I might contribute some thoughts I've gained over the past 5 years with biking and other athletics: be patient; diligent and courageous. in the absence of a focused plan, just keep at it. over time one can pick up new strengths if even only by accident. if you completely surrender yourself to the sport the sport will provide guidance. fear not the dark down weak painful days because they will pass and you will emerge with surprising strength and speed. I live for those surprising days. I used to plan for them, but now I take them as they come and enjoy the surprise and take advantage of them by going full bore holding nothing back. last night was not one of those nights but I persevered knowing another magical ride is on a nearby horizon. my stats for the night ride that eneded at midnight are piss poor but, like I said, a better ride is just around the next bend in the road ...

42 miles
28.7 max
13 avrg
3 hrs 14 min saddle time