The last few posts were a bit depressing! Injury, sickness and the darkside. Time to get some positive posts back into our blog. I had a good ride yesterday. This is the last big training ride for me before my half ironman in 2 weeks. I tackled Pilot Mountain from home by myself. Temps started in the low 50's but by the time I finished were in the mid 60's and as you can see from the picture at the top, the mountain was fogged in. Round trip was 60 miles. I made it non-stop from home, not even stopping at the ranger's station just before the climb. The climb, although still difficult, felt the easiest it ever has for me. I never felt completly challenged. The only stop I had was for this quick picture. Didn't even need to refill liquids. After the ride I did a 4 mile run at a pretty good pace for this old man.
The last time I attempted Pilot Mountain I was exhausted afterwards. Strangely, this time I didn't even need a nap. I wish I knew the difference. I don't think my fitness level was much different from the last attempt. The speed was nothing shattering. I averaged exactly 15 mph on the way up and reset my odometer for the return trip. I averaged exactly 18 mph on the way home. Of course the way home includes a nice 3 mile downhill stretch at about 26 mph so it will be skewed, plus it does seem that the trip there is mostly uphill the last 10 miles and therefore downhill the first 10 miles coming home. Anyway I'm happy. Feeling good today and want to ride again, but I'm going to take it easy today and begin my taper to my half ironman over the next 2 weeks. 3 Mountain Madness is just about 6 weeks away and I will be concentrating more on biking after I recovery from the half.
1 comment:
Thanks for the positive notes. Sounds like you are ready for the 3 mountain madness bro. " you don't understand'.
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