Is it wrong to hide from the local kids who are out trick and treating? Arguably it's one way to get to know the neighbours - something I'm not really that great at within the wider circumfrence of the neighbourhood. And hey, who lets their kids out when there are mad, bad, and dangerous people "out there". Which as you know, I am none of those descriptors. I am too freakin "nice". As I was told again today: Nice - oh, and very competent, and smart, and write well (although tend not to use a spell checker - well, not on my blog) etc and all that. Actually, today's news was a bit of a relief re a job I went for, nearly got, but didn't. Can't so I'm gutted about it....Relieved, in fact, even though I still live with uncertainty.
Well, anyway I do! - hide from the local kids trick and treating. I may have a black cat, but that's where it stops on Halloween.
Anyway, it got me thinking: I am at that stage in the training programme pre Taupo where I need to trick both my mind and body. The reward is the treat post race. But for now the focus has to be on the trick aspects.
I do though celebrate Guy Fawkes, because as preiously noted on this blog - I love FIRE. And since my supporters are co-fire kindred people, I've decided I'll defer Fireworks until party night at Kuritau. Must stock up. Will mean living on baked beans, but that's ok ;-)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Martinborough Fun Ride
Today was my first race of the season. This was "my" road, my "usual Sunday ride". I know the route well. Easy. Today I had to share the ride with a another 400 or so riders. A bit like going to my favourite coffee place/local (Mirabelle) and then finding it's full of "out of towners".
Last time I did the MFR race, which I think was probably circa 2002 or 2003, as I was living in Martinborough, I was beaten by primary school children on releigh 20s (or equivalent) and several old age pensioners. That memory has stayed with me. Last time I rode I didn't have shoes with Look cleats, or aspriations to complete the Taupo Challenge - or in fact a registration locked in. Last time I walked a few 'hills', including the same one I fell off a month or so ago. Last time I did this race I had not completed over 100 rpm sessions. Did that make a difference?
I'm probably about the same weight I was last time I did the race (its been up heaps and then down) - cardio wise fitter, but can't push the same weights I could re strength, other than my body weight - which is a significant weight enough to push up hill.
I tried to think about one thing - I never really get a "sweat on" during my Sunday rides, so I tried to treat it like it was two back to back RPMs - (just 2 sessions to get through without being able to get off the bike) that also helped with the toliet stop thing - plus I made a decision to drink less water than I usually do. But took a Powerade - afterall, that stuff helped the All Blacks win the World Cup ! (oh that's right the World Cup is over, and now people, remember there is an Election looming...)
So, the goal was two ten - and also not to require toilet stops! - which sounds real basic but was a concern for me. (I did manage the toilet stop thing by drinking less)
I started in about the middle of the pack. On the three hill climbs out of Martinborough, I was oscillating the lead with an old age pensioner - still it helped me get through them at a slightly faster pace than I normally do.
My strategy to pass heaps of people wasn't really a goer. In the end, I found one person, and I drafted off her a lot of the way - which after riding solo is quite cool. It wasn't deliberate - we changed places a few times but then she got the lead and was a bit ahead of me.
I key thing I learnt today is pychologically it is very important to keep within distance of at least one other rider. That is key. So even though you are in the slow pack - find similar riders.
I found the Millars Rd climb a bit of a killer. I usually do it the other way.
Hmm - then I had to ride home! - so another 30 km or so - Still I'm supposed to be doing that distance each Sunday - at least 80 km, and I only enrolled for the 48km of the MFR.
The fact that I'm not completely smashed now means I still need to try for a faster pace at certain points. I find that quite hard on the road.
I've just checked the my time on the website. My time was 2:14:12. I would have got less if my last gear change into Martinborough hadn't resulted in the chain coming off the deariler. It only took me a minute or so to get it back on - but that was a minute or so!
Here's the link:
http://tiktok.biz/martinboroughfunride/2011/0071/
Room for improvment :-\
I actually think this is roughly the time I did last time! - still, I'm 8 or so years older - and last time I couldn't walk afterwards when I went up to collect my spot prize of a bottle of wine!
I don't really like the crowds - the race culture etc. This aspect of it may or may not grow on me.
I don't feel estatic at my time - I guess becasue I didn't hit the 2:10 (although given I wasn't earing a watch...quite close). My main concern is know I can still ride smarter and faster. The other reason is I guess it brings home there is some competiveness in my blood, even though I don't think there is, and I don't like being in the lower percentage overall. I especially don't like being beaten by a rider who lights up a cigarette after the race. Strange how I have zero tolerance for smoking but not drinking. I can't explain that logic.
On the plus side, its about right here right now: This time last year I couldn't have attempted the ride. Next year, I'd like to aim for the 115k. But I can't get distracted by the last years, and next years. The time reflects where I am today. Sometimes its necessary to measure that. That's a good thing - facing what today's reality is in terms of my health and fitness. That's what I currently need to do, and then work on improving today's reality:-)
It feels good to have completed. It makes me slightly nervous re Taupo still. But I know I can "endure" 7-8 hours. And it will just have to be inch by inch. Kilometre by kilometre. My aim is for completion, and the achivement of a goal set "achieved".
That was today: four weeks to go!
Last time I did the MFR race, which I think was probably circa 2002 or 2003, as I was living in Martinborough, I was beaten by primary school children on releigh 20s (or equivalent) and several old age pensioners. That memory has stayed with me. Last time I rode I didn't have shoes with Look cleats, or aspriations to complete the Taupo Challenge - or in fact a registration locked in. Last time I walked a few 'hills', including the same one I fell off a month or so ago. Last time I did this race I had not completed over 100 rpm sessions. Did that make a difference?
I'm probably about the same weight I was last time I did the race (its been up heaps and then down) - cardio wise fitter, but can't push the same weights I could re strength, other than my body weight - which is a significant weight enough to push up hill.
I tried to think about one thing - I never really get a "sweat on" during my Sunday rides, so I tried to treat it like it was two back to back RPMs - (just 2 sessions to get through without being able to get off the bike) that also helped with the toliet stop thing - plus I made a decision to drink less water than I usually do. But took a Powerade - afterall, that stuff helped the All Blacks win the World Cup ! (oh that's right the World Cup is over, and now people, remember there is an Election looming...)
So, the goal was two ten - and also not to require toilet stops! - which sounds real basic but was a concern for me. (I did manage the toilet stop thing by drinking less)
I started in about the middle of the pack. On the three hill climbs out of Martinborough, I was oscillating the lead with an old age pensioner - still it helped me get through them at a slightly faster pace than I normally do.
My strategy to pass heaps of people wasn't really a goer. In the end, I found one person, and I drafted off her a lot of the way - which after riding solo is quite cool. It wasn't deliberate - we changed places a few times but then she got the lead and was a bit ahead of me.
I key thing I learnt today is pychologically it is very important to keep within distance of at least one other rider. That is key. So even though you are in the slow pack - find similar riders.
I found the Millars Rd climb a bit of a killer. I usually do it the other way.
Hmm - then I had to ride home! - so another 30 km or so - Still I'm supposed to be doing that distance each Sunday - at least 80 km, and I only enrolled for the 48km of the MFR.
The fact that I'm not completely smashed now means I still need to try for a faster pace at certain points. I find that quite hard on the road.
I've just checked the my time on the website. My time was 2:14:12. I would have got less if my last gear change into Martinborough hadn't resulted in the chain coming off the deariler. It only took me a minute or so to get it back on - but that was a minute or so!
Here's the link:
http://tiktok.biz/martinboroughfunride/2011/0071/
Room for improvment :-\
I actually think this is roughly the time I did last time! - still, I'm 8 or so years older - and last time I couldn't walk afterwards when I went up to collect my spot prize of a bottle of wine!
I don't really like the crowds - the race culture etc. This aspect of it may or may not grow on me.
I don't feel estatic at my time - I guess becasue I didn't hit the 2:10 (although given I wasn't earing a watch...quite close). My main concern is know I can still ride smarter and faster. The other reason is I guess it brings home there is some competiveness in my blood, even though I don't think there is, and I don't like being in the lower percentage overall. I especially don't like being beaten by a rider who lights up a cigarette after the race. Strange how I have zero tolerance for smoking but not drinking. I can't explain that logic.
On the plus side, its about right here right now: This time last year I couldn't have attempted the ride. Next year, I'd like to aim for the 115k. But I can't get distracted by the last years, and next years. The time reflects where I am today. Sometimes its necessary to measure that. That's a good thing - facing what today's reality is in terms of my health and fitness. That's what I currently need to do, and then work on improving today's reality:-)
It feels good to have completed. It makes me slightly nervous re Taupo still. But I know I can "endure" 7-8 hours. And it will just have to be inch by inch. Kilometre by kilometre. My aim is for completion, and the achivement of a goal set "achieved".
That was today: four weeks to go!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday
Finally got back to rpm today, only to discover my head coach has gone awol. AWOL. Would Graeme Henry leave his men on the field, even though they know what they are doing, and have to do? No!
This disappearance of my head coach meant the appearance of the MSD man. I haven't seen him for awhile. He is nice man, and becasue I am a nice woman, I like his classes. I needed a bit more than nice and like today. I needed aggression, which is not to say I'm feeling agressvie or angry, because I am not. Not at all! I just needed a rpm session where I could attempt to smash it. A bit of tempo in the overall mood.
Billy Idol is as rough as the nice MSD man gets.
Two days until my first race of the season. Mail is appearing in my mailbox and inbox related to the races I have entered. This is really happening!
This disappearance of my head coach meant the appearance of the MSD man. I haven't seen him for awhile. He is nice man, and becasue I am a nice woman, I like his classes. I needed a bit more than nice and like today. I needed aggression, which is not to say I'm feeling agressvie or angry, because I am not. Not at all! I just needed a rpm session where I could attempt to smash it. A bit of tempo in the overall mood.
Billy Idol is as rough as the nice MSD man gets.
Two days until my first race of the season. Mail is appearing in my mailbox and inbox related to the races I have entered. This is really happening!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Two ten
I went for a swim at Thorndon Pool today. One word: Expensive. I guess no more so than gym fees combined with rpm fees. So, my first outdoor swim for this summer. The theory is if I swim at lunchtime it not only improves my fitness, but the non existent tan I have. Actually, last Monday, just by being on the bike for four hours and riding on a sunny day, I did get a little sunburnt. So, I'm expecting my new bike hobby to reward me with an amazing tan this Summer. Hot legs would be a bonus. That is taking much longer :-<
The best thing I find about swimming is it helps stretch out a little. So definitely feel better for the swim today. Except I had to get out after about 40 minutes as I felt myself getting a little dizzy!
Count down now until my first "race" on Sunday. I've set a time to achieve of between 2 hours and 10 minutes or 2 hours and 15 minutes. This will be interesting given I currently don't have a watch and my new expensie computer is not yet affixed to my bike.
But wait: I have a strategy. I'm not sure it's the best imagery to use. But here it is. I don't worry about the time re checking my watch (because I don't have a watch!). I aim to go as fast as I can at the start. When the first hills come, I pass other riders. They look at me in despair, as they get passed by a "fat lady". And that's how it goes. I get through those first three hill climbs as quickly as I can. That's where I expend the effort. From the start to get the edge in my head right. I know I can ride the last stretch at a reasonable pace. My strategy is just to focus on the rider ahead, and aim to pass them. As long as there is a rider ahead of me. The aim is to make as many people as I can "despair" - in a loving way, of course?
I'm not as fit or as "lean" as I'd like to be. That's my biggest weakness. But what I need to do is focus on the strengths I have:
The best thing I find about swimming is it helps stretch out a little. So definitely feel better for the swim today. Except I had to get out after about 40 minutes as I felt myself getting a little dizzy!
Count down now until my first "race" on Sunday. I've set a time to achieve of between 2 hours and 10 minutes or 2 hours and 15 minutes. This will be interesting given I currently don't have a watch and my new expensie computer is not yet affixed to my bike.
But wait: I have a strategy. I'm not sure it's the best imagery to use. But here it is. I don't worry about the time re checking my watch (because I don't have a watch!). I aim to go as fast as I can at the start. When the first hills come, I pass other riders. They look at me in despair, as they get passed by a "fat lady". And that's how it goes. I get through those first three hill climbs as quickly as I can. That's where I expend the effort. From the start to get the edge in my head right. I know I can ride the last stretch at a reasonable pace. My strategy is just to focus on the rider ahead, and aim to pass them. As long as there is a rider ahead of me. The aim is to make as many people as I can "despair" - in a loving way, of course?
I'm not as fit or as "lean" as I'd like to be. That's my biggest weakness. But what I need to do is focus on the strengths I have:
- I know I have a base fitness
- I know the road and that I can ride it with relative ease
- I know where the hill inclimbs are and how to ride them in the right gears
- I know I can ride the road
- I know I can complete the route faster than I have been on training rides, but it will necessitate focus and pushing myself: and I know I can do that
- It will be two or more hours of my life that I will never get back but I want to make count:-)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Dancing in the Street
How does a Wainui boy celebrate success? This is how:
http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Piri-Weepu-dancing-at-the-All-Blacks-victory-parade/tabid/1593/articleID/230563/Default.aspx#.TqUqt3Iyvro.facebook
Warning: it's also how a Wainui girl does too! well, in five weeks time it will be.
Oh, and man are my shoulders sore today. V. sore. This is a bit of surprise, because it was a distance I'd done a few times before - the only difference being the coffee break. That seems to have made a huge difference. My legs are fine, so clearly I need to make them work harder than my shoulders.
http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Piri-Weepu-dancing-at-the-All-Blacks-victory-parade/tabid/1593/articleID/230563/Default.aspx#.TqUqt3Iyvro.facebook
Warning: it's also how a Wainui girl does too! well, in five weeks time it will be.
Oh, and man are my shoulders sore today. V. sore. This is a bit of surprise, because it was a distance I'd done a few times before - the only difference being the coffee break. That seems to have made a huge difference. My legs are fine, so clearly I need to make them work harder than my shoulders.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Training programme
I can't get to some of my usual rpm sessions this week due to other commitments, so I need to write down what I will do. This is the minimum I hope to do. I may do more. Depending on how light it is when I get home from work, I may try and do a quick short rides after work on the flat. At least if I do the following, it will be a lot more than last week ;-)
Monday: Carterton-Martinborough-Carterton: 4 hour endurance ride (completed)
Tuesday: Exercises: Side Planks; 3 x 15 Ab crunches; 3 x lower leg extensions 3 x leg lift; 3 x 15 tricep dips
Wednesday: RPM @ 11.30 (maybe)
Thursday: Weights at the gym at lunchtime or a swim at Thorndon pool
Friday: RPM @11.30
Saturday: Garden
Sunday: Martinborough Fun Ride
I was telling my colleague on Friday, it's 5 weeks to go. Her response was "that's exciting, you must be excited". Excited wasn't the first word that came to mind. It's a good way to frame things though.
Monday: Carterton-Martinborough-Carterton: 4 hour endurance ride (completed)
Tuesday: Exercises: Side Planks; 3 x 15 Ab crunches; 3 x lower leg extensions 3 x leg lift; 3 x 15 tricep dips
Wednesday: RPM @ 11.30 (maybe)
Thursday: Weights at the gym at lunchtime or a swim at Thorndon pool
Friday: RPM @11.30
Saturday: Garden
Sunday: Martinborough Fun Ride
I was telling my colleague on Friday, it's 5 weeks to go. Her response was "that's exciting, you must be excited". Excited wasn't the first word that came to mind. It's a good way to frame things though.
Martinborough non stop (almost)
Today I did the Martinborough route non stop (almost). I know I'd signalled on Friday I'd do it twice. I don't know where that idea came from, or the thought I'd complete the whole list I'd identified.
It was an almost non stop ride because I didn't stop for coffee and a chat in Martinborough, which is what I normally do. Although I did have to make a few (discrete) stops to go to the toilet. Too much information, but this could potentially be a problem on race day. It's fine (well, not really fine but doable) when there is noone else on the road, but when there other competitors it could prove more difficult or in fact very difficult.
It was a "problem" I had when I first started the road rides, and I thought I had significantly improved the water retention thing. Well, I had actually. I'm not sure whethr it was becasue it was quite windy today, whether staying on the bike longer was a factor, or whether for the first time I had one of those Powerade bottles that helped the All Blacks win the world cup :-)
I think the theory is you drink according to your weight. So, that means I like to drink a lot of water. In doing so, I think it helps keep me "fresh" and makes overall for a better ride. It's something I need to work out though the balance of fluid retention. I'll see how it goes next week with the actual race.
Today's ride took me 4 hours. On that basis, I'm currently around the 8 hours completion mark for Taupo. It will be hard to shave an hour off that. Still I'm on track for completion. Hopefully, race conditions will make me go faster, and the stops in between will help with motivation.
I drove the route I take as I had to go to Martinborough yesterday while I had the use of the car. It was/is a good feeling to know I can ride that distance on my bike (its 80k the route not 77k!). The distance also equates more or less from Carterton to Wellington - one way. Of course there is the Rimutaka's in the middle which means I couldn't currently ride it on my bike. But its the distance. It's a powerful feeling to know I can ride that distance.
A few comments on the rugby:
I had a bit of a "Piri Weepu" week last week. (Incidently my favourite scarecrow is the Pee-ri Wee-pu scarecrow for reassons as above - its not the best scarecrow on the route, but it makes me feel better!). Missed a few attempts at goal. But that was last week. The thing to remember (at least for me) is that one week he was man of the match. I like Piri, because he's really a league man from Wainui as I think I'e previously mentioned - he's a bit rough and real not like the pretty boy SBW. He also struggles with his weight, but when he's good he is good:-) I liked it yesterday when he had his little girl with hime after the match when being interviewed. So New Zealand may have had to rely on a whitebait catcher from the Waikato for the significant penalty, but Piri still played signficant contribution overall.
The other two moments I liked from the match where when Brian Lochore (the good Wairarapa man) came on with the little boy from Canterbury.
And while most people like Richie McCaw's shag line (and actually I was fairly shagged after today's ride, I had to have a "little lie down"!, I liked the one where he said its about digging deep. I guess that comes from the 80s. I can relate to that. It's about "digging it in", finding the strength within.
Let's face it, France really deserved to win yesterday that particular match, but not the overall Tournament. In the end its about going the distance, and that's what the All Blacks did. And that's what I need to do on the road and the wider journey. Just go the distance.
Will post my training programme for the week in a seperate post - later- when its dark, as I need to make the most of the daylight!.
It was an almost non stop ride because I didn't stop for coffee and a chat in Martinborough, which is what I normally do. Although I did have to make a few (discrete) stops to go to the toilet. Too much information, but this could potentially be a problem on race day. It's fine (well, not really fine but doable) when there is noone else on the road, but when there other competitors it could prove more difficult or in fact very difficult.
It was a "problem" I had when I first started the road rides, and I thought I had significantly improved the water retention thing. Well, I had actually. I'm not sure whethr it was becasue it was quite windy today, whether staying on the bike longer was a factor, or whether for the first time I had one of those Powerade bottles that helped the All Blacks win the world cup :-)
I think the theory is you drink according to your weight. So, that means I like to drink a lot of water. In doing so, I think it helps keep me "fresh" and makes overall for a better ride. It's something I need to work out though the balance of fluid retention. I'll see how it goes next week with the actual race.
Today's ride took me 4 hours. On that basis, I'm currently around the 8 hours completion mark for Taupo. It will be hard to shave an hour off that. Still I'm on track for completion. Hopefully, race conditions will make me go faster, and the stops in between will help with motivation.
I drove the route I take as I had to go to Martinborough yesterday while I had the use of the car. It was/is a good feeling to know I can ride that distance on my bike (its 80k the route not 77k!). The distance also equates more or less from Carterton to Wellington - one way. Of course there is the Rimutaka's in the middle which means I couldn't currently ride it on my bike. But its the distance. It's a powerful feeling to know I can ride that distance.
A few comments on the rugby:
I had a bit of a "Piri Weepu" week last week. (Incidently my favourite scarecrow is the Pee-ri Wee-pu scarecrow for reassons as above - its not the best scarecrow on the route, but it makes me feel better!). Missed a few attempts at goal. But that was last week. The thing to remember (at least for me) is that one week he was man of the match. I like Piri, because he's really a league man from Wainui as I think I'e previously mentioned - he's a bit rough and real not like the pretty boy SBW. He also struggles with his weight, but when he's good he is good:-) I liked it yesterday when he had his little girl with hime after the match when being interviewed. So New Zealand may have had to rely on a whitebait catcher from the Waikato for the significant penalty, but Piri still played signficant contribution overall.
The other two moments I liked from the match where when Brian Lochore (the good Wairarapa man) came on with the little boy from Canterbury.
And while most people like Richie McCaw's shag line (and actually I was fairly shagged after today's ride, I had to have a "little lie down"!, I liked the one where he said its about digging deep. I guess that comes from the 80s. I can relate to that. It's about "digging it in", finding the strength within.
Let's face it, France really deserved to win yesterday that particular match, but not the overall Tournament. In the end its about going the distance, and that's what the All Blacks did. And that's what I need to do on the road and the wider journey. Just go the distance.
Will post my training programme for the week in a seperate post - later- when its dark, as I need to make the most of the daylight!.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Lists
I'm so not a lists person. I like to think there is creativity in being organic. But I concede lists help focus. So in a hat tip to Small Town Stories, below is a bit of a list for the weekend.
I have the use of the Strawhouse owners car for the weekend while they do business in Auckland. It's a green dollar deal though as you will see from the list below:
1. Clean my house
2. Clean the Strawhouse "homestay" - its true to say I'm a better "professional cleaner" than I am domestic cleaner.
3. Finish digging over the lawn and replant the patches
4. Buy mushroom compost, stakes, other assorted garden necessities
5. Stock up on a Pak N Save shop
6. Weed and dig over the rose beds - dig in the sheep shit
7. Stake the trees that need staking
8. Walk the TK "wine circuit" when in Martinborough
9.Go for a swim - probably at Huia in the Hutt
10. Pick up the Strawhouse owners from the Airport on Sunday
11. On Monday do 2 circuits of the Martinborough route on my bike (lets hope a week of rest makes this easy)!
12.Have coffee with the Frenchman and his wife
13. Construct and post on the blog a training programme for the next week to keep me on track.
A fairly domesticated list. Doesn't necessarily look like it will burn much energy. But it will, if I can tick everything off that list on Monday.
It's a year since I've driven a car. It's great to have access to a car for a few days, but it also "drives home" the fact I really do want to own my own car again now.
I have the use of the Strawhouse owners car for the weekend while they do business in Auckland. It's a green dollar deal though as you will see from the list below:
1. Clean my house
2. Clean the Strawhouse "homestay" - its true to say I'm a better "professional cleaner" than I am domestic cleaner.
3. Finish digging over the lawn and replant the patches
4. Buy mushroom compost, stakes, other assorted garden necessities
5. Stock up on a Pak N Save shop
6. Weed and dig over the rose beds - dig in the sheep shit
7. Stake the trees that need staking
8. Walk the TK "wine circuit" when in Martinborough
9.Go for a swim - probably at Huia in the Hutt
10. Pick up the Strawhouse owners from the Airport on Sunday
11. On Monday do 2 circuits of the Martinborough route on my bike (lets hope a week of rest makes this easy)!
12.Have coffee with the Frenchman and his wife
13. Construct and post on the blog a training programme for the next week to keep me on track.
A fairly domesticated list. Doesn't necessarily look like it will burn much energy. But it will, if I can tick everything off that list on Monday.
It's a year since I've driven a car. It's great to have access to a car for a few days, but it also "drives home" the fact I really do want to own my own car again now.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Pukeko
If I was a bird, that's what I'd be. One of those crazy dumb birds that does stupid things - just because they can. Well, at least week that's what I'd be. F***ed my training programme up completely this week. Although if I was a bird, my training this week would be a Moa. Extinct. With five weeks to go, there's not really the luxury to do that. *oh well*. These are the hiccups to overcome. These are the diversions I sometimes (still) make.
Maybe, I just needed a few days break. Maybe.
Now there's some remedial work to do.
On the plus side I have a few $ xtra hours this week. Although fitness wise and wellness wise I don't think it's an opportunity cost that evens out.
Finally, in a "sign of the times" I received notification today that my Tissot watch will cost $300 to repair as it has rust inside. I don't think I want to spend that much, despite its sentimental value. A reminder I'm supposed to be working towards a new watch.
I might have to have one of those phases where I go watchless. I did it for about a year once. All it means though is you rely a lot on other watches and clocks. At the time I said I didn't want to be governed by time, but it governs you more.
Maybe, I just needed a few days break. Maybe.
Now there's some remedial work to do.
On the plus side I have a few $ xtra hours this week. Although fitness wise and wellness wise I don't think it's an opportunity cost that evens out.
Finally, in a "sign of the times" I received notification today that my Tissot watch will cost $300 to repair as it has rust inside. I don't think I want to spend that much, despite its sentimental value. A reminder I'm supposed to be working towards a new watch.
I might have to have one of those phases where I go watchless. I did it for about a year once. All it means though is you rely a lot on other watches and clocks. At the time I said I didn't want to be governed by time, but it governs you more.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Life is like this
at the moment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIZdjT1472Y
Normal patterns of regularity are interrupted, including my frequency on the Terrace. Normal service will resume soon. But possibly not until after Labour weekend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIZdjT1472Y
Normal patterns of regularity are interrupted, including my frequency on the Terrace. Normal service will resume soon. But possibly not until after Labour weekend.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Google and the heat beat
I can tell you that if you sit at your computer for five minutes, and google, with a Polar heart beat monitor on you will burn 6 calories. So on that basis, I guess I could just try sitting at my computer all day with the heart monitor and see what effect that has. It sort of reminds me of the fad there was a few years ago at the Ministry of Health where several employees (although not me!) walked around wearing pedometers - and they would beep when people were sitting at their desk. Although the fittest guy I worked with never wore one.
Anyway, that's all I can tell you re the statistics today. I have my computer functioning enough that I could've worn the strap while I rode, but I didn't. It turns out both the owners of the Strawhouse and I are challenged when it comes to installing my new equipment, so I'm going to have to get a bike guy to do it. I'll probably get Penny Farthing to do it when I get my bike serviced. That will still be in time for Taupo so that I can know what speed I'm going. The thing is I have it now. Given the uncertainty in my ongoing budget its good to have the "essentials in place"!
I had thought that today I would do two laps of the Martinborough route. Today was not a two lap day though. I'll now aim to achieve that on Labour weekend Monday. It requires an early start and the owners of the Strawhouse to be home all day - in case I need a "call out" - because I can't walk far in my cleats if anything happens. That's just kind of a safety measure for myself.
I didn't get an early start today. This meant I was riding into a really strong headwind over to Martinborough. Perhaps the strongest I have ridden in my most recent rides. I guess it helps build resilence re that. I was hoping I would get an awesome tail wind home, but the fricken wind died down. Murphy's law!
I managed to take the hills a bit better and not fall off my bike. I still find a couple of them quite hard. I thought I knew the road now, but its not completely etched in my memory yet, so there are still a nearly forget about.
There weren't many cyclists on the road today. A few. One really fast guy. Fast going down hill.
One of the nice things about today's ride was the appearance of the Gladstone scarecrows circa 2011. It's a Gladstone thing where the locals have a competition building up to Guy Fawkes day to have the best dressed scarerow. There are lots of All Black scarecrows this year. Some of them are pretty fricken awesome!
Anyway, that's all I can tell you re the statistics today. I have my computer functioning enough that I could've worn the strap while I rode, but I didn't. It turns out both the owners of the Strawhouse and I are challenged when it comes to installing my new equipment, so I'm going to have to get a bike guy to do it. I'll probably get Penny Farthing to do it when I get my bike serviced. That will still be in time for Taupo so that I can know what speed I'm going. The thing is I have it now. Given the uncertainty in my ongoing budget its good to have the "essentials in place"!
I had thought that today I would do two laps of the Martinborough route. Today was not a two lap day though. I'll now aim to achieve that on Labour weekend Monday. It requires an early start and the owners of the Strawhouse to be home all day - in case I need a "call out" - because I can't walk far in my cleats if anything happens. That's just kind of a safety measure for myself.
I didn't get an early start today. This meant I was riding into a really strong headwind over to Martinborough. Perhaps the strongest I have ridden in my most recent rides. I guess it helps build resilence re that. I was hoping I would get an awesome tail wind home, but the fricken wind died down. Murphy's law!
I managed to take the hills a bit better and not fall off my bike. I still find a couple of them quite hard. I thought I knew the road now, but its not completely etched in my memory yet, so there are still a nearly forget about.
There weren't many cyclists on the road today. A few. One really fast guy. Fast going down hill.
One of the nice things about today's ride was the appearance of the Gladstone scarecrows circa 2011. It's a Gladstone thing where the locals have a competition building up to Guy Fawkes day to have the best dressed scarerow. There are lots of All Black scarecrows this year. Some of them are pretty fricken awesome!
Friday, October 14, 2011
CS 200 cad
I'm now the proud owner of a Polar CS 200 cad. I purchased it from Capital Cycles. A variation form my preferred supplier. The man who sold it to me said if I had any problems installing it, to take my bike in. Good offer, but its a bit of a mission taking my bike into Wellington, re the requirement to take it on the train.
So right now, there are expensive plastic pieces in plastic envelopes sitting on the table. And INSTRUCTIONS. I'm only going to assemble the CS 200 if I follow instructions. Eeek. As you know, I don't like instructions. This is where having a gifted cat is not particularly helpful.
I might just pack it up in Camelback and ride it over to Martinborough, and ask nicely if Mr Strawhouse can do the puzzle. Maybe.
Good workout today at rpm. Friday instructor is a legend in terms of reading my musical tastes!
Other stuff happened today. Today I decided that I need to create a new chapter in my life. I'm not sure what the chapter will contain. Not at all. Right now it's a chapter of white pages waiting for the pages to be filled with text. Of course, that's what the journey is all about. But today I reminded myself of that, and decided I needed to press the refresh button on my life. On my goals, aspirations, dreams, give attention to matters of the heart (not just the purchase of a heart monitor although it is a start!), who I want to hang out with, and who I do not, and the way I want to live, to live well.
I'm not sure why today was the day I decided to revisit this stuff.
Maybe, because it's six weeks to Taupo. This is where the training intensifies. This is where it all kicks in. This is where its going to start to get good ;-)
Totally expect this track to turn up on a rpm tracklist one day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E&ob=av2e
So right now, there are expensive plastic pieces in plastic envelopes sitting on the table. And INSTRUCTIONS. I'm only going to assemble the CS 200 if I follow instructions. Eeek. As you know, I don't like instructions. This is where having a gifted cat is not particularly helpful.
I might just pack it up in Camelback and ride it over to Martinborough, and ask nicely if Mr Strawhouse can do the puzzle. Maybe.
Good workout today at rpm. Friday instructor is a legend in terms of reading my musical tastes!
Other stuff happened today. Today I decided that I need to create a new chapter in my life. I'm not sure what the chapter will contain. Not at all. Right now it's a chapter of white pages waiting for the pages to be filled with text. Of course, that's what the journey is all about. But today I reminded myself of that, and decided I needed to press the refresh button on my life. On my goals, aspirations, dreams, give attention to matters of the heart (not just the purchase of a heart monitor although it is a start!), who I want to hang out with, and who I do not, and the way I want to live, to live well.
I'm not sure why today was the day I decided to revisit this stuff.
Maybe, because it's six weeks to Taupo. This is where the training intensifies. This is where it all kicks in. This is where its going to start to get good ;-)
Totally expect this track to turn up on a rpm tracklist one day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E&ob=av2e
Thursday, October 13, 2011
And you can see my heart, beating
I visited another bike shop today - which occupied my rpm time today. I can confirm: Wellington has quite a high number of bike shops per population. I think Penny Farthing may be my favourite, because they don't aim to oversell, and they provide good service, whoever serves you, although Mario as I have mentioned is my favourite! Good to shop around though. Thursdays are normally rest days in any case so I do that little bit extra at the weekend. Exercise wise. Well, that at least is the intention.
No closer to the purchase of a heart monitor or watch. Well, maybe a little closer. Close to giving up (the purchase). But now I have to complete the purchase. Otherwise, I'll feel defeated. Inch by inch. That's what I need to remember. How else am I going to monitor myself and know what training zone I'm in, how far I've come?
I've realised if you want to monitor your heart you need to wear a monitor around your chest. This may explain why I never became a heart or brain surgeon.
Another favourite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ2nCGawrSY
I like it, a lot, but maybe I like some Rhianna tracks more. This track though fits today's posting.
No closer to the purchase of a heart monitor or watch. Well, maybe a little closer. Close to giving up (the purchase). But now I have to complete the purchase. Otherwise, I'll feel defeated. Inch by inch. That's what I need to remember. How else am I going to monitor myself and know what training zone I'm in, how far I've come?
I've realised if you want to monitor your heart you need to wear a monitor around your chest. This may explain why I never became a heart or brain surgeon.
Another favourite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ2nCGawrSY
I like it, a lot, but maybe I like some Rhianna tracks more. This track though fits today's posting.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Hot
Today's RPM was hot. For some reason the room was extremely hot, even with all the fans on. Before class commenced the rider next to me couldn't adjust her seat. The Hutt girl couldn't adjust it either for her. But I could! It looked liked I had strength, but I think it was actually a technique thing. Ha! Hutt girl might need to go to a few more pump classes. Although I'm sure she could say the same about me!
The continuing saga of the poor stereo system continues. Seriously, its almost enough to prompt an email to millionare Les Mills to ask him why its too much to fit a decent stereo sound system.
As much as it pains me to write this, if yesterday was a 9.5 (I'm watching UK Dancing with the Stars, today being Wednesday), well today would've been a 10 - on my self rating scale. Not a reflection of the instruction. And I definitely liked the music better yesterday. Although I think a small email discourse I had before class on RPM speeds was probably quite dangerous re today's workout ;-) So, that's what I went for today RPM speed, and it worked, although I still couldn't tell you how fast my speed was. I think it helped that Hutt girl had mistakenly placed me in seat 19 instead fo 20. The Body Balance Lady is on to something. That bike defeinitely rides much more smoothly than any of the other bikes in the room.
I think I am over my front row experiment, and will be reverting to the back row, or if in the front row no 8. I find it easier to "lift my chest" and just focus on the wall without having to worry about the eye contact thing. I also kind of like that space thing. Maybe seat 19 is the perfect seat.
I ended the day visiting various bike shops. I really wanted to consult Mario, at Penny Farthings but he was busy with another customer. He did though smile at me:-) It was a rather unsucessful visit for the same reason as being on the web last night. I just find it a bit overwhelming. Although there were some nice heart monitor watches in PF. I decided to defer the purchase, and will probably purchase online.
Actually, I ended the day with serious "munchies". Despite eating brown bread, eggs and fruit throughout the day, by the time I caught the last train home I had serious munchies. I should've grabbed some fruit at the New World. I didn't, so I ate my tea on the train - cold Fresca Pasta. Luckily, it wasn't raw fish or steak. That could've been ugly!
The continuing saga of the poor stereo system continues. Seriously, its almost enough to prompt an email to millionare Les Mills to ask him why its too much to fit a decent stereo sound system.
As much as it pains me to write this, if yesterday was a 9.5 (I'm watching UK Dancing with the Stars, today being Wednesday), well today would've been a 10 - on my self rating scale. Not a reflection of the instruction. And I definitely liked the music better yesterday. Although I think a small email discourse I had before class on RPM speeds was probably quite dangerous re today's workout ;-) So, that's what I went for today RPM speed, and it worked, although I still couldn't tell you how fast my speed was. I think it helped that Hutt girl had mistakenly placed me in seat 19 instead fo 20. The Body Balance Lady is on to something. That bike defeinitely rides much more smoothly than any of the other bikes in the room.
I think I am over my front row experiment, and will be reverting to the back row, or if in the front row no 8. I find it easier to "lift my chest" and just focus on the wall without having to worry about the eye contact thing. I also kind of like that space thing. Maybe seat 19 is the perfect seat.
I ended the day visiting various bike shops. I really wanted to consult Mario, at Penny Farthings but he was busy with another customer. He did though smile at me:-) It was a rather unsucessful visit for the same reason as being on the web last night. I just find it a bit overwhelming. Although there were some nice heart monitor watches in PF. I decided to defer the purchase, and will probably purchase online.
Actually, I ended the day with serious "munchies". Despite eating brown bread, eggs and fruit throughout the day, by the time I caught the last train home I had serious munchies. I should've grabbed some fruit at the New World. I didn't, so I ate my tea on the train - cold Fresca Pasta. Luckily, it wasn't raw fish or steak. That could've been ugly!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Two more things
Picking up on the You Tube clip from Saturday, that you will now be very familiar with ;-), my favourite lines are of course the ones from Rocky. But I also like it when Muhammad Ali in his trash talk prime talks about wrestling with alligators, and when he says this:
I can't explain why a white middle aged lady likes this stuff, other than I do! Anyway, back to reality: I don't know how fast I am when riding. I can measure distance completed and time taken. But I need to be more scientific if I want to make those inch by inch improvements. So, despite the fact that I blogged I had all I cycling needs met, (well until I progress to a super duper bike - but I want to earn my stripes for that) there are two more things I need. And I need them this week! One is a computer for my bike. The other is a watch for my wrist that measures calories burnt etc. My Swiss German Tissot watch currently has water on its brain, so I need to have it repaired. Its also "timely" to remind myself there is the bigger goal of getting a new Tissot watch when I get to 65kg. That's not going to happen this side of Christmas! But it remains a goal. Sometimes it troubles me I am becoming a bit "nerdy" about this stuff. But its a trouble I can live with!Best RPM session today with the T(uesday) instructor - ....this week:-)! Combination of a music playlist that I really liked, good instruction, and the fact that maybe I was in the right mood, and training day of my training week. Hutt girl will need to play an A game to beat it tomorrow. Not that I compare instructors! That would be unfair! And ultimately, its about the various factors sync-ing that make for a good workout. ....Have just spent some time on Trade Me and the Avanti site and now I am confused or overwhelmed at what I could buy... confused..... strangely enough its going to require some navigation! | ||||
Monday, October 10, 2011
Inch by inch
One of the You tube videos I posted on Saturday had the line in it: “inch by inch” – but you will know that from having watched it?! Being ‘old school’ re measurements in inches, I like that line.
Being old school it also reminds me of this song “ Inchworm”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXi3bjKowJU&feature=related
Today my contract was extended by another 4 weeks. The work extension will take me two weeks out before Taupo. There's always a possibility it could be extended after that. But for now its a matter of taking one inch at a time. The same as for my training. So, I'm going to need to fit in an intensified training programme around work. This will mean being a bit more organised, so I can do additional riding after work. Hopefully the days will get lighter quicker.
Ambivalent about today’s rpm. Mr AK was a bit grumpy. Sometimes it makes for an awesome workout when that is the case. Sometimes it makes me ambivalent. Today it made me ambivalent. Although in his favour he did play “Why” and“Beautiful Day” – which are top of my favourite of favourites, each for different reasons, even though they are not Tiesto tracks :-) Why is a very old time favourite. Annie Lennox is good to ride to on the road too. What I quite like re Annie Lennox is that I have moved on from my “Songs of Destruction” phase. Angry angst dark songs. I do still like some of those songs and that album. And I will always love Sing for its lyrics and what it symbolises. It’s good tho to reflect on the shift. That's where music can be useful for measuring the inches. I see it as part of moving towards and living more in the “light” rather than “darkness”.
I checked out the quote I posted – its often attributed to Nelson Mandela, but he didn’t say it first!
Inch by inch. Day by day!
Being old school it also reminds me of this song “ Inchworm”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXi3bjKowJU&feature=related
Today my contract was extended by another 4 weeks. The work extension will take me two weeks out before Taupo. There's always a possibility it could be extended after that. But for now its a matter of taking one inch at a time. The same as for my training. So, I'm going to need to fit in an intensified training programme around work. This will mean being a bit more organised, so I can do additional riding after work. Hopefully the days will get lighter quicker.
Ambivalent about today’s rpm. Mr AK was a bit grumpy. Sometimes it makes for an awesome workout when that is the case. Sometimes it makes me ambivalent. Today it made me ambivalent. Although in his favour he did play “Why” and“Beautiful Day” – which are top of my favourite of favourites, each for different reasons, even though they are not Tiesto tracks :-) Why is a very old time favourite. Annie Lennox is good to ride to on the road too. What I quite like re Annie Lennox is that I have moved on from my “Songs of Destruction” phase. Angry angst dark songs. I do still like some of those songs and that album. And I will always love Sing for its lyrics and what it symbolises. It’s good tho to reflect on the shift. That's where music can be useful for measuring the inches. I see it as part of moving towards and living more in the “light” rather than “darkness”.
I checked out the quote I posted – its often attributed to Nelson Mandela, but he didn’t say it first!
Inch by inch. Day by day!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Martinborough x 50%
I only went one way today re the Sunday ride to Martinborough. The owners of the strawhouse wanted to trade some sheep shit (ironical given the manure came from a Martinborough farm in the first place) so gave me a lift home. This worked for today, as I wanted to get some gardening in, mow the lawn etc. I think the up side too is that I'll be able to go to the rpm tomorrow realtively "fresh". Mr AK, I'll be back - in the front row!
So, only a 50% ride today = 30km. I rode into a headwind most of the way. It took me hour and a quarter or so. So total distance for the weekend would be 50km which is lower than I normally aim for. I think though if I can increase on the frequency, thats equally important too re "conditioning".
I'm not sure what time I'm aiming for the Martinborough fun ride, but I think realistically its going to take me over 2.5 hours.
I think I used my gears more effectively. I couldn't tell you what number combinations, but I was able to take the "hills" better. Although the memory trigger of falling off the hill last week was triggered a couple of times. A key thing for the hills is not only the right gear, but the pedal thing re keeping the cadence going. I think I'm improving re that too.
Seven weeks to go.
So, only a 50% ride today = 30km. I rode into a headwind most of the way. It took me hour and a quarter or so. So total distance for the weekend would be 50km which is lower than I normally aim for. I think though if I can increase on the frequency, thats equally important too re "conditioning".
I'm not sure what time I'm aiming for the Martinborough fun ride, but I think realistically its going to take me over 2.5 hours.
I think I used my gears more effectively. I couldn't tell you what number combinations, but I was able to take the "hills" better. Although the memory trigger of falling off the hill last week was triggered a couple of times. A key thing for the hills is not only the right gear, but the pedal thing re keeping the cadence going. I think I'm improving re that too.
Seven weeks to go.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Westside x Tararua/Whare Wall route
I managed to go for an earlyish ride today. I really enjoyed it. It was the Westside route - but I extended it out by a few kms, which took me up a road that you can take to get entry to the Tararuas - the Whare Wall entry. It's pretty much the perfect route (re very few cars and flat strectches) to practice "speed" work. That's what the training book reccommends. And it makes sense. If you want to become a better runner then you include sprints in your training. Not just long distances. Not that I would know about running! Anyway, it took me about an hour or so. I can't (yet) do sprints that make me sweat on the bike, the same way as RPM can (sometimes). So, its something to work on.
It was beautiful weather and riding conditions on my ride this morning. Now it is raining and feels like winter. I'm even conemplating lighting the fire! Supposed to be fine tomorrow. - Plan to ride to Martinborough.
My new helmet didn't actually feel like it was the lightest helmet in NZ. It actually feels about the same weight as my other helmet. Although apart from looking good (the helmet :-)) I'm sure it is safer.
I will post photos of my recent "bike" purchases. Just not today!
Here's a "nice" quote I found today from someone called Marieanne Williamson - although I'm sure that first line is from "someone else":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIl5RxhLZ5U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CbQOLqZ8IA&feature=fvwp&NR=1
And a cool You Tube clip - that has a lot of my favourite lines in :-) and of course Lance Armstrong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xLYt265ZM&NR=1&feature=fvwp
It was beautiful weather and riding conditions on my ride this morning. Now it is raining and feels like winter. I'm even conemplating lighting the fire! Supposed to be fine tomorrow. - Plan to ride to Martinborough.
My new helmet didn't actually feel like it was the lightest helmet in NZ. It actually feels about the same weight as my other helmet. Although apart from looking good (the helmet :-)) I'm sure it is safer.
I will post photos of my recent "bike" purchases. Just not today!
Here's a "nice" quote I found today from someone called Marieanne Williamson - although I'm sure that first line is from "someone else":
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”Some cool cycling videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIl5RxhLZ5U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CbQOLqZ8IA&feature=fvwp&NR=1
And a cool You Tube clip - that has a lot of my favourite lines in :-) and of course Lance Armstrong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xLYt265ZM&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Friday, October 7, 2011
Instructions
Why does every thing come with instructions? There are two types of people in the world. Those who read instructions, and those who don't! I am in the secondary category. I like to rely on intuition. It's not always the most expedient of ways to assemble things.
Not that the instructions I need to adhere to require that much nous to assemble.
I guess though instructions can be useful. Like, instructing the Fastways courier to follow the fine example of NZ Post. Viola they did.
I am now the proud owner of a new Giro helmetm - apparently like Lance Armstrong. I've been meaning to get a new helmet. My fall last week prompted me to accelerate the purchase. Not that my head touched the ground at all last week. But it easily could of. However, to "fit" the helmet, which I know is the right thing to do, otherwise the effect is the same as not wearing a helmet, I need to follow the instructions.
It's a beautiful blue colour - the helmet - o.m.g. I hope noone mistakes me for a National voter on he day. That would be tragic. Still my shoes are red :-)
I also purchased a riding top and that arrived today. Let me just say an XL in cycling terms is not the same as an XL in the real "mans" or "womans" world. Not. the. same.
So, I'm pretty much "set" for my Taupo gear now. Nope, totally set, well apart from the minor issue of whether I ride like the guy in the Molenberg ad on tv. eg looking like a blow up doll about to burst, or whether I just go with a "gym t shirt" or new Rebel shirt I just purchased, which fits well, but doesn't make me look like I will explode. It will all depend on how much weight I can loose overthe next six weeks. Just as well that I have options for Taupo outfits as I only have another weeks work (some possibility my current contract may be extended but no gaurantee), and then the money may run out....(NO more trade me puchases from now!) and then I'm back in the abyss (sp) or land of uncertainty - no, not completely. I trust in God even if I still don't understand his timing or plans for me.
Will post pics tomorrow - not of God, but, my Taupo outfit - or options.
Good session at RPM today - although second day in a row I forgot to take my hand towel.
My bruises from last weekend have healed. Will "condition" them again this weekend. I also have the challenge of facing the same hill again this weekend. It makes me nervous. But the sooner I ride it again the better.
Not that the instructions I need to adhere to require that much nous to assemble.
I guess though instructions can be useful. Like, instructing the Fastways courier to follow the fine example of NZ Post. Viola they did.
I am now the proud owner of a new Giro helmetm - apparently like Lance Armstrong. I've been meaning to get a new helmet. My fall last week prompted me to accelerate the purchase. Not that my head touched the ground at all last week. But it easily could of. However, to "fit" the helmet, which I know is the right thing to do, otherwise the effect is the same as not wearing a helmet, I need to follow the instructions.
It's a beautiful blue colour - the helmet - o.m.g. I hope noone mistakes me for a National voter on he day. That would be tragic. Still my shoes are red :-)
I also purchased a riding top and that arrived today. Let me just say an XL in cycling terms is not the same as an XL in the real "mans" or "womans" world. Not. the. same.
So, I'm pretty much "set" for my Taupo gear now. Nope, totally set, well apart from the minor issue of whether I ride like the guy in the Molenberg ad on tv. eg looking like a blow up doll about to burst, or whether I just go with a "gym t shirt" or new Rebel shirt I just purchased, which fits well, but doesn't make me look like I will explode. It will all depend on how much weight I can loose overthe next six weeks. Just as well that I have options for Taupo outfits as I only have another weeks work (some possibility my current contract may be extended but no gaurantee), and then the money may run out....(NO more trade me puchases from now!) and then I'm back in the abyss (sp) or land of uncertainty - no, not completely. I trust in God even if I still don't understand his timing or plans for me.
Will post pics tomorrow - not of God, but, my Taupo outfit - or options.
Good session at RPM today - although second day in a row I forgot to take my hand towel.
My bruises from last weekend have healed. Will "condition" them again this weekend. I also have the challenge of facing the same hill again this weekend. It makes me nervous. But the sooner I ride it again the better.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Fastways
Fastways is not on the same delivery plan as my NZ Post courier (as in leave the parcel outside the door). This means my Trade Me purchase (that I have been waiting for with anicipation) is quarantined at the Masterton depot. Buggar. Now need to work out a way to gain access to it. Hopefully they can deliver on Saturday. Hopefully. Otherwise Fastways becomes Slow-ways.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Election
I realised today that the Taupo Challenge is scheduled the same day as the Election.
How am I going to get around Lake Taupo in time to vote and fulfil my obligations to society?
Will my vote make any difference? Given I'm in an electorate that can be blue and red. Part liberal part conservative I think it is important I do vote.
Anyway, currently imagining myself half way round Lake Taupo *stressed* I wont be back in time before the polling booths close ;-) I will of course be back in time. But I don't really want my thoughts on Taupo day occupied with political matters!
How am I going to get around Lake Taupo in time to vote and fulfil my obligations to society?
Will my vote make any difference? Given I'm in an electorate that can be blue and red. Part liberal part conservative I think it is important I do vote.
Anyway, currently imagining myself half way round Lake Taupo *stressed* I wont be back in time before the polling booths close ;-) I will of course be back in time. But I don't really want my thoughts on Taupo day occupied with political matters!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Back in the saddle
Made it back to class today. My knee and leg is bruised so I did pace myself. So I didn't go as high intensity as I can. That's the thing, knowing your body and being sensible about it. It's very important I keep the training going, both physically and pyschologically.
I think the "fear factor" may actually be about to kick in. That fear of failing, and fear of falling. I know I'm not going to fail though. And a quick skim of the cycling book that arrived yesterday, sort of instilled a lot of confidence that I have been preparing, and I am on track training wise - there are significant improvements I can make though. The two being: strength training (that will help with the core and weight loss) and mastering my gears. Those two things are probably the two biggest things that are going to make a difference in my time for Taupo.
Arnica though is a magic homeopathic cure. Magic.
No parcels in the mail or "courier bin" outside my door. So tomorrow may be more exciting.
I think the "fear factor" may actually be about to kick in. That fear of failing, and fear of falling. I know I'm not going to fail though. And a quick skim of the cycling book that arrived yesterday, sort of instilled a lot of confidence that I have been preparing, and I am on track training wise - there are significant improvements I can make though. The two being: strength training (that will help with the core and weight loss) and mastering my gears. Those two things are probably the two biggest things that are going to make a difference in my time for Taupo.
Arnica though is a magic homeopathic cure. Magic.
No parcels in the mail or "courier bin" outside my door. So tomorrow may be more exciting.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Whiplash
Today I decided I either have meningococcal disease (a stiff neck being a sympton) or whiplash. Delayed whiplash? I think my neck hurts more than my knee. On that basis I didn't make it to the gym. I didn't think I could cope physically or mentally with AK, or the Hutt boy - who seems to be taking the place of the Hutt girl.
Instead I went and purchased some arnica cream and arnica to take orally. I probably should have had the arnica on Saturday, and Sunday. *Oh well*. This will double my first aid kit at home which until today comprised only disprin and band aids. I know, your thinking: what if there's an earthquake or pandemic? But its OK I have heaps of tins of baked beans and firewood. That's all one needs in an emergency?
In more exciting news the Taupo "bible" arrived in the post today. This is a book by Amy Taylor on how to train for Taupo. It includes a section on looking after yourself on the road. I better read that. The book is an option for when you sign up. It will be good to read it as I totally don't know the landscape and I've a first time Taupoer.
I am expecting other bike purchases to arrive in the mail this week thanks to some time on Trade Me at the weekend in post fall recovery mode. My local courier guy plonks the parcels in a the green plastic bin near my front door. He's not really supposed to do that. But it works for both of us!
Instead I went and purchased some arnica cream and arnica to take orally. I probably should have had the arnica on Saturday, and Sunday. *Oh well*. This will double my first aid kit at home which until today comprised only disprin and band aids. I know, your thinking: what if there's an earthquake or pandemic? But its OK I have heaps of tins of baked beans and firewood. That's all one needs in an emergency?
In more exciting news the Taupo "bible" arrived in the post today. This is a book by Amy Taylor on how to train for Taupo. It includes a section on looking after yourself on the road. I better read that. The book is an option for when you sign up. It will be good to read it as I totally don't know the landscape and I've a first time Taupoer.
I am expecting other bike purchases to arrive in the mail this week thanks to some time on Trade Me at the weekend in post fall recovery mode. My local courier guy plonks the parcels in a the green plastic bin near my front door. He's not really supposed to do that. But it works for both of us!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Mellow Yellow
Today is Livestrong day:
http://livestrongday.posterous.com
Wear yellow, or feel yellow!
*Ouch* My knee hurts. My neck hurts. My left thigh hurts. I've now worked out the reason I didn't actually break my leg or f**k my knee completly when I fell off my bike yesterday was my weight fell onto my thigh, although I have bruised and grazed my knee, and bruised my left thigh. Detail.
I had planned to spend the day in the garden in any case. With Spring now in place, its overgrown very quickly.
Like Richie McCaw, I may have to sit today out - at least cycle wise. Like Richie, maybe I could play, but if I want the knee, leg, neck to heal for cycling, its probably best to keep to mowing the lawn, walking to the shop for the Sunday paper, and maybe a bit of "grubbing" - which will assist with some strength training. I'll make sure I do some stretches. That should help too.
So, keep moving, just a different movement for today, to allow a bit of recovery from "the fall".
http://livestrongday.posterous.com
Wear yellow, or feel yellow!
*Ouch* My knee hurts. My neck hurts. My left thigh hurts. I've now worked out the reason I didn't actually break my leg or f**k my knee completly when I fell off my bike yesterday was my weight fell onto my thigh, although I have bruised and grazed my knee, and bruised my left thigh. Detail.
I had planned to spend the day in the garden in any case. With Spring now in place, its overgrown very quickly.
Like Richie McCaw, I may have to sit today out - at least cycle wise. Like Richie, maybe I could play, but if I want the knee, leg, neck to heal for cycling, its probably best to keep to mowing the lawn, walking to the shop for the Sunday paper, and maybe a bit of "grubbing" - which will assist with some strength training. I'll make sure I do some stretches. That should help too.
So, keep moving, just a different movement for today, to allow a bit of recovery from "the fall".
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Blood and bananas
Today I rode to Martinborough via Ponatahi, and then back the Masterton road, up to Solway and back to Carterton. Total distance 89km. Exactly, according to Google Map calculations I have just completed. Although it felt like 100km! Over 100km.
After having coffee, freshly made ginger crunch, and securing some heritage runner beans from the owners of the Straw House to plant, I headed up back the Masterton road with the intention of hitting the Millars Rd side road, which gives a good hill climb.
Overall (overall) I think I am managing my gear changes better. I was feeling pretty pleased that the hill that had beat me when I rode it with TJ a few months ago, I managed with relative ease. Yep, feeling pretty good and confident until I hit the next hill climb after that. I had changed gears back, but missed the right gear changes to get me up the next hill climb. So, I thought I would walk it. Not a good idea. It is a different movement with cleats from disemembarking "on the flat"- and now that I am sitting here typing this, its fairly logical re physics. So, yeah, I fell to my left into gravel. I am actually quite good at falling! I am amazed that I didn't actually stuff my knee and injure it seriously. I think the key is not to let your weight follow in as much as you can. And in my case that's still a lot of kilos. It hurt, it bleed, but I managed to get back on the bike and ride.
A guy stopped to ask me if I was ok. I said I was. He suggested I drink some water. Maybe he thought I was dizzy?! Anyway, he stopped. Later on when I passed a lady walking her dogs, she asked if I was OK. She must have seen the blood on my leg.
Anyway, I picked myself up. That's what you have to do when you fall down. Get up. And the lesson is its better to master the hill climb than the fall.
Only one song for today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38u_FKctR1Y&feature=related
I didn't think I could cope doing the hills via Gladstone vineyards or Millars Rd, so I rode up Masterton Rd, and came back via Solway. I stopped to get off my bike in the great anticipation I had banana in my bag. It was with great disappointment to discover I had left the banana on my kitchen bench. Great disappointment. Turns out there are few minor hill climbs in any case.
A cyclist who passed me on the side alerted me that there was something 1km ahead. I couldn't quite hear what he said, other than "about 1 km or so". Turns out it was the fricken swooping magpies again. They are quite vicious.
I didn't really like the last leg of the journey, as it meant riding the last 10km on the motorway.
I could feel my feet that last part of the journey. So, I do need to get conditioned to the longer rides. Also, I was dying to go to the toilet (to much information!) - but it is a consideration for when I do Taupo - the toilet stop thing.
I can feel my knee now. I hope its ok ;<?
So, today's ride didn't feel like a great training ride. But it was a decent training ride. I figure it all helps to sort the gear thing, and the cleat thing, the energy thing, the water retention and the toilet thing now, then in two months time it will be "sweet" and easy ;-)!
8 weeks to go - exactly, I think.
After having coffee, freshly made ginger crunch, and securing some heritage runner beans from the owners of the Straw House to plant, I headed up back the Masterton road with the intention of hitting the Millars Rd side road, which gives a good hill climb.
Overall (overall) I think I am managing my gear changes better. I was feeling pretty pleased that the hill that had beat me when I rode it with TJ a few months ago, I managed with relative ease. Yep, feeling pretty good and confident until I hit the next hill climb after that. I had changed gears back, but missed the right gear changes to get me up the next hill climb. So, I thought I would walk it. Not a good idea. It is a different movement with cleats from disemembarking "on the flat"- and now that I am sitting here typing this, its fairly logical re physics. So, yeah, I fell to my left into gravel. I am actually quite good at falling! I am amazed that I didn't actually stuff my knee and injure it seriously. I think the key is not to let your weight follow in as much as you can. And in my case that's still a lot of kilos. It hurt, it bleed, but I managed to get back on the bike and ride.
A guy stopped to ask me if I was ok. I said I was. He suggested I drink some water. Maybe he thought I was dizzy?! Anyway, he stopped. Later on when I passed a lady walking her dogs, she asked if I was OK. She must have seen the blood on my leg.
Anyway, I picked myself up. That's what you have to do when you fall down. Get up. And the lesson is its better to master the hill climb than the fall.
Only one song for today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38u_FKctR1Y&feature=related
I didn't think I could cope doing the hills via Gladstone vineyards or Millars Rd, so I rode up Masterton Rd, and came back via Solway. I stopped to get off my bike in the great anticipation I had banana in my bag. It was with great disappointment to discover I had left the banana on my kitchen bench. Great disappointment. Turns out there are few minor hill climbs in any case.
A cyclist who passed me on the side alerted me that there was something 1km ahead. I couldn't quite hear what he said, other than "about 1 km or so". Turns out it was the fricken swooping magpies again. They are quite vicious.
I didn't really like the last leg of the journey, as it meant riding the last 10km on the motorway.
I could feel my feet that last part of the journey. So, I do need to get conditioned to the longer rides. Also, I was dying to go to the toilet (to much information!) - but it is a consideration for when I do Taupo - the toilet stop thing.
I can feel my knee now. I hope its ok ;<?
So, today's ride didn't feel like a great training ride. But it was a decent training ride. I figure it all helps to sort the gear thing, and the cleat thing, the energy thing, the water retention and the toilet thing now, then in two months time it will be "sweet" and easy ;-)!
8 weeks to go - exactly, I think.
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