headed out for a 4 hour mountain bike ride. I figured it would be fun and I’d be less tempted to cut it short if the time was going by faster and I was really enjoying and pushing myself. The ride was awesome. Lots of climbing, up to the snow level, and some fun descents. Though the 1st mile down I ran into several snow drifts and had a hard time tracking the trail. Luckily someone else had riden the trail before I so I followed their tracks hoping they knew the trail better than I. After that 1st mile the snow subsided and it was a fun 15-20 minute zig zag down the mountain. It was a tough ride, some really steep sections that I ended up having to walk but for the most part it was a really good session. Definitely pushed the legs but I didn’t get as sore or fatigued in the saddle due to I think being in and out of the saddle more and focusing on just 20 or 30 yards in fornt of me the whole time. It made the time go by fairly quickly and was pumped by the end of the ride.
Yesterday was my scheduled long run. I was a bit worried going into the bike block that my run would be scrapped or not at least not as long as I would have liked. Sunday morning my legs were very heavy and a bit sore and it was raining out. I was very tempted to scrap the day as I almost convinced I’d done enough for the week. But at around 10 the rain subsided and I willed myself out the door.
Just go out and do what you can. At least get some running in.
I told myself.
So I headed out and the legs were heavy. I just focused on my heart rate and tried to keep it low. The first 10 minutes were tough but then I felt surprising good. I took a trail I hadn’t down before and the scenery was awesome. It dumped on my for about 20 minutes in the middle of the run, and I picked up a stray dog that ended up running 40 minutes wiht me before I decided to find his home. i think he would have followed me all the way home.
The trail was well packed dirt so it was a soft run. I didn’t really start feeling the fatigue and strain in the legs until I got back on the pavement for the last 15 minutes. Ended up getting in 2 hours at average heart rate of 139. Really good for me. My speed on my long runs hasn’t really improved yet, but my average heart is really coming down over the last 3-4 weeks.
Today is a needed rest day and catch up on work.
May 19, 2006 at 4:50 pm · Filed under Cycling, General
Well, started my 3 day bike block yesterday. Objective is to ride 4 hours a day for three days straight. The largest amount of time in that period of time that I’ll have riden. Hoping to push the muscles and build stronger cycling legs.
Day 1
Decided it was time to start climbing the mountain and that day 1 would be better than day 2 or 3. Not sure if that was smart, but did it anyway. So did 3 hours 45 minutes. I know a little short of my 4 hour goal but some serious climbing in some good heat so I was done. The main climb is about 17 miles long from my door to the peak before the ski area parking lot. Mt bachelor is the resort near by and the elevation at the base is 6,300. I live at about 3,400, so the main climb is about 3,000 feet in the 17 miles. From there I dropped down the side of the mountain toward Sun River. Only went to the bottom of that descent, about 8-9 miles. Then turned around and climbed back up. The climb is shorter but steeper in sections. I’d guess another 2,000 feet of climbing for those 8 miles. The dropped down those last 17 miles home. About 55 miles in total at a super slow pace, but by far the most climbing I’ve ever done, probably 25 miles.
I was totally Trashed last night. Legs were heavy, neck was sore, and just all around fatigued. Ate a bunch and had a protein shake before bed.
Day 2
Woke up this morning and my legs weren’t as bad as I thought they might be. Headed out early to get in today’s hours. The first 2 hours were great, I didn’t feel too fatigued and managed a steady clip. Then slam, turned South to climb out of Redmond and had a bit of a head wind for the next 20 miles. My legs were fried, definitely feeling the climb from the day before at this point. As usual the second half of my ride brought my avg speed way down. However I was able to get in the full 4 hours plus a 20 minute brick run and kept my heart rate at a good level. About another 65 miles today.
It’s a bit frustrating being so slow on the bike, especially when Matt comes home and says he did 105 miles 
. But my own fault for slacking through the winter. I still have 14 weeks to prepare for Canada and feel I’ve made good gains in lowering my heart rate and increasing my time in the saddle. I just need to keep at it. My new pump me up after a slow ride song is The Show Must Go On by Queen. Gets me pumped and lifts the spirits to keep on going. Never Stop Tri’n.
Tomorrow I’ll be taking some pictures at the local race in town. Pedal, Paddle, Pole. Basically atheletes ski down the mountain, then cross country ski, then fly down on a bike to town, then paddle the river, then run to the finish line. Very big race here and highly competitive. If you win this you’re a God in this town. Most of the past winners have been Pro Nordic Skiers. They open up a huge gap and hold on, not to mention those guys are super fit. Should be fun.
Then I need to squeeze in my 4 hours of riding later in the afternoon. Might do it on the mountain bike to switch things up a bit and get some more climbing in, my weakness.
Attack the weakness and make it a strength
May 1, 2006 at 8:46 pm · Filed under Cycling, General
So, got back last night from a trip to Maupin, OR. It’s a very cool little town about 90 minutes North of Bend. Population I think was just under 500. Despite the small town in the middle of no where, it’s a cyclist/fly-fisherman’s haven. I headed up with BigMatt as he was participating in a time trial stage race and I wanted to take some photos with my new lense. The town is tucked into a valley along the Deschutes. 
The local market proudly displays a stuffed mountain lion, and one of the locals won 21 million from a lottery ticket he bought at the store. Still lives in town, just a bigger ranch.
The Time Trial consisted of 3 stages. A 26 mile loop on Saturday morning, followed by an 8 mile climb that afternoon. Sunday’s final stage was a 46 mile out and back. I followed in the car, pulling on and off the road to snap some shots. Here are few, I still need to go through the rest of them and pick the best. The Maupin chamber of commerce requested a few pictures for their site as did OBRA. Good exposure, should be cool.
My LSD run on Sunday morning went well. I took off early, around 7a.m. in order to get back in time to shoot the days stage. It was cold and I ran the Kenyan way, before breakfast. It was a cool run along the river. The interesting part was I was able to hold 134 avg. heart rate heading out, and 142ish heading back. Now 134 is my 70% number, but I’ve had a really difficult time getting it there until Sunday. My runs are usually in the high 140’s to low 150’s despite trying to kep it lower. I think this is a result of a few things. Maybe the altitude? Bend is at 3,500 and Maupin isn’t… And I usually run trails, rolling… vs. Sunday’s relatively flat route. At any rate I was able to hold the comfortable pace and lower heart rate for 95 minutes. Progress is being made. Feeling good. Recovery week this week. Will probably do some extra swim sessions.
April 28, 2006 at 5:16 pm · Filed under Cycling
Went out for a nuun ride this afternoon. They have some new flavors and sent me some samples. The tri-berry is pretty good. I’ll submit a review (and enter the sock drawing) later.
So did my long ride today, as I’m heading out for the weekend tomorrow morning. Going to take some pictures at a time trial stage race BigMatt is doing. It’ll give me a chance to play around with some new lenses I just received. Trying to improve my picture taking skills and start building a body of work in documenting the endurance lifestyle. So, my Cervelo R3 turned out to be some investments in photography equuipment Hopefully I’ll hve some good shots to share next week.
Long 4 hour ride. Felt pretty good for the first 3 hours then got a little fried. By the sun and lack of nutrition, idiot didn’t put any sunscreen on - stupid! Lobster arms are stinging now I think I have to make some more adjustment to my shoes. My feet just never feel very comfortable. By the end of the ride my feet are pretty sore and uncomfortable, from the vibrations and pushing on the pedals I think. I’ve tried several different inserts and the current ones are better than the previous, but still not very comfortable. And I can’t imagine pushing for six hours the way they feel. Getting a little frustrating trying to dial this stuff in. I think I should just find a specialist that may be able to help me figure this out.
This is pretty much what the riding looks like around here. About 5-10 miles out and it becomes farm land, then rolling hills. But all high desert terrain more so on the East side. This is shot about 30 miles East of town. The West side is surrounded by forrest and mountains so there aren’t that many options to go out 30 miles. Most loop back around at about that, except taking Century up and over the mountain, but you can’t get through yet due ot snow levels. This summer I’ll do more climbing rides over and around Bachelor. They’ll be some great pics from those rides, can’t wait… kinda… it’s quite a climb
April 23, 2006 at 10:53 am · Filed under Cycling, General, Run, Nutrition
Ya, now I remember why I have a hard time eating healthy. It’s so darn expensive. I’ve spent probably $150 bucks on groceries this week alone. Fruits are expensive. No more blueberries at $8, I think I need to stick to Apples and Bananas. Lean meat and Salmon is ridiculously priced, almost as bad as gas these days. The upside is I have dropped a couple pounds focusing on the fruits and vegies, but my bank account is slimming down as well
On the diet/nutrition plan, I think I’m getting it more dialed in (at least for my purposes). My energy levels during training are back up, I think I had a couple bad days early last week because I tried to cut out carbs from gains all together. Now I take in plenty in that training session window and recovery seems to be better. I still need to focus on getting a little more protein outside the window to help build muscle. I’ve always had a very difficult time putting on muscle, one of those body types with super skinny limbs but put on extra weight in the torso area. So I’m realizing to step up to the Ironman distance I absolutely must put on muscle mass, specifically in the legs to carry me through the event. Current chicken legs aren’t going to do it. Unfortunately more protein means more food/supplements and more expense. Man it’s cheaper being unhealthy, what’s up with that. The government should give healthy people a tax break to incent them to eat good foods and reverse the health issues we have.
Yesterday’s ride was brutal. Strongest winds I riden in since being here. Weather says 16 with gust of 30. It totally drained me and I didn’t get as far as I would have liked. Ended up doing about 3 1/2 hours.
Todays run was better, longest run yet of the year. 95 minutes and felt pretty good through 80 of them, then my legs got a little heavy and I could feel my form slipping a bit. I think it was mostly due to running into a friend at about 60 minutes and ran the next 15 a little too hard to keep up with him, then settled down again for the last 15 as he went his way and I mine.
April 7, 2006 at 9:45 am · Filed under Cycling, General
I’m so trying to figure out how to swing some new bikes into my arsenal. Basically some replacements. I’ve been riding my Look361 for about 4 1/2 years and I’m starting to get a little tired of it. It’s more mental than anything but it’s starting to creak alot and I hate my Spinergy wheels. So my thinking, of course, is why just get new wheels and fix the creaking. Just go further into debt and buy a new ride
Well, going into debt is certainly not what I want to do, so trying to come up with options to get some new bikes. Contemplating paying off the little I have left on my Van and then selling it for the cash for a new road and tri bike. I’ve yet to buy a tri specific bike, but if I had to buy one bike I’d still go with a road bike as I’d ride that more often. Went down to Bend Bike ‘N Sport, where BigMatt works, and checked out their latest stock of Felts and Cervelos. The F3C looks like a pretty cool road bike, but the Cervelo R3 is ridiculously sweet. A bit more expensive and a little longer in the top tube, but a very nice bike.
On the Tri-specific side, I’ve had my eye on the P2C (shown here) for a while now. I’ve only read about and haven’t seen it live yet. BigMatt’s has the Felt B2 and says the S22 is one of the best deals around. Same frame as the B2 just different wheels and fork and some components. So, being the S22 is cheaper I was starting to move in that direction. Until yesterday, I guess the P2C’s just showed up at the shop and Matt says it’s an awesome bike. Now I’m leaning back to it. I have to head over and take a look.
Of course the two I prefer of those mentioned are the more expensive Cervelo’s Two bikes is a ridiculous thought. I shouldn’t even be considering it, but I feel like a little kid in a candy store stomping my feet! I wan’t that one, and that one! Waaa! I think the only way to swing it would be to sell the van (which I don’t drive much anyway) and maybe try to sell the Look. The frame may not be desireable, but I do have Campy Record on it which could get me some money for my upgrades.
Anyway, we’ll see. I’ll probably come to my senses soon. If I do decide to buy however, I should do soon so I can get properly fit on it and get my training on it while I’m still a long way out from Canada.
April 2, 2006 at 8:55 pm · Filed under Cycling, General
Today was the long ride day, 3 hours 45 minutes. Slowly building up to Ironman distance. A long way to go but making progress. A bit of a cold wet day today. Got rained and hailed on a couple times and some good winds but, all in all, a good day. Headed up China Hat after 2 hours out to alfalfa, Dodds and around back. Climbing China Hat was cool though more traffic than on the weekdays. And more gun fire.
About 4 miles in I heard gun shots all around. Cars parked on the side of road and people shooting there firearms off in the woods. Crazy. Felt like a had to duck. Getting out into the country, lots of trucks and lots guns. Not sure if I’d ride up there again on the weekends, a little nerve racking. Who knows what direction they’re shooting in.
Spent the rest of the night building shelves for my mom. Grandma’s coming to town tomorrow. It’ll be good to see her and see how she likes Bend. Lots to do here for Senior citizens, I’m sure she’ll jump into some activities.
March 29, 2006 at 5:33 pm · Filed under Cycling, Ironman Canada
Went out for a quick 90 minute ride this afternoon. Was talking with a friend up here about Trifuel, his projects, and the sport in general. Then decided to ride together. I was a little hesistant because I know he’s much stronger than I. And I was right. I was working hard the whole time, gasping for breath while trying to keep the pace and hold my end of the conversation. I was fine on the flat stuff, but it’s those darn rolling hills that kill me.
Gotta keep at it though as Canada is going to be hilly and a real test on the bike… oh and the swim… and yes the run.
All in all a good ride and conversation. Hopefully by end of summer I’ll be able to hang without needing an oxygen tank and somebody circling back to pick me up!
March 28, 2006 at 10:30 am · Filed under Cycling, General
You nourish your soul by fulfilling your destiny. - Author Not Sure
So, I got caught up in the Golf tourny on Sunday, looked at the weather forecast, and decided to swap my rest day. So rested on Sunday and moved my Long ride to yesterday as the weather called for 55 degrees and a sunny day. One the few days so far in the mid-fifties.
I ended up getting in 3 hours of riding. Wanted to go a little further, but was spent. A couple tough sections straight into the wind wasted me. I was pushing maybe 12 mph, yuck. That’d make for a long Ironman . But the positive is training in the wind and rolling hills should help increase my power output. Legs a little sore today, so just an easy run this afternoon.
It’s nice having a flexible schedule were I can just switch days if the weather calls for it and not have to worry about a boss.
I feel I’m really close to realizing one of my main goals in moving here to Bend. That being living a free’r/unbound/independent lifestyle. I’m getting pretty close to paying off all my credit card and car payments and bringing in just enough from my own projects to make ends meet. Do I miss some of the things the corporate life brought? Sure, on occasion I do miss the weekend golf trips with friends, the nice restaurants, being able to afford new gear. But then I remember the mounting debt, the long hours sitting in my car commuting, the 20lbs gained while sitting there swearing at the cars in front of me And I’m 100% certain I made the correct decision to pick up and leave. Knock on wood, I still have to continue growing and maintaining my current projects (e.g. Trifuel) and keeping my expenses low so affording a home and living a little more comfortably is possible. But, like I’ve mentioned before, it’s like the sport of Triathlon… It takes patience and persistence and 5-10 years down the road I’ll have built up a strong enough Base that doing an Ironman will be second nature. Ya right
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The endurance life and blog of Tribro. My journey to a more endurance lifestyle and Ironman WI ‘07.