Dialing it real down a loop.
 

Okay, I admit to having somewhat mixed feelings about posting this bit.

Even as to where I should post it. Here or the Coot forum.:rolleyes:

The reason is, it is labor day weekend. Also a time when I think of my B-day, which lands on it once in awhile. I turn 51 next Wednesday.:p

This year, it is a bit different because, as I cycled over the winter, in the rather nippy temps, doing laps around my home town, I set a goal that I'd do a century this season. Later, it was that I'd do a century to celebrate my B-day.:D

As is, I changed my goal without ever doing the century, to a desire to hit 1000 miles in a month. I only want to count, "work out miles,""dedicated ride," miles...not I'm toodling around my home town 4-5 miles a night..so I'll throw them in too.:thumb:

As is, this goal seems to be getting to be more and more realistic. I'm going 6-on, 2-off, and in the last 24 days, I've went 204, 225, and 240. Which means that if, I were to get slightly batty, I could jump on it and try to put in 331 miles in the next 6 days and I'd have my 1,000 in a month. Shoot, I could ride a century, a 200k, and then take it easy over the next four days by riding 26 miles each day.:twitchy:

Or, then again, maybe, this old man will just kind of push the weekly average a bit and roll home with a bit over 900 miles in a month....and maybe that 1,000 mile month will happen in the next week or two....

I'd also like to say thanx to Randy at the LBS for some recent work and advice, both greatly appreciated and work very well done.

Hey "old" man! Never ever underestimate yourself. I'm also a Labor Day baby, turning 60 just one day before you. Started cycling late 2011, and now ride with a club of mostly retirees. Got several who rode a few centuries this year, including a 65-year-old whose annual goal is to hit 8,000 miles. We're definitely not the fastest kids on the block, but who cares? Give yourself a major slap on the back for just getting out there, no matter what goals you accomplish!

not sure I understand your math or your calendar, but have fun, that's the important part. I always like to hit 1000 miles in a month, but it usually takes something like a 1200k for that to happen

I just made 1,000 for August. But FYI, I do count my tootling-round-town miles, too. If you get too strict on yourself, you'll have to start counting only the uphills and not the downhills or only the headwind and not the tailwind.

Theoretically, the 1,000 miles a month is pretty easy, just go ride 33 miles every day and a month later, there you are. But in my case, I find myself riding 20 miles or 27 miles, and it's not every day, maybe 4 days a week, so it's long weekend rides that make up the difference.

That is really good advice. I find myself setting some pretty high standards, that really aren't that outlandish...but, if I'm not careful, I can accomplish something, but feel a lowered sense of accomplishment because I, "cheated" to make the goal. The cheat may not be illegal or unethical, but would be like having a 1002 mile month, but being unwilling to accept it as all that because the last two miles were ridden in street clothes, after I'd done my work out.

For a non-biking example, I target shoot and although a shot is counted as in, if it is on the line but more than 50 percent in...I have trouble accepting them as in, if they simply touch the line at all.

So, yeah, you're very correct, it is one thing to be hard on yourself if you've really screwed up or missed the goal. It is another thing to be so hard on yourself that you refuse to accept extraordinary circumstances, accidents, or situations that aren't quite perfect.

I know that feeling, but perhaps you could look at these accomplishments in which you "cheated" as stepping stones toward more strict versions of your goals, so that you're not discouraged from your current path.

I dunno why two miles in street clothes wouldn't count (if anything, I think it would make the riding harder.)

I actually ended up blowing my 1000 mile month or hopes for it within the next couple of weeks this weekend.

A bizarre head problem involving subjects not related to biking, but none the less tied to it.

I did end up doing MY FIRST CENTURY. 110 MILES TODAY.

Just before my 51st.

Congrats! I remember my first a couple of years ago. Hopefully you'll continue and get more centuries under your belt.

Now go out and plan your next big ride :thumb:

Much appreciated. I'm hoping to tag a 200K. I was tempted today, but in the end decided it was best to get the one I could for sure.

Congrats! :thumb: