In short, the past month has had me essentially focus on returning myself to full fitness, and doing everything I can do to ensure that despite my increased training efforts my body does not prematurely meltdown. Whilst this has essentially meant that I’m even more mindful of my diet (if that was ever indeed possible) and my going to bed at (or shortly after) 8:30pm each night, I have found that my recovery has (subject to what follows) been very good. In terms of fitness and form I am where I was at just before I was stuck down late September, and I have returned to my hills with renewed confidence. I am back to getting up at 4am multiple times a week to ensure I can take advantage of my limited opportunities, and back to my spinning the legs on the trainer whenever unable to get out on the road – very glad for the TDF 2011 DVD box set (thanks BikeVic); there’s 528mins of inspirational (sweaty sticky) viewing!
I say again, things have been good of late… or so I had thought.
Unfortunately my body chose to remind me of its frailties last week and that I was still not completely recovered or back to full fitness. Following some less than ideal sleep at the start of week (bloody Abu Dhabi F1) and Tuesday’s early morning Mount Lofty repeats (firstly via Greenhill and then via the Old Freeway), my liver decided it was time to say hello in the most uncomfortable of fashion. As if someone had reached their hand into my abdomen and started squeezing my liver periodically, the cramps inter alia, were not particularly pleasant.
To say I was somewhat depressed is an understatement, but fortunately within twenty fours I felt considerably recovered. Within 48hrs, I felt able to comfortably spin my legs on the trainer at a decent pace and resistance, and now less than a week later I’ll be back up Lofty tomorrow morning (although only a single ascent with no repeats).
My learning’s from this recent episode is that I just need to continue to monitor my progress, be constantly vigilant to my bodies messages and not to get too complacent in terms of my recovery.
Amy’s Ride
Amy’s Ride now more than two weeks ago was the first decent ride I had attempted since being struck down.
Rode from home to Flinders University joining the throng, the majority wearing their extremely pink official Amy’s Ride 2011 attire. Not one for pink jerseys – bar the Maglia Rosa – I decided to wear my preferred yellow.
I set off when the “gun” went off and avoided as quickly as possible the nervous cyclists who were clearly uncomfortable with riding in such large numbers. Overtook reasonably quickly those who had decided to rollout early and was on my way. Having studied the route beforehand I was not at all nervous by what it presented in terms of its difficulty and decided early in the weeks buildup to leave the course at the top of Willunga Hill and plot myself a route home through Meadows, Echunga, Mylor & finally up Mount Lofty before descending across the saddle and Norton. I wanted a minimum of 150km and I wanted multiple climbs.
The body felt very good as I set an intentionally tempoed pace not allowing myself to fall into the temptation of speeding ahead or jumping onto a fast pace line of riders (riding only the 100km route), knowing that the pre-plotted route I had chosen for myself required some wisdom in riding. Further and most importantly whilst it was necessary that I test my body, it was imperitive that I not overly tax myself. To reiterate the pained cliché, this was not a race and I was very conscious on my setting my own pace knowing that there will be no paceline or team to shelter within on the backend of Falls Creek after 200km.
Final average speed of 27.5km/hr for 150km was fair given my... compromised... buildup, but I was neverthless very pleased given the distance, the total elevation gain and at times steep gradients. Willunga was nice for a first time (it not being my usual haunt) and the road between Echunga and Stirling through Mylor (intentionally choosing not to take the shortcut), as always a beautiful ride (albeit all climbing). What beautiful country side we have in our hills!
In addition to pace, I consciously focused on consumption and hydration throughout the ride. Whilst the number of nature breaks was a new record (ha ha) and I have learnt that it is indeed possible to overhydrate, in terms of consumption I was very pleased with my having completed my (admittedly unsophisticated) winter/spring “gel/bar review”. Once again I road tested two different types and found my new favourite - SiS. I have now acquired multiple boxes of SIS products which I hope will see to the end of summer.
Pulled up very well upon returning home and didn’t miss a beat on the Tuesday when out again with the TMMLM and CFFRS lads.
Putting my own efforts to one side which I believe pale in comparison, I note that my 11 year old rode the 30km Amy’s Ride option and finished in a time of 1hr 45minutes (he had to wait multiple times for my middle brother who rode it with him). This follows him having tackled Norton Summit comfortably the week prior, and only having his flat bar for 3 weeks. Dad is very chuffed to say the least!
3 Peaks Specific Training Ride
The next major hit out for me is now less than two weeks away and has been some months in preperation. Though that being said, in terms of actual preperation bar the obvious continued need to train, finalisation of the precise route and (for me) babysitter, not much in terms of logistics has been required - there will be no road closures and/or need for police escort at any time for this one.
When I first publicly committed myself to the 3 Peaks at the start of July, whether in jest or not, ride companion and 2011 3 Peaks conqueror, DD, tweeted to me a back of the envelope training ride he had just put together; >225km throughout the Adelaide hills with >2500m of total elevation gain.
Whilst there is of course a social element to this ride, for each of my ride companions there is a serious element, and I am incredibly pleased to be able to ride in their strong experienced company. This ride for me will be the most difficult ride I have done to date and will allow me to simulate elements and procedures ahead of March, and to really test the body both physically and mentally.
Until next time.
ZZ
