Originally Posted by RiPHRaPH
when you drop the goals that solely rely on miles then you will hit your speed goals. Your goals should shift to time spent on the bike. Your body knows time, not miles.
Well, I spent two years or so mostly focused on speed. Then it switched to trying to keep good speed for slightly longer trips - say 20 miles instead of 12 because I found myself rapidly dropping off.
Now I'm trying to mainly get speed for even longer distances, though I'd be happy to increase my speed on the basic 12 miles to the beach as well.
You mention the body knowing time, not miles. I guess that explains why, when I'm taking it really easy, I still get worn out over the same distance.
I'm doing a lot of riding that puts me on the bike for 3-4 hours.