Better but not as strong...

I don't know why, but my body responds well to lots of training. The more consecutive days of training, and the harder the workouts, the better and stronger I feel. If I miss a workout or two, which isn't often, my body seems to get weaker quickly. Other peoples bodies respond well to rest, but not mine.

 I ran yesterday after missing two running workouts, as part of my injury management plan, and this morning my legs were stiff. It took me a while to loosen them up. I also noticed that my left heel was now bothering me again and felt really tight. I think the key to this year is going to be injury containment and management. 

It was a busy day, lots to do. I picked up some new tires, tubes and a case of C02 from MEC. Even with the best prices in town, it cost me around $200. I made sure I got the most puncture resistant tire I could find. The one I got was a Michelen with 4 layers, plus a carbon layer. I'm so sick of changing flat tires I hope they are great and I don't get another flat tire this year. That would be my dream.

When I got home, from the minute I pulled into the driveway until I got on my training ride, I was busy doing bike stuff. I had to put my racing wheels on the bike, change brake pads and do adjustments. Then I changed the tires on the training wheels. Ate dinner and was on the road by 6:30 pm. 

It was a great night for a ride, 31 C and sunny. I could feel the difference of the new wheels immediately. The first thing I noticed was riding into a cross wind the deep dish of the wheel catches the air and you really have to focus on taking control of the bike. The other thing I noticed was they sound great. I started going around 45 kph and they had this rumbling sound, kind of like a disc wheel but not as loud. I loved it. Hearing it come up on you or passing in the opposite direction, could be intimidating.

I wasn't sure if I was going to take it easy and do a moderate ride or go back to the schedule and do my bike speed work. I decided to risk it and go back to the speed work. I could tell I didn't have the energy I had last week and didn't want to slip any further behind. I also decided to do two King hills. The new tires have easier gearing on the back and I was curious if it would make a big difference. I did, but it was marginal. It was still a grind to get up the hill.

On the way down from one of the Hills, at about 65 kph, a couple of women were standing at the foot of the hill beside their bikes, talking and blocking my lane, they didn't see me coming down the hill, and I was headed right for them. I was only about 200 meters away from them and was yelling to get their attention. They finally noticed me and disaster was averted. 

I did the best I could on the ride tonight and could tell at the end of the ride my body was really stressed because it was tough to keep my heart rate low. I'm sure it was from the abuse I put on my body on Tuesday night. The minute I got home I went to do weight training. I noticed on the ride and especially at the gym that my sweat was "super" salty. I got some in my eyes at the gym and it felt like I had soap in my eyes. It took a while to wipe it away and be able to see again.

Bike Speed work - 1:15:09 / 36.12 km / 28.9 kph

Weights - 45:00