Training
1/8/08
On Friday last, I met with Hank Lange who coaches triathletes. For over 5 hours we discussed how to prepare for a cross-country bike ride from what to eat and how to find time to train to how to get a good night’s sleep and stay motivated. Hank ran me through some fitness testing on the bike using my heart rate and perceived exertion to see how I’m doing at this point. He showed me some pedaling techniques so that I can use different muscles as I ride and tricks to avoid fatigue when the hills keep going longer than I want them to. We set up a training plan for the next 9 days which involves 2 two hour outdoor rides (yes, this is in Vermont in the winter!), 3 training/technique rides inside using pedaling pyramids (this is where my musical training pays off) and 2 callous rides - long slogs indoors on the trainer using my cadence meter and heart rate to keep going at a steady pace. Already this is helping me to get out there when I don’t feel that I really have the time or energy. I did a 25 mile ride in not quite 40 degree weather this weekend on my cross bike which, I can assure you, I would never have done without Hank looking over my training shoulder. It was actually fun to ride outside after all the time in the basement although my chilly toes weren’t always happy. It’s different riding along the West River with giant hunks of ice and occasional running water to see instead of rocks and swimmers in the summer. The last couple of days, though, I’ve come home late and exhausted and used my 2 allowable rest days in a row. Now that I’m writing about this for the world to read, I’ll do my training the next few days. I will! I will!
Marilee
