The month of November is coming to an end, and it is time to look over my monthly totals.
I only went out once on my bike this month. This was mostly by choice, as I decided to really concentrate on building up a good running base. My yearly bike mileage total is holding at 1,919, so at some point in time next month I need to get out for another 81 miles to come up to an even 2,000.
I was able to keep up my 4 days a week schedule of running during my lunch hour. The only change from that was a week of vacation and Thanksgiving week. For the vacation week, I ran 5 straight days, two of which were for over 6 miles. For Thanksgiving week, I cut back to only three days, a bit of tapering so that I could run in the Ridgewood Turkey Trot 8K on Thanksgiving day.
I think the last 8K I ran was the Brazos River Run down in Waco, TX. My time then was just under 40 minutes. This past week, I was just under 1 hour. I don't think I will ever get back to my earlier pace, but I would like to drop down to under a 10 minute mile pace. That should happen with time.
My normal schedule of running 20+ years ago was to run 6 days a week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were 45 minute runs at a relaxed pace, Tuesday and Thursday were fast 30 minute runs, and Saturday was a slow one hour run. I remember my relaxed pace was between an 8 and 9 minute mile, my fast pace was just under a 7 minute mile, and my slow hour run was probably between 10 and 11 minute miles. That would have given me around 30 miles per week in a good week. I was probably closer to 25 miles most weeks.
My recent schedule has put me just over 20 miles per week, so I am getting close to what I used to do, just slower.
In looking over my run totals this month, I have gone on 17 runs for a total of 94.5 miles. I still have my run at lunch today, so I am planning on going for 5.5 miles, which will put me at a good round 100 miles for the month in 18 runs.
This weekend, I plan on doing my first 10K in a long time, the Southern Pines Reindeer Run. I am starting to look at the possibility of doing some longer runs, such as the Tobacco Road half marathon in March, and the Outer Banks marathon next November. I guess its time to start looking seriously at training schedules.
See you on the road.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Update from October, and schedule change
Its getting toward the end of the month, and time to tally up my ride and run totals.
The running is going great. I have been able to keep up my 4 times a week schedule. I just finished my 16th run for the month, which will bring my monthly total to 76.26 miles. Cycling, not so good. I only got out twice this month for a total of 56 miles. I still have the weekend ahead, so I may be able to get another ride in, but that will still put me short of my goal of getting out on the bike once each weekend.
The big change for the month was changing the time I ran. I had been either running or cycling after I got home from work and walked the dog. With that schedule, I was doing good to get out every other day. In looking at my day, I thought I would try running during my lunch hour. So, this month, I started doing that. There were a few things to work out, such as what all to take each day. With the weather being so variable each day, I wind up taking a bag packed with both shorts and tights and a light jacket to run in, then decide which to wear when it is time to hit the street. I also had to spend a bit of time looking over the downtown Raleigh street maps to figure out some loops that were mostly out of traffic to cover the mileage I planned on doing each day.
So far, so good. It has been a nice change of pace to get out in the middle of each day and this looks to be a schedule I can keep up year round. If so, when spring comes and I will have time to cycle again after work, I don't see any reason not to keep on running during the day, and adding in my cycling after work.
See you on the road.
The running is going great. I have been able to keep up my 4 times a week schedule. I just finished my 16th run for the month, which will bring my monthly total to 76.26 miles. Cycling, not so good. I only got out twice this month for a total of 56 miles. I still have the weekend ahead, so I may be able to get another ride in, but that will still put me short of my goal of getting out on the bike once each weekend.
The big change for the month was changing the time I ran. I had been either running or cycling after I got home from work and walked the dog. With that schedule, I was doing good to get out every other day. In looking at my day, I thought I would try running during my lunch hour. So, this month, I started doing that. There were a few things to work out, such as what all to take each day. With the weather being so variable each day, I wind up taking a bag packed with both shorts and tights and a light jacket to run in, then decide which to wear when it is time to hit the street. I also had to spend a bit of time looking over the downtown Raleigh street maps to figure out some loops that were mostly out of traffic to cover the mileage I planned on doing each day.
So far, so good. It has been a nice change of pace to get out in the middle of each day and this looks to be a schedule I can keep up year round. If so, when spring comes and I will have time to cycle again after work, I don't see any reason not to keep on running during the day, and adding in my cycling after work.
See you on the road.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Update from September
October is now rolling along, and its time to review how September went.
One of my yearly goals was met. I did make it to the end of a 100 mile ride with no problems. I actually felt good at the end so I feel very good about that. Totals for the month were as follows. I got out for 8 rides during the month for a total of 318 miles. This was 2 more rides and 80 miles more than September of last year. I also started running last month. I was able to get in 9 short runs during the month for a total of just over 29 miles. My average run was just over 3 miles with the longest of 3.8 miles. Much better than last year. Last year I didn't start running until October, and only ran 7 times last October for just over 23 miles. So far, I am not slacking off as much as I did last year after the Bike MS ride.
My yearly cycling total is now up to 1,862. It looks as if I will meet my goal from 2009 of 2,000 miles in a year, but very doubtful for 2,500 miles. I will probably carry that goal over for next year.
The running plan has started well. I am now up to week four of the freeway to 10K program and have had no issues with either knees or ankles. Last week I went from 3 runs a week (every other day) to 4 runs, with a two days on one day off schedule. I then keep one weekend day for cycling, trying to put in at least a two hour ride on that day. So far, so good.
See you on the road.
One of my yearly goals was met. I did make it to the end of a 100 mile ride with no problems. I actually felt good at the end so I feel very good about that. Totals for the month were as follows. I got out for 8 rides during the month for a total of 318 miles. This was 2 more rides and 80 miles more than September of last year. I also started running last month. I was able to get in 9 short runs during the month for a total of just over 29 miles. My average run was just over 3 miles with the longest of 3.8 miles. Much better than last year. Last year I didn't start running until October, and only ran 7 times last October for just over 23 miles. So far, I am not slacking off as much as I did last year after the Bike MS ride.
My yearly cycling total is now up to 1,862. It looks as if I will meet my goal from 2009 of 2,000 miles in a year, but very doubtful for 2,500 miles. I will probably carry that goal over for next year.
The running plan has started well. I am now up to week four of the freeway to 10K program and have had no issues with either knees or ankles. Last week I went from 3 runs a week (every other day) to 4 runs, with a two days on one day off schedule. I then keep one weekend day for cycling, trying to put in at least a two hour ride on that day. So far, so good.
See you on the road.
Friday, September 17, 2010
2010 Goal Update
Its now mid September, and time to look at how my riding goals for the year are coming along.
Last year my goals were to ride 2,000 miles for the year, and at the Bike MS in New Bern to ride 75 miles each day. I made the goal of riding 75 miles both days at Bike MS, actually going 85 miles on one of the days, but I fell short on my goal for 2,000 miles. At the end of the year I had only done 1,641 miles.
The goals for 2010 were as follows. To do a century for the first time (a 100 mile ride), and increase my yearly mileage to 2,500. Bike MS finished last weekend, and I was successful at doing the century. At this point in time I have finished 1,770 miles towards my yearly total. That means that I have 730 miles to go. It's possible, but doubtful that I will make it. There are only 15 full weeks left in the year, and there is already less daylight left to get in rides safely when I get home after work. I only have to average just over 48 miles a week to get to my 2,500 mile total, and I could do that with just one long ride each weekend. So the goal is still in play, just on the doubtful side.
I mentioned in a previous post that I had decided to add in a few runs every week or so, instead of only running during the winter. I am seeing some good results from that decision. In the past couple of years, when daylight started getting short, I would start my running program. In order to keep my knees and ankles healthy, I would do a very gradual build up. There is an excellent set of podcasts at http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html that I would follow. I would start with the first day to 5K 10 week program, the go to the gateway to 8K 10 week program, then finish out the winter with the freeway to 10K 10 week program. I usually would not finish the freeway to 10K program since by then there would be enough daylight in the evenings to start riding again after work. This year I am starting with the freeway to 10K program instead of building up to that point.
My new workout routine until spring is now to run 3 days a week and bike once on the weekend. If my weekend ride brings me up to my year end goal of 2,500 miles, then good. If not, thats OK too. I am offsetting that goal by adding in the goal of running a 10K race by the spring. This spring it will be 20 years since my last 10K race. Its time to do that again, knees and ankle willing.
See you on the road.
Last year my goals were to ride 2,000 miles for the year, and at the Bike MS in New Bern to ride 75 miles each day. I made the goal of riding 75 miles both days at Bike MS, actually going 85 miles on one of the days, but I fell short on my goal for 2,000 miles. At the end of the year I had only done 1,641 miles.
The goals for 2010 were as follows. To do a century for the first time (a 100 mile ride), and increase my yearly mileage to 2,500. Bike MS finished last weekend, and I was successful at doing the century. At this point in time I have finished 1,770 miles towards my yearly total. That means that I have 730 miles to go. It's possible, but doubtful that I will make it. There are only 15 full weeks left in the year, and there is already less daylight left to get in rides safely when I get home after work. I only have to average just over 48 miles a week to get to my 2,500 mile total, and I could do that with just one long ride each weekend. So the goal is still in play, just on the doubtful side.
I mentioned in a previous post that I had decided to add in a few runs every week or so, instead of only running during the winter. I am seeing some good results from that decision. In the past couple of years, when daylight started getting short, I would start my running program. In order to keep my knees and ankles healthy, I would do a very gradual build up. There is an excellent set of podcasts at http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html that I would follow. I would start with the first day to 5K 10 week program, the go to the gateway to 8K 10 week program, then finish out the winter with the freeway to 10K 10 week program. I usually would not finish the freeway to 10K program since by then there would be enough daylight in the evenings to start riding again after work. This year I am starting with the freeway to 10K program instead of building up to that point.
My new workout routine until spring is now to run 3 days a week and bike once on the weekend. If my weekend ride brings me up to my year end goal of 2,500 miles, then good. If not, thats OK too. I am offsetting that goal by adding in the goal of running a 10K race by the spring. This spring it will be 20 years since my last 10K race. Its time to do that again, knees and ankle willing.
See you on the road.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
New Bern Update
Just finished the Bike MS weekend in New Bern.
The weekend started out with a team get together at the Harmony House B and B. Since Team CBC is sponsored by Carolina Brewery, there was beer. It was good. There was even cake, in celebration of Bob's birthday, so I guess you could say we had cake and ale.
Bob Okerkirk is our team captain, and does almost all the organization work for us. Setting up the training rides, sending out countless emails, letting all of us know what going on, etc, etc. It makes my head spin thinking of all he does to make sure we have an easy time at each event. Since his birthday is next week, a few of our members organized a surprise birthday cake. We also brought cards. With 160+ members, Bob got lots and lots of cards. A good way to start the weekend.
Saturday morning was a near perfect day for my first attempt at a century. The sky was clear and the temps were moderate. It stayed in the low 80's all day. Here we all are lining up for the start.
I ending up riding the full 100 miles with another CBC member, Chris Knodel. Here is a photo of Chris looking pretty chipper at our 75 mile rest stop. I don't think I looked that spry and chipper at mile 75.
The best news was that I did make it to mile 100. It turned out to be a leisurely 100 miles, at just over 6 hours of actual riding time. Here I am at the finish, trying my best to look as chipper as Chris. I don't think I was successful at that.
After a few minutes to cool down, have dinner, and a few CBC ales, discussion turned to day two. Chris wanted to do the double. I thought it might be possible. As a precaution, I went over the route maps and figured out that I could start the 100, and around mile 75 or so hop over to the 75 mile route. That would give me a shortcut of around 15 miles if the legs were not feeling up to doing the full 100. Knowing that last year I did 75 miles on day one and 85 miles on day two, I felt that was possible.
However, it was not to be. Below is a photo of the Team CBC tent with those camping out waking up to the day two news. I was glad I stayed in a hotel. The rains were brutal during the night. The day two news was that due to heavy rains and possible continuing thunderstorms, the 100 mile route would be cancelled. So the only choice was to do either the 50 or 75. Saturday's ride started with 2,600+ cyclists, at the start for day 2, there looked to be a lot less than that.
After a brief look at the skies, we were leaning toward only doing the 50. The two routes split at the 21 mile rest stop, so the final decision as to which route to take could be left till then. At the rest stop, the skies looked as if additional storms could start at any time, so we went with the 50.
Of course, as we finished, the sun came out. You can't see the sun from this photo, but I do look a bit more chipper after finishing 50 miles than I did after finishing 100 miles. Next years goal, weather permitting, do the double.
The weekend started out with a team get together at the Harmony House B and B. Since Team CBC is sponsored by Carolina Brewery, there was beer. It was good. There was even cake, in celebration of Bob's birthday, so I guess you could say we had cake and ale.
Bob Okerkirk is our team captain, and does almost all the organization work for us. Setting up the training rides, sending out countless emails, letting all of us know what going on, etc, etc. It makes my head spin thinking of all he does to make sure we have an easy time at each event. Since his birthday is next week, a few of our members organized a surprise birthday cake. We also brought cards. With 160+ members, Bob got lots and lots of cards. A good way to start the weekend.
Saturday morning was a near perfect day for my first attempt at a century. The sky was clear and the temps were moderate. It stayed in the low 80's all day. Here we all are lining up for the start.
I ending up riding the full 100 miles with another CBC member, Chris Knodel. Here is a photo of Chris looking pretty chipper at our 75 mile rest stop. I don't think I looked that spry and chipper at mile 75.
The best news was that I did make it to mile 100. It turned out to be a leisurely 100 miles, at just over 6 hours of actual riding time. Here I am at the finish, trying my best to look as chipper as Chris. I don't think I was successful at that.
After a few minutes to cool down, have dinner, and a few CBC ales, discussion turned to day two. Chris wanted to do the double. I thought it might be possible. As a precaution, I went over the route maps and figured out that I could start the 100, and around mile 75 or so hop over to the 75 mile route. That would give me a shortcut of around 15 miles if the legs were not feeling up to doing the full 100. Knowing that last year I did 75 miles on day one and 85 miles on day two, I felt that was possible.
However, it was not to be. Below is a photo of the Team CBC tent with those camping out waking up to the day two news. I was glad I stayed in a hotel. The rains were brutal during the night. The day two news was that due to heavy rains and possible continuing thunderstorms, the 100 mile route would be cancelled. So the only choice was to do either the 50 or 75. Saturday's ride started with 2,600+ cyclists, at the start for day 2, there looked to be a lot less than that.
After a brief look at the skies, we were leaning toward only doing the 50. The two routes split at the 21 mile rest stop, so the final decision as to which route to take could be left till then. At the rest stop, the skies looked as if additional storms could start at any time, so we went with the 50.
Of course, as we finished, the sun came out. You can't see the sun from this photo, but I do look a bit more chipper after finishing 50 miles than I did after finishing 100 miles. Next years goal, weather permitting, do the double.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Update from August
August is almost done, and Bike MS in New Bern is now less than two week away. I am at the point where I will start tapering off my miles so that I am fresh when I get there.
So far this month, I have been out on 17 rides for a total of 438 miles. That is my highest mileage total for a month so far and I feel good about that. I have been putting together more back to back riding days (riding both Saturday and Sunday) to get my legs used to not having a rest day between rides. Two weekends ago I did back to back 3 hour rides, one solo and one as part of a CBC team ride. The total miles were not a lot for the hours involved (around 30 on each ride) as the rides were mainly off road. The solo ride was on the American Tobacco Trail, and the group ride circumnavigated Raleigh on the greenway system. That was a great change of pace and a relaxing way to get in some longer hours on the bike.
The routes for New Bern have been posted, and in looking at them I have decided to go for the 100 mile route on Saturday and the 75 mile route on Sunday. The good thing about the Saturday routes is that both the 100 and 75 mile follow the same path up to the lunch stop at mile 50. That would give me a chance to drop back to only doing 75 miles if the legs don't feel up to it. I think I have at least a 50/50 chance of being able to do the whole 100 miles and finish feeling good.
See you on the road.
So far this month, I have been out on 17 rides for a total of 438 miles. That is my highest mileage total for a month so far and I feel good about that. I have been putting together more back to back riding days (riding both Saturday and Sunday) to get my legs used to not having a rest day between rides. Two weekends ago I did back to back 3 hour rides, one solo and one as part of a CBC team ride. The total miles were not a lot for the hours involved (around 30 on each ride) as the rides were mainly off road. The solo ride was on the American Tobacco Trail, and the group ride circumnavigated Raleigh on the greenway system. That was a great change of pace and a relaxing way to get in some longer hours on the bike.
The routes for New Bern have been posted, and in looking at them I have decided to go for the 100 mile route on Saturday and the 75 mile route on Sunday. The good thing about the Saturday routes is that both the 100 and 75 mile follow the same path up to the lunch stop at mile 50. That would give me a chance to drop back to only doing 75 miles if the legs don't feel up to it. I think I have at least a 50/50 chance of being able to do the whole 100 miles and finish feeling good.
See you on the road.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Mid August Update
Only four more weeks until Bike MS ride in New Bern, which means only three more training weeks, and one week to ease down prior to the two day event.
This is the event that I have targeted for my 100 mile ride this year. I think I am very close to being able to go 100 miles on one of the two days. Most training guides I have read suggest doing progressively longer rides each week until you are able to ride 60 to 70 miles two weeks prior to your century. I have finished rides that long this year, but I don't think it will fit into my schedule to get in another ride of that length this month. Instead, I have been trying to get in two hard 20 mile rides during the week, and back to back Saturday and Sunday rides at a more moderate pace that combine for 50 or 60 miles.
Will this be enough? I hope so. One thing in my favor is the ride in New Bern is flat, and my mid week hard rides are on a route that includes a few hills. One hopeful sign that I am moving in the right direction to make my goal is that as my weekly mileage ramps up, my legs are less tired than they were earlier in the summer. Of course, the heat index has not been hovering around 100 or so like it seemed to all last month. Very grateful for that.
See you on the road.
This is the event that I have targeted for my 100 mile ride this year. I think I am very close to being able to go 100 miles on one of the two days. Most training guides I have read suggest doing progressively longer rides each week until you are able to ride 60 to 70 miles two weeks prior to your century. I have finished rides that long this year, but I don't think it will fit into my schedule to get in another ride of that length this month. Instead, I have been trying to get in two hard 20 mile rides during the week, and back to back Saturday and Sunday rides at a more moderate pace that combine for 50 or 60 miles.
Will this be enough? I hope so. One thing in my favor is the ride in New Bern is flat, and my mid week hard rides are on a route that includes a few hills. One hopeful sign that I am moving in the right direction to make my goal is that as my weekly mileage ramps up, my legs are less tired than they were earlier in the summer. Of course, the heat index has not been hovering around 100 or so like it seemed to all last month. Very grateful for that.
See you on the road.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Update from July
August is here, and my totals for the month of July are done. I did not get out as much as last year. I was able to go on 8 rides during the month for a total of 194 miles. That compares poorly with last years 13 rides for a total of 330 miles. That means I am still behind on my training for the MS ride next month.
However, my totals look a bit better if I add in the running I did. I was able to get in 4 runs of a little over 30 minutes each during the month. So, I was able to get in almost as many aerobic activities during the month this year as last, just not all of them on the bike.
The good news was that I was able to get in one longer ride of 50 miles, and I started the month of August with a 42 mile ride. Looking ahead for the rest of August, there are two more training rides scheduled for team CBC that I hope to be able to make. I plan on doing the 42 mile route for each of those, and also should be able to get in a couple of hour and a half rides during the week which should still leave me in OK shape for next month.
See you on the road.
However, my totals look a bit better if I add in the running I did. I was able to get in 4 runs of a little over 30 minutes each during the month. So, I was able to get in almost as many aerobic activities during the month this year as last, just not all of them on the bike.
The good news was that I was able to get in one longer ride of 50 miles, and I started the month of August with a 42 mile ride. Looking ahead for the rest of August, there are two more training rides scheduled for team CBC that I hope to be able to make. I plan on doing the 42 mile route for each of those, and also should be able to get in a couple of hour and a half rides during the week which should still leave me in OK shape for next month.
See you on the road.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hot, Hot, Hot
Well, it has been hot here. How hot? Last weekend I went on the Cup and Cone ride, one of the local fund raising rides for MS. At one of the rest stops, I overheard one of the volunteers say the temperature had hit 107 on the pavement. Not sure it was really that hot, but it was over the 100 mark for sure, and the heat index was somewhere north of 110.
The ride had 30, 50, and 67 mile options. Last year I did the 50 mile ride in what I though was a pretty respectable time for me, 3 hours and 6 minutes, with an average speed of 15.7 mph. This year I had planned on doing the 67 mile ride. By the time I got to the 50 mile turn around, I knew I would not be able to go that far. The heat had beaten me down, and I resolved to finish the 50 mile ride while I could still stand. My final time and speed was well under that of last year, with a riding time of just over 3 hours and a half, and an average speed of 14.1 mph.
I had just purchased a Camelbak rogue hydration pack, and was very glad I did. While the rest stops were well planned, and had plenty of both water and sport drink, it did give me a good sense of security to have both two water bottles, and my pack with an extra two liters of water.
You can see last years ride here.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/9832882
This year here.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41633698
See you on the road.
The ride had 30, 50, and 67 mile options. Last year I did the 50 mile ride in what I though was a pretty respectable time for me, 3 hours and 6 minutes, with an average speed of 15.7 mph. This year I had planned on doing the 67 mile ride. By the time I got to the 50 mile turn around, I knew I would not be able to go that far. The heat had beaten me down, and I resolved to finish the 50 mile ride while I could still stand. My final time and speed was well under that of last year, with a riding time of just over 3 hours and a half, and an average speed of 14.1 mph.
I had just purchased a Camelbak rogue hydration pack, and was very glad I did. While the rest stops were well planned, and had plenty of both water and sport drink, it did give me a good sense of security to have both two water bottles, and my pack with an extra two liters of water.
You can see last years ride here.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/9832882
This year here.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41633698
See you on the road.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Update from June
July is now here, and looking back over my miles from June, I slacked off a bit on my riding, but I was able to get in a little cross training.
Of course, it was hot last month. Most of the month was in the 90's with heat indexes of 100 or so. I was able to get in 8 rides for 180 miles in total. That compares with 10 rides with a total of 190 miles for June of last year. So, not too far off the mark. I was able to also get in 6 runs during last month, all about 30 minutes each. I feel pretty good about that.
See you on the road.
Of course, it was hot last month. Most of the month was in the 90's with heat indexes of 100 or so. I was able to get in 8 rides for 180 miles in total. That compares with 10 rides with a total of 190 miles for June of last year. So, not too far off the mark. I was able to also get in 6 runs during last month, all about 30 minutes each. I feel pretty good about that.
See you on the road.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Update from May
Riding time during May went pretty well. I was able to get in 12 rides for a total of 280 miles. Most importantly, I was able to get in a couple of longer rides, one ride of 45 miles (the Raven Rock Ramble) and one metric century of 62 miles (the CARA Ride for their Lives ride). These longer rides will be important to start getting in as it gets closer to September and my goal of doing a full century at least one of the days at the Bike MS ride in New Bern.
Looking ahead, I am targeting a couple more charity rides before September. The Cup and Cone ride in July, and possibly Bikefest 2010 in August.
I have also been thinking of tracking my weight and body fat more closely. As I was thinking about this, I came across an interesting product mentioned on another blog. The Withings WiFi scale. The blog of CD Rainmaker is running a contest to win this scale. Looks pretty interesting.
In addition to my riding, I am thinking of starting to run again. I went on my first run in a while yesterday. I usually run a few days a week during the late fall and winter when there is not enough daylight to ride after work, but maybe I should start to do a little cross training year round.
See you on the road.
Looking ahead, I am targeting a couple more charity rides before September. The Cup and Cone ride in July, and possibly Bikefest 2010 in August.
I have also been thinking of tracking my weight and body fat more closely. As I was thinking about this, I came across an interesting product mentioned on another blog. The Withings WiFi scale. The blog of CD Rainmaker is running a contest to win this scale. Looks pretty interesting.
In addition to my riding, I am thinking of starting to run again. I went on my first run in a while yesterday. I usually run a few days a week during the late fall and winter when there is not enough daylight to ride after work, but maybe I should start to do a little cross training year round.
See you on the road.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Technology and cycling
In keeping track of my rides I have used a variety of devices over the years.
When I first started riding again back in 2002, I purchased a Trek Navigator 300, one of Trek's comfort series bikes. I wasn't sure what type of riding I would be doing, whether I would be mainly riding the roads or on trails, and this seemed to be a good compromise that would allow my to do either. I got the bike, a helmet, and a rack and pack for the back of the bike in order to carry a spare tube and patch kit.
After only a couple of months of riding I started adding to the list of what I felt was needed to go with the bike. I started using cycling clothing. It turns out that spandex is much better than t-shirts and shorts and gloves really do help. I went to clipless pedals instead of the platform pedals that came with the bike. I also replaced the so called comfort bars with a straight bar with extensions.
As the rides got up to 45 minutes or so, I started to want to keep track of how far I was going. So, I purchased my first bike computer, a very basic unit from Trek that attached a magnet to the front wheel with wires, and gave me speed and distance readouts. I though this was great, and started keeping a closer watch on how I was doing. I also started pushing myself a bit more. Competing with my previous rides in order to go just a bit faster and farther.
As the rides crept over the hour mark, I started to think of getting serious about tracking my progress. So, I purchased a basic heart rate monitor. I now had two devices on my bike's handlebars, one that gave me speed and distance, and the other for my heart rate BPM and activity zone. I kept all of this information in my head. I thought about using a spreadsheet, but that seemed a bit too much work.
Eventually, I got a second bike. It turned out I was doing all my riding on the roads, so I got an actual road bike, a 2005 Trek Pilot 2.1. With this, I went to a wireless computer. Still just a basic unit that gave my speed and distance. Then my heart rate monitor, a Polar F11 unit died. Luckily, I had purchased this at REI, a great place to shop, as they have the best return policy of any one. The warranty was close to up, but they still gave me the option of a replacement unit or a refund. I took the refund and used the money to upgrade to the Polar CS300 HRM. This added a unit to attach to the bike to keep track of speed as well as my heart rate. I could also save all of the data to the polar training center web site. I though this was great, an easy way to keep track of all my rides. With this, I didn't need to use the bike computer at all, so away it went.
Unfortunately, the Polar CS300 only lasted about 6 months before the data transfer stopped working. I was again grateful that I had purchased the unit from REI. Back it went for a refund.
I found a really good price on another Polar HRM, the SX725. It had all the functions of the CS300, but added a much better way to transfer data. I could not only send the ride data to the web, but also to training software on my laptop. It also kept track of temperature and elevation, with nice graphs to show all this data. I could even directly compare rides and run reports. All in all, I felt like I now had all the data I could possibly want. I was very happy using this for over two years.
Shortly after the two year mark, the battery started to go on the polar. I replaced the battery on the chest strap unit, but didn't feel up to replacing the supposedly non-user replaceable battery on the watch itself. So I sold it. As far as I know, it is still working well for its new owner.
My replacement was a Garmin Edge 605. No HRM, but speed, distance, elevation, and mapping. Data could be transferred to both the web and software on my laptop. The GPS mapping also allowed for rides to be loaded into the unit and followed. So, no more carrying cue sheets on some of the charity and group rides I was now going on. I have been using this for about a year and a half now, and it does everything I want, except that I have started to miss my heart rate readings.
So, back to REI. They just had a really good sale, and I had my rebates from last year to spend. I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 405CX. It does everything my Garmin Edge did except for the maps, but it adds a heart monitor, plus the ability to add a cadence sensor later if I feel that need. All in a watch format that I can also use when I go on runs during the winter.
If you want to see what all this data looks like, I have added links to my most recent rides to the right side of this blog.
See you on the road.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Update from April
Yes, it is May already, and I am just now getting around to putting together my ride updates for the month of April.
In my last post, I went over a lot of stats from the previous year, and came to the conclusion that the year was off to a slow start. Fewer rides that were both shorter and slower. So, how did April go?
Pretty well, overall. I got out more often, and while my average distance on each ride is still short of last year, the average speed has climbed back up to where I was. My yearly total was up to 427 through the end of April, which leaves me with 2,073 to do over the next 8 months.
Should be doable with a little luck.
See you on the road.
Month | Rides | Distance | Time | Avg Distance | Avg Time | Avg Speed |
Apr 2010 | 12 | 207.14 | 13:49:46 | 17.26 | 1:09:08 | 15 |
Apr 2009 | 9 | 180.62 | 12:01:53 | 20.07 | 1:20:12 | 15 |
Should be doable with a little luck.
See you on the road.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Goal setting and statistics
When I first started riding again back in 2002, my goals were pretty simple. Try to ride every other day. Lose some weight. Get in better overall shape. Those were my main objectives. The first rides I went on were just by the clock, usually 30 minutes or so. Within a few weeks, 30 minutes had moved to 45. Then by the end of the summer, riding for a full hour was the norm.
Eventually, I got into a routine of riding the same loop each time I went out. The loop was about 16.5 miles long. As I got comfortable with my loop, it became a game to try and finish the loop in one hour. The closest I came was 1:03.
I never finished my loop in under an hour, as I moved to a different goal. Instead of trying to beat the clock, I started looking more at my total time on the bike and my distance. During the summer, most of my rides were between an hour and an hour and a half. The rides gradually became longer. I still remember what a rush it was to finish my first 20 mile ride. That led to my first group ride, a Fourth of July ride with both a metric century and a 50K ride. I rode the 50K and had a blast. Which of course, put in my mind the thought of eventually doing a full century.
As a great procrastinator, I kept that in my thoughts for a few years. Last year I thought it was time to get serious about what it would take to do a 100 mile ride. My goals needed to become a bit more concrete.
I set two goals. One, cover at least 2,000 miles on my bike during the year. Two, start going on longer rides, with at least one ride of 75 miles. I targeted the Bike MS ride in New Bern, NC as the place to do my 75 mile ride. I also starting riding with a group.
The group I starting riding with was Team CBC, a great group of cyclists sponsored by the Carolina Brewing Company. They do training rides about every other week during the season, with the goal of raising money for the National MS Society. Their training rides usually have multiple distance options of 26, 42, or 72 miles. I started out with the 26 mile rides, and worked my way up to the 42 by the end of the summer. I also learned about how to ride in a pace line and spent some time going over my position on the bike. All in all, a very good season of riding.
I came close to reaching both goals. At Bike MS in New Bern I finished 75 miles on both days. However, I did not get in my 2,000 miles. I finished the year at close to 1,650 miles. In looking over my monthly statistics, I really slacked off once I finished the goal of doing the 75 mile rides. Here is what my monthly totals looked like.
I found this pretty revealing. I had no idea I had slacked off so much after New Bern.
For this year, I am stepping it up just a bit. I want to push my total mileage up to 2,500. At the Bike MS ride in New Bern, I want to do 100 miles at least one of the days. Those are the new goals.
So, how is the year starting? I looked at my stats for the first three months of this year and compared them to the first three months of last year.
This year.
Last year.
In general, I am off to a slow start. My rides are shorter, and I'm slower. Perhaps I'm getting old. Or maybe just a bit lazy. Either way, I've got work to do.
See you on the road.
Eventually, I got into a routine of riding the same loop each time I went out. The loop was about 16.5 miles long. As I got comfortable with my loop, it became a game to try and finish the loop in one hour. The closest I came was 1:03.
I never finished my loop in under an hour, as I moved to a different goal. Instead of trying to beat the clock, I started looking more at my total time on the bike and my distance. During the summer, most of my rides were between an hour and an hour and a half. The rides gradually became longer. I still remember what a rush it was to finish my first 20 mile ride. That led to my first group ride, a Fourth of July ride with both a metric century and a 50K ride. I rode the 50K and had a blast. Which of course, put in my mind the thought of eventually doing a full century.
As a great procrastinator, I kept that in my thoughts for a few years. Last year I thought it was time to get serious about what it would take to do a 100 mile ride. My goals needed to become a bit more concrete.
I set two goals. One, cover at least 2,000 miles on my bike during the year. Two, start going on longer rides, with at least one ride of 75 miles. I targeted the Bike MS ride in New Bern, NC as the place to do my 75 mile ride. I also starting riding with a group.
The group I starting riding with was Team CBC, a great group of cyclists sponsored by the Carolina Brewing Company. They do training rides about every other week during the season, with the goal of raising money for the National MS Society. Their training rides usually have multiple distance options of 26, 42, or 72 miles. I started out with the 26 mile rides, and worked my way up to the 42 by the end of the summer. I also learned about how to ride in a pace line and spent some time going over my position on the bike. All in all, a very good season of riding.
I came close to reaching both goals. At Bike MS in New Bern I finished 75 miles on both days. However, I did not get in my 2,000 miles. I finished the year at close to 1,650 miles. In looking over my monthly statistics, I really slacked off once I finished the goal of doing the 75 mile rides. Here is what my monthly totals looked like.
Month | Rides | Distance | Time | Avg Distance | Avg Time | Avg Speed |
Jan 2009 | 3 | 51.5 | 3:42:03 | 17.17 | 1:14:01 | 13.9 |
Feb 2009 | 4 | 78.39 | 5:28:48 | 19.6 | 1:22:12 | 14.3 |
Mar 2009 | 4 | 107.87 | 7:02:10 | 26.97 | 1:45:32 | 15.3 |
Apr 2009 | 9 | 180.62 | 12:01:5 | 20.07 | 1:20:12 | 15 |
May 2009 | 6 | 130.44 | 8:37:33 | 21.74 | 1:26:15 | 15.1 |
Jun 2009 | 10 | 193.83 | 12:43:30 | 19.38 | 1:16:21 | 15.2 |
Jul 2009 | 13 | 330.57 | 21:12:27 | 25.43 | 1:37:52 | 15.6 |
Aug 2009 | 13 | 301.43 | 19:48:17 | 23.19 | 1:31:24 | 15.2 |
Sep 2009 | 7 | 239.24 | 14:55:39 | 34.18 | 2:07:57 | 16 |
Oct 2009 | 1 | 9.51 | 0:42:57 | 9.51 | 0:42:57 | 13.3 |
Nov 2009 | 1 | 17.77 | 1:10:3 | 17.77 | 1:10:39 | 15.1 |
Totals | 71 | 1,641.18 | 107:26:00 | 23.12 | 1:30:47 | 15.3 |
I found this pretty revealing. I had no idea I had slacked off so much after New Bern.
For this year, I am stepping it up just a bit. I want to push my total mileage up to 2,500. At the Bike MS ride in New Bern, I want to do 100 miles at least one of the days. Those are the new goals.
So, how is the year starting? I looked at my stats for the first three months of this year and compared them to the first three months of last year.
This year.
Month | Rides | Distance | Time | Avg Distance | Avg Time | Avg Speed |
Jan 2010 | 4 | 53.06 | 03:59:43 | 13.26 | 00:59:55 | 13.3 |
Feb 2010 | 3 | 48.08 | 03:28:59 | 16.03 | 01:09:39 | 13.8 |
Mar 2010 | 7 | 118.69 | 08:04:25 | 16.96 | 01:09:12 | 14.7 |
Totals | 14 | 219.84 | 15:33:08 | 15.70 | 01:06:39 | 14.1 |
Last year.
Month | Rides | Distance | Time | Avg Distance | Avg Time | Avg Speed |
Jan 2009 | 3 | 51.5 | 3:42:03 | 17.17 | 1:14:01 | 13.9 |
Feb 2009 | 4 | 78.39 | 5:28:48 | 19.6 | 1:22:12 | 14.3 |
Mar 2009 | 4 | 107.87 | 7:02:10 | 26.97 | 1:45:32 | 15.3 |
Totals | 11 | 237.76 | 16:13:01 | 21.61 | 1:28:27 | 14.7 |
In general, I am off to a slow start. My rides are shorter, and I'm slower. Perhaps I'm getting old. Or maybe just a bit lazy. Either way, I've got work to do.
See you on the road.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)