I have three statements. First, this was mentally the hardest indoor ride I've EVER done! Two, I'm NEVER going to train for an Ironman indoors over the winter again! Three, I reserve the right to change my mind.I think I'm starting to get burnt out again. I'm so glad I took yesterday off and rested. I was reading that a sign of over-training is "irritability". I've definitely had that in the past few days. I've also had very little motivation to blog or even look at my computer.
Today, my parents travelled from Winnipeg for a visit. I wanted to get most of my training done before they arrived this afternoon. I started my indoor bike training just after 9 am and with no understatement, I'm surprised I finished. It took every ounce of will power and self Psychology I could muster.
It was bike one hour and take a 10 minute break and eat something. At the three hour point my brain was mush. I decided that I needed a change of scenery and moved my bike from the basement to our bedroom. I thought it may lift my spirits with a brighter room and being able to look out the window. It helped a little. I also told myself that if I finish, I'll set a monthly training mileage record. I'd be north of 1400 km's / 868 miles for the month. I was also motivated by Doru's comment from yesterday's post.
By hour 4 and beyond it was a pure struggle. I fought to stay on the bike. Staying on the bike for an hour was difficult. At one 30 minute point, I had to get off for a few minutes. The last hour was the absolute worst. Every 10 minutes I wanted to get off the bike, but kept going. A couple of times I did get off the bike and just wanted to lie on the bed. In both cases, within 30 seconds of getting off the bike, I forced myself back on.
At one point, Alice came in the room to tell me my parents arrived. I looked at her and barked "I don't care!". It was one of those irritable moments. When Alice or the kids would come into the bedroom to get something, it would irritate me. I just wanted to be left alone. Anything that broke my thought, irritated me.
Today's picture is of me at 5:57 of the ride. I was brain dead. My goal was to average 30 kph for the entire ride. At that point I was averaging 29.8 kph, which would give a total of 178.5 km's for the ride. My original plan was to get off that bike at 6 hours, regardless if I hit 180 km or not. When I got to the 6 hour point, I "sucked it up" and pushed myself to hit the 180 km mark.
I was so glad to finish the ride, but wasn't yet finished the day's training. I still had a brick run. It was -10C and the cold felt great. It was so nice to get off that bike and get outdoors with my iTunes blasting. It was the perfect pace and heart rate for Ironman China. I can't tell you how relieved and proud I was of myself for finishing. I raised my arms in victory when I pulled into my driveway after finishing.
Once I was done, I showered and we all went out for dinner at the "Tin Cup". I started to feel mentally better after I ate, but still not motivated to do anything but relax. I didn't even take my iPhone to the restaurant and haven't even bothered to check email, even though I saw the alerts. Physically I feel fine. Mentally I just want to veg-out.
Long Ride - 6:02:11 / 180.02 km / 29.82 kph / 135 avg hr
Brick Run - 30:02 / 6.02 km / 4:59 p-km / 140 avg hr
183.4 lbs / 22.8 bmi
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14 comments:
Sounds like a successful Ironman workout to me. That is the thing with Ironman, if done right race day is easy compared to the preparation.
This is one of those workouts you can look back on during the race if you start to doubt yourself.
Keep up the good work.
I will never whine about doing 1hr 30 min to 2 hr trainer rides again! Congrats on getting it done.
Enjoy your visit with your parents.
Well done! The thought of training for an Ironman over the Winter is over the top. I couldn't imagine 6+ hour long rides indoors. I'll never cringe when I see a 2.5 hour indoor ride again!
Congratulations Bryan for finishing your long bike ride today. I only can imagine how hard was for you to finish it. I hope that one day I’ll have you will power and be able to train as hard as you do. I said that before and I am going to say it again: there are people who can train as hard as you do, but they are way too serious for my taste, and also there are people who can have as much fun as you do, but most of them have lost the contact to reality. You somehow managed to combine the qualities of both these groups.
There are just a few days left until IM China and you are so close to have the best IM race of your life. I only can imagine how hard it is for you to keep finishing your training, but you are very, very close to the best IM experience of your life. Just hang in there and in 41 days you will qualify to Kona. I know how unpredictable an IM race is, but somehow I am very sure that in China you will qualify to Kona. You definitely deserve it.
Wow, that photo really shows the pain that you went through, now that is dedication! Puts my baby brick into perspective...
I hope you and all the family had a great meal, and that you feel normal again now you've had a chance to veg.
Only a few more long rides now, and two in the sunshine!
B, thanks. That's how I look at it as well. The only problem is I'm having so many of those tough workouts, I'm starting forget the specifics to draw from. haha. Although, I definitely won't forget this one.
C, thanks.
R, thanks.
D, thanks. I hope your right. I figure I'll have a great race or a poor race. I don't think it will be anything inbetween. LA will be a good gage of my cycling power.
JM, that photo is EXACTLY how I felt. No posing for that one. Only this morning am I feeling a little better. It was tough to fall asleep last night. Felt like I did after I did an Ironman. Physically I started to hurt last night. Which I guess is a good thing. Means it was a productive workout.
good effort on the ride and the run, the longest ride ive done is 3.5 hours and that was tough enough.
oh, dont give up now, im just getting into your blog, best you keep on hitting the training otherwise this person who you dont know, dont care about, who reads your blog will be very disappointed.
keep up the good work mate
Thank JAM. You don't have to worry I've done this before and I always SIU (suck it up). haha. Thanks for the concern, I'll use it as motivation at one point. I don't want to disapoint my texas buddy. haha. Although you sound like your from the U.K. Am I right?
B
That photo should be a candidate for the cover of your next book. It illustrates so well how hard you trained for this Ironman.
Hey B, thanks for posting your payne during your workout. It is inspiring to see what you go through and what you do to get er done (SIU).
I wanted to ask you a question, I'm going to be picking up a 2007 Cervelo P2C this week, it is a 54cm and I'm 5"11. I was wondering what size is your bike and how tall are you? Is a 54cm Cervello an ok size for a 5'11 man? Thanks, Bob.
B
Well done B, awesome session. It's sessions like these that make it worth while when you pass all those people on race day.
Almost there keep it up. I know it is not easy but just hang in there. Training indoor sucks, but they make you mentally so strong. See these sessions as physical and mental sessions.
Have a great week and happy training.
J
D, it funny you said that, I was thinking the same thing on my run today. Great minds think alike.
J, thanks for the support. If anyone knows what I'm going through it's you. I'm just crossing my fingers that strong indoor riding will carry over to strong outdoor riding. That's my only fear.
B, thanks. My Cervelo is a 54 as well. I'm 5. 10 1/2" and without a haircut 5'11. It should be good for you, unless your a freak of nature with long/short legs or long/short torso. haha
I'm late to the party but wanted to say great job on the LOOOONG ride, holy jeez!! No more whining about bike rides for me.
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