Weight training and other drills

Besides running, mountain biking and road cycling, I have also been working in my weight training and other drills. 

A book a I bought earlier this year and have been trying to incorporate a lot of the leg workouts with weights. Maximum Overload for Cyclists. Although the title has cyclists in it, the workouts and thought and concept can be used in running also. 

I am working too on strengthening my core. Which when it comes to running and cycling, a strong core is key.

Somedays are better than others.

Somedays are better than others. It has been a long, long, long time since I did a ride or run and totally ran out of energy. Nothing left in the tank at all. I was 24 miles into a 30 mile mountain bike ride when it happened.  I had enough hydration and think it was pretty much a lack of replacing my nutrition along the way. It’s a little harder to eat while on the mountain bike because of the trail, but it can be done.  For the ride I was doing too, I went out a little hard to begin with and by doing so paid the price by not being able to complete the distance I set out for. For the little under two and a half hour ride, I burned 2757 calories and finished doing 26 miles. 

I was upset with myself that I was unable to finish the distance and focused on my nutrition and hydration the next two days afterwards. I started planning in my head doing the 30 mile mountain bike ride and finishing it. 

So Saturday I went back out to the same trails and headed out to get this 30 mile ride finished. Started off way better in the nutrition department and speed, taking it a little easier the first 15 miles. The weather was about 14 degrees cooler with some cloud cover every so often. 

The three hour 15 minute mountain bike ride came in at 32 miles burning 2571 calories.  200 fewer calories yet five more miles. The speed definitely helped maintain some of the calories. 

I mentally had to get out there and finish what I set my training goal for.  I was more relaxed and focused the second ride knowing to take it easier. 

For the past few months I have been reading “Maximum Overload for Cyclists” and using the programs for adding weight lifting into my training this year. 

I have always done weight training, but with this book and the program it has, I am more focused.  A good program, and I will focus more on a later post on how that is going and what it is all about. 

Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Jacket

Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Jacket

This highly sophisticated cycling jacket is intense. It truly is reflective from 360 degrees.  You are visible while wearing it and a vehicles lights shine on you, you WILL be seen. I swear you would think this jacket is powered with batteries or something, but it’s not. This very well designed jacket is perfect for cycling or really any outdoor activity were you want to be seen in traffic. The jacket is super visible but also has numerous features built in it. First off, it is waterproof and breathable at the same time. There is a liner inside but it is very good at keeping in heat. I’ve worn other jackets that are waterproof, only to find out while out on a ride, they are not. Two outer pockets, up front on the chest, allow for some smaller items (nutrition, keys, cell phone, etc.) to be carried. Both arms  use a velcro enclosure to keep the fitting tight, keeping out cold air. The elastic waist cord is adjustable and keeps body heat in when needed. For help with airflow, the front two chest pockets can be opened and allow air to flow through the jacket with the mesh lining inside. Also to help with ventilation, under each arm are zippers to open vents under there. To continue with the ventilation, there is a upper back flap which allows air to flow out. This jacket is super comfortable and is really not just for riding a bike in.  There is one more important pocket also, it is a pocket on the lower back, which is also able to be zipped. Another place to put your cell phone, nutrition, etc.  The front zippers are sealed, keeping the jacket from letting water in. For the cold wet winter ahead, ride in comfort while being seen when vehicle lights shine on you.  The Proviz Reflect 360 is just another innovative way to enjoy cycling in the cooler and winter months and alerting traffic you are riding also. 

Stay dry when the rain comes, stay warm when it gets colder out and be seen while riding with traffic while wearing this jacket. 
Here is the link to order yours for before the cold winter / fall weather arrives. 

Road Tested

*****After my first ride with the jacket, as the temperature dipped low enough to need a jacket, it was very comfortable. The velcro enclosures on the sleeve cuffs did a great job keeping the cold air out. During my ride I started to warm up, so I easily slide down the chest pocket zippers allowing some air flow in. I would later zip open the arm pit vents, and once again very easy to do while still riding and it worked.  Air started moving through helping me regulate my temperature. Of course the sun would eventually rise and the day became warmer, but by then my training ride was over. As I would ride and then look at my shadow, cast from the sun, I could see the jacket never puffed up, grabbing the air like a parachute at all. Even with the zippers open on the front and under the arms. The flap in the upper back does a great job in letting that air pass through and escape.  *****

PROVIZ SPORTS  REFLECT 360 Cycling Jacket