Yesterday I did my standard 13.8 mile rolling hills fixed gear workout, for interval training. It was my third time in the past month doing this workout. At some times in the past, I've been able to do it about once a week, and at other times I've gone many months without it, due to various circumstances. I have one bike that is pretty much dedicated to this particular workout, and I like it so much I will probably never part with it. My other fixed gear has nothing in common with this one, aside from the drivetrain type. It seldom gets ridden, but I still like to keep it around.

​​​​​​At 54 years old, I seem to be getting a little slower. I've been doing this workout on and off for 6-7 years, and I keep a detailed log. The past three times, my average speed was just under 18 mph. In the past, I've achieved an average as high as 19 or even 19.5 a time or two. My PR lap time was around 3:55 (lap = 1.38 miles) and my best time ever for the whole workout included several laps under 4:10. Now I average around 4:30, and I'm doing good if I can get one lap under 4:20. I'll keep working on it and try to go consistently about once a week.

Someday, maybe later this summer, I'll find ideal weather conditions, I'll eat right all day, maybe I'll be down a few pounds from my current weight, and I'll go into it really determined. I'll get anther sub-4:10 lap (maybe even break the 4:00 again), and I'll get an average speed above 19. That's my hope. As always, there are multiple activities competing for my time and energy: running, road biking, fixed gear, hiking, and a few others, not to mention all the regular stuff like work and family responsibilities.