Oh, my neck. Oh, my back. My neck and my back. Seriously, I am sore. I have been pretty intense the past few days and I’m going to surely pay for it tomorrow. (Yes you are and please don’t call me Shirley. Ba dum dum.)
Let’s recap, shall we? Sunday I did this nice little 5K trail race and followed it up with 1,000 meters in the pool. While, the race was tough, the pool was a nice little reprieve. I heart swimming. Yesterday I did 4 hills, which equals 4 miles. I did my 4 at the 1-2-1 ratio per Coach EK’s plan. You see, yesterday began my MCM training which overlaps with the tri training. Oops. Didn’t really plan for that so well did I? Anyway, the 1 is the warm up (10:30), the 2 is two miles at pace (8:55), and the 1 is the cool down (10:30). I wound up doing all 4 way faster than the plan said (9:30, 8:17, 8:22, 9:22). I don’t know what was going on but I just went with it.
This brings us to today. I may have mentioned that I suck on the bike. No really. I’m slow and it kills my back, neck, shoulders, and arms. Part of this is because I need to raise the seat. I haven’t yet because I hate being that far off the ground. I realize after today’s ride that it is a must. All that being said, I still got a ride in.
My riding buddy suggested we do a brick together and I was happy to have the company, as well as the support. I had a total fail this morning as I forgot my camera. I wanted to document my torture with El Capitan. Fail.
We started out bright, er dark, and early and headed out for about a 10 mile bike. (Should have been eight but who’s counting right?) my friend rode his mountain bike so he didn’t accidentally drop me. Gee thanks. (I am definitely kidding here. He’s done over 100 tri’s so he would drop me on a tricycle.)
As we rode through the dark he gave me some pointers and splained some stuff that I didn’t realize before. He told me about those clip thingys (technical talk here) and how they help you pull instead of just pushing while on the bike. Oh, so they aren’t just to trap you on the bike? Hm. Good to know. He also told me how you need to build momentum going downhill so it can help you get uphill. All excellent things to know. We also practiced shifting gears.
At about mile 4 my back and shoulders hurt. I also believe at some point I said “Ow. My vagina.” I’m pretty sure my friend just ignored me. Or just laughed maniacilly in his head.
We finished up our ride and switched to run mode. Again, the first half mile feels really weird after riding a bike. Not bad however, just odd. I think I’m so happy to get off the bike that I run way too fast. We ran about 2 miles and I kept thinking “Geez we’re going to fast.” Of course, we chose to run the 3 miles with the hill versus the 3 mile route without it. When I said to this buddy, “Of course you pick the hill” he replied with “Nothing but the best for you” or something crazy like that. Gee thanks. Again.
After running too fast for about two and half miles I had to walk for a minute before jogging it in. All in all I am pleased with the workout. I did more on the bike than I would have alone and my friend certainly pushed me on both efforts. I always do better when I work out with others and I certainly didn’t want a repeat of my last bike ride with him during Ragnar….
So tri training and MCM training continue. I feel confident that I can get through the tri. I don’t think I’ll be setting the world on fire or anything but I’ll finish one way or another.
One thing’s for sure, I’m going to need a massage.
Tri training sounds out of control… You're putting us "mere" runners to shame!
Hey! I'll be at the MCM too!!! Anddd did you say 1000 meters of swimming? As in 1-0-0-0?? Holy hell I would have drown! I'm trying to get into it…but swimming is so not my thing. Good job and hope ya feel better soon!
-Stephanie
You really are inspiring me to get my bike back out!
One thing to note, just in case you hadn't thought of it yet… Every time you go through a bump, pot hole, etc, etc, lift your butt slightly off your seat before the bump — your vagina will thank you.
Also, if you're coasting downhill (not pedaling but still going fast), also take your butt off your seat but put it a bit behind the seat (does that make sense?), it'll stabilize the weight on the bike a bit, so if you hit a bump while going downhill you won't flip over the bike, since most of the weight will be on the back end of the bike, not on the handlebars. (I know, I suck at explaining things…)
And yep, the clip-on pedals do help with the pulling (it makes uphills MUCH easier, since both your legs are working at it), but it takes a while to get used to it. Just remember this: unclip one foot first and only then come to a stop. Within seconds of using mine for the first time, I had to wait at a light, and how nice it was to slooowly fall on my side on the bushes. I bet the people at the light were thinking "why doesn't she just put her foot down?"
Ok this is way too long. Ooops.
you are amazing.
way to go.
inspiring!!
Is your bike a low-rider????? You'll be amazed a the difference a well adjusted seat makes. It might help in other areas too………….. ha
Great job with your tri training! My shoulders and neck get so sore from the bike . . . I must need to do more push ups or something.
Congrats on starting your tri and MCM training on such a high note! Way too fast is always better than way too slow, right? Good stuff, B.o.B.!
New follower. And I just have to share… the last time I was on my bike (it doesn't matter that it was last summer) I suffered from my first "hot spot". If you haven't experienced it yet, be thankful. It's like someone lit a tampon on fire up there!
It may or may not be the reason that I haven't been on my bike this year. (Okay, it's really not, I'm pregnant and don't trust my balance for that, especially with my feet clipped in!)