Holy crap. Just holy crap. I can’t believe it has been four months since I posted up here. In the grand scheme of things, that really is an eternity. I have missed about 120 posting opportunities related to fitness and health. There is no excuse at all for my absence. I think I just lost interest in blogging. Cue the gasps, but I think it was true. The pressures of getting an entry up everyday was actually producing some stress in my life, so I think I walked away for a bit.
So this is what you people missed:
- I have set a distance and elevation gain record for the year. Here is how it has come together so far: April was 589.7 mi. and 18,335 ft., May was 1,027.1 mi. and 29,444 ft., June was 932.9 mi. and 49,813 ft., July was 1,056.8 mi. and 55,321 ft. Year to date, which includes through today, is 5,075.3 mi. and 182,299 ft climbed. I have focused a ton on climbing and intervals and as a result, I am actually getting faster. If you want to check out the details on some of my more epic rides, click here to find my profile on Strava.
- Speaking of faster, I have done two bike races this year so far. I did really, really well at both. The Desperado Dual is about 196 mi. and 9,000 ft. of climbing and looking at the times before the race I wanted to get in the top 10. I placed 3rd overall in this race and had what I would call as close to a perfect race for me as possible. Then I did the Super Fondo of Park City, which is 156 mi and has about 8,800 ft. of climbing. This race was the week after the Desperado Dual and that made it about twice as hard as it needed to be. But, I did get 4th in my AG and 10th OA. My buddy Brent Williams took 1st in both races.
- I did some amazing spectating at the Tour of Utah. Some of the professional riders have said that my donut handup in a kilt on the south side of Suncrest was the highlight of the day on Stage 5. Alright, nobody has said it, but I am sure they were thinking it. Here is the proof that yes, indeed I was clad in a kilt.
My brother Jake who is in Kandahar is still safe and whole. I hear from him a couple of times a week on Facebook. Man I love technology. He will be home in October and I will be going out to see him.
And now I have about three weeks before my A race, the one that I have been building for the entire summer. My power is up and I am feeling pretty solid. My weight is down about 15 lbs. from 2011, which means I get to ride a free bike at LOTOJA. I am trying to cut 5 lbs. more before the race, but I am not sure that is realistic. Regardless, my weight is right where I want it to be. I guess I am just chasing that perfect standard.
So I will be posting here about twice a week I have decided. I am going to start with some of my favorite bike workouts at first and then get to the race reports. I know the season is coming to a close with fall quickly approaching, but it will be good to talk out training and nutrition strategies here.
Let me know if you have found any new techniques or workouts that are working well for you!
Related Topics:
Triathlon Training Tips
Triathlon Product Reviews
Triathlon Race Reports
I have been participating in running and triathlons for 10 years and love the feeling that training provides. You may not agree with me, but you know you just can't look away...
Sounds like you’ve been busy training so I think that’s a good excuse! That is some great climbing!
Thanks Natasha — it has been a great summer.
Welcome back Mike! Nice to hear things are going well and also that your brother is safe. I’m sure his homecoming will be a party like no other!
I’ve actually deactivated Facebook so I can do nothing but focus on my (1rst)marathon coming up soon. I’ve not told more than 3 people where/when it is to keep the stress level down! I blog about the training, but even that’s slowed down. Just seems like “blogging” has fallen to the wayside for everyone….
I think I need to follow your example and simplify. I think Twitter may be the first to go.
For some reason I remember you last post was about Angela Neath, which is remarkable only because I can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday.
I see your rides on Strava and continue to be impressed by the amount of climbing you pack into your rides. I suppose that’s the benefit of living below some big mountains. We’ve go climbs all over the place, but the coastal range tops out at 1,000 feet around here.
Patrick, I do believe it was. My next may be about her winning performance in Las Vegas at the World Championships on September 8th if I continue at my current pace.
The climbing around here is spectacular. As tough as it is to climb some of the mountains, you are always rewarded by some phenomenal descents. I have hit 50+ mph on a couple more than once this year. Those are some white knuckle speeds.