Here's a picture of my new baby just to remind everyone of just what a beauty she is! That said, this flippin' bike is a rocket!!! I have never ridden anything so fast in all my life.
My training has been going really well, especially on the bike. The Endurance Nation (EN) bike protocol is very challenging, but I can see it working in several ways. My overall speed for this time of year for a three hour ride is up 1.5 mph. That's usually where I am mid-season. Riding with a power meter also challenges me in ways I never thought imaginable. During threshold intervals, I'm actually pushing 22-24 mph on the flats? Are you kidding me? I'd maybe do that in a pace line in years past, eventually being spit off the back. :)
The EN bike training has me riding back-to-back workouts with three hours on Saturday and two hours on Sunday. Lest you think I'm just out there taking in the scenery, here's what we do.
Saturday--3 Hour Ride
Warm Up: 30' Easy
Main Set:
2 x 30' (5' EZ) @ 90% of functional threshold (FT)
10' z1
1 x 20' (4') @ FT.
Remainder @ 80-85% of functional threshold
Sunday--2 Hour Ride
Warm Up: 20' Easy
Main Set:
30' @ 90% of functional threshold (FT)
10' z1
1 x 20' (4') @ FT
Remainder @ 80-85% of functional threshold
OR
Warm Up: 20 Easy
Main Set:
1 x 30' (10') @ 90% of functional threshold (FT)
10' z1
3 x 6' @ FT, 3' z1
3' @ 105% of FT, 4' z1 (Hold on to your hat for these!)
Remainder @ 80-85%
The rides are followed by a 30-minute run. Let me tell you, this kind of riding gets you in shape quick. With the power meter, I know my EXACT watts, and pace myself accordingly. It's like riding in three dimensions. You have to learn to pace it right on the varying terrain, and keep the effort up to make your goal watts. It's a challenge, but I can feel my rides getting stronger every month.
Can't wait for the weekend already! Wheeeee!!!!!
