Hello again, training status thread, I've missed you.

So, after a strong peak that warranted mixed results, I took a week of pretty unstructured riding on the bike to refresh the body but more importantly, them mind.

I'm finally ready to start readdressing some goals and defining the ways I'd like to reach them.

Goals remain:

1. Have fun!!
2. Help teammates have fun!!
3. Get in control of my eating, and get to a leaner, faster weight.
4. Gain as much fitness to race in the way I want (the Breakaway, of course).
5. Have fun!!

I'll only be addressing goals #3 and #4 in this post.

#3
So I'm in the process of losing fat and so far it's going great. With the decrease in training intensity, increase in volume and the application of a (possibly useless) carbohydrate cycling plan, I've dropped 2 Kg in the past 2 weeks, with no deprivation at all. I'm planning on sticking with the weight loss thing for 2-3 more weeks, until the intensity of my training makes the caloric restriction counter productive. But lots of SST work typically feels fine as long as I prioritize pre, durring and post WO nutrition.
On days I dont train, my carb intake gets taken down to about .5 grams per pound, basically veggies lean proteins and lots of healthy fats (this is the Key for me, as the fats and proteins keep my full and satiated, and since I'm not training, I dont seem to mind the lack of carbs). Honestly, I'm taking in fewer calories but feeling fuller. This is nice.

#4:
I've been slowly bringing my training volume up, utilizing a 2 a day approach.
This week I did:
Monday AM: 90' tempo w/SST when I felt like it. 1400kj. I'm also working on"aero intervals" which are basically short SST intervals in the invisible aerobars.
Monday PM: 75' at z1-z2 mostly with 5 sprints and 2x2 @ vo2max, hills.

Tuesday: off

Wed: same as monday, pretty much... not too stressful and really just riding by feel. Had no problem hanging around 90% for 30'. Good considering I'm dieting down.

thu and friday are off/recovery.

Saturday and Sunday I race (and eat accordingly: hi carb, low fat, moderate protein, with a focus on mostly fruit and veggies for carbs, with the grains and sugars for pre-during-post race only). Lots of hydration, too!

Well, so far so good.

Weights down, training is fun and I'm feeling psyched to race this weekend. Hopefully I'll get to enjoy a really fun 2 months of hard work on my way to my second peak and a super fun Fitchburg Stage Race.

Cheers everyone and keep it all in perspective!

-L