Well, it's clear I'm not this guy (hint: click on his image). When he says, "shut up legs," his body listens. When I say it my legs respond with a "screw you brain!" Well, that's what happened today anyway. After some hard cycling intervals Friday and a max effort at a 5k yesterday my body just had nothing left. I've spent a lot of time at my max heartrate lately --- heck, my average HR at the 5k was only 3bpm below my max!
Still, I was supposed to get in about 3-1/2 hours in the saddle today. I thought a 52 mile route similar to the one I did last Saturday would fit the bill nicely. Then I got on the bike ....... Before I even got out of the neighborhood I knew I was in trouble. The slightest little incline felt like a wall to climb but I gritted my teeth and hoped things would loosen up after awhile. I should also mention the massive temperature drop we had overnight. Instead of adding to my tan lines with more 80 degree days, I was pulling out all my winter gear again for temps in the 40's with a cold northern wind. This ride never had "fun" written on it but that was beside the point. My legs were a day ahead of me in the schedule. In other words, they were ready to taper for the duathlon.
After several miles I came to realize this was as good as it was going to get. I decided to ride to a gas station about 18 miles out and turn around there. The portion of the route beyond that point gets hillier and has a tendency to include dogs at each crest. My legs weren't interested in steep climbs or racing dogs, let alone both at the same time. Also, I knew I would have a slight tailwind for the return route if I could just gut it out that far.
In the end, that's exactly what I did. Took a brief pit-stop, turned around, averaged 3mph quicker with the tailwind, and ended up back home after 37 miles in 2:20ish. Well short of the goal but more than I used to ride when I'd feel this way so I don't think it's a total loss. Now ...... tomorrow's rest day? That will get an all-out effort from me.
3 comments:
5k's at full-on race pace make me useless the next day... more useless than after a half. Making it 37 miles seems pretty darn good.
What kind of training plan calls for hard intervals Friday night, all out 5k running efforts on Saturday and then a 3 ½ hour ride on Sunday? I think you failed before you got on the bike.
However, you had massive success making the decision to not beat yourself up and call it a day. That took real maturity to check the ego. Well done.
Tri-James: This was my last hard weekend before taking it easy with the duathlon coming Sunday. Normally, I have no issues post-5k but I ran this one MUCH harder than usual. Not sure what possessed me. Well, actually I have a small clue what possessed me but that'll be in the race recap.
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