Working Towards Being Better Than Average

Well, lets just say I am working on a goal of increasing my speed by increasing my average speed.  To increase the intensity of my workouts, I have begun to look at increasing my average speed whether running or cycling.  After looking at the data my @MioWatch Quest with GPS collects, I have noticed my speed is great at the beginning of a workout, which it should.  I want to try and keep my speed and consistency up. Of course the majority of my cycling workouts are out on the road with stoplights and traffic, so with those I will need to get up to speed as soon as possible to help increase my average speed on the bike.  Not sure how this will workout, but I am up for the challenge and the change.

El Tour de Mesa RACE REPORT

El Tour de Mesa race report.

My day started out at 4:15AM with the alarm going off. Needed to get to downtown Mesa for the 6:15AM start. This is the closest start to my home in a long time. The weather was a cool 55 degrees outside when I loaded my bike on my car to drive to the start line. There was rain the night before and the clouds were still hanging around which they pretty much would all morning long. Ate my normal energy bar and water while driving to the start. As I parked and got out of my car and took my bike off the rack, started to stretch a little and put my arm warmers and shoes on. I ended up wearing two tech shirts ( both very thin) under my jersey. I was happy I did as the temperature only got to be 66 degrees.
The race started right on time and I was able to save some energy the first 30 or so miles drafting in small groups. The wind was crazy and really there was only a tail wind the first 20 or so miles before gusty headwinds started to slow my time down. One of the groups I was traveling someone out in front yelled a warning riders for a wreck ahead and to use caution. The rider in front of me over reacted and went out of control, swerving and eventually going down pretty hard off to my right. The only thing I seen as I glanced to the side was wheels and water bottles go flying as he tumbled. There were a few other wrecks out on the course but non as close as this to hitting me. I was drinking enough water and taking my gels as needed to keep my energy up. There were aid stations stocked with water, bananas, pretzels and cookies, but non of this is what I needed or trained with so there was no need to stop. I packed a lot of nutrition in my Fuel Belt carrier on my bike. There were two hill climbs that were long and I just worked on keeping my form and staying focused on using my energy wisely. The descends from the hill climbs, which there were two of, were fast but could have been faster if not being hindered by the heavy headwinds. Still I tried to make up some time lost on the climbs by descending swiftly. I kept a close eye on my stop watch trying to cross the finish line before my projected time of under 4 hours. The last 10 miles where the toughest. A very strong head wind was killing me and I tried to draft off riders as I came up on them. I tried to work with small groups (3 to 4 riders) but was unable to keep with there pace. I was glad to see the finish line and finished in 4 hours 9 minutes. This was 9 minutes over my projected goal time of 4 hours. I am still happy with my time. The winds that day were not in my favor. It was a great ride and great course. I would recommend this ride to anyone. A couple days off and then back to training.

A look ahead at race day

In looking at the weather forecast, it is looking like a 30% chance of thunderstorms.  Not the best weather to ride in but knowing will help plan what I wear.
After last weekend long ride I know finishing in under 4 hours is my goal.  There are some steep climbs but great down hills to pick up speed and time.  I have my nutrition plan down and am started to get excited. Should be a fun fast race.
Last Saturday I thought I was going to freeze and could not wait for the sun to break through the clouds.  A few easy rides this week on the rollers and out on the road are on the schedule leading up to race day.

Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream

While out riding the use of a chamois cream will keep you comfortable. I have been using Udderly Smooth foot cream for ever it seems like.
Now, I use Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream for use on the nether regions as a lubricant for long and short rides. Depending also the length of an indoor roller workout, I will apply it then too. The cream is used to prevent chafing and irritation sometimes created by sweat.
If your bicycle is set up correctly, and you've got a good saddle and sitting on the saddle properly ... you'll greatly reduce the chances of saddle sores.
Chamois cream was originally created for cycling shorts pads were made of real chamois. After washing over and over the chamois would dry out and become stiff over time similar to leather. The cream was used to recondition the chamois. There is talk out there that says the cream is totally unneeded with modern synthetic chamois.
Lube up directly on the skin with Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream and protect your under carriage. When putting in all those training miles your butt will thank you. 

Order your own at
http://www.udderlysmooth.com

So my first ride of the weekend was great.  Did 20 miles out by myself and met up with the tri group to hit another 18.  The weather was perfect.  A little chill to the air first out. The ride was fairly flat with a few rolling hills.  The second was a quick ride on the rollers, nothing special there.  Next weekend I plan to hit both weekend days with some long rides.  My recovery time is still pretty fast, yet was still bothered by a little hip pain.  Two bottles on the bike were enough and with the temperatures rising next weekend might need to bring an extra water bottle.  Feeling very good about El Tour de Mesa ride in a few weeks.