I'm getting SLOW!
Have you ever felt like you’ve atrophied in the off-season nearly to the point of no return? That’s how I’ve been feeling this week. After months of too much snow to ride much and then to even to run, the weather has finally broken some. The sun is shining and the streets are more-or-less ice-free and safe to share with cars again. I’ve gotten out on a couple lunchtime runs this week and OMG am I slow!
Yesterday I took a 4.8-mile loop that I’ve done numerous times at a comfortable 7-7½-minute-mile pace and did 8s - - and felt winded and spent for it all. Today I did a 4.3-mile loop and was marginally better at 7:54 miles. But, man, it was sucking the wind out of me again. I know it’s going to take time to get my lung capacity back and that, if I’d religiously done my winter cross-training like I’d planned, I would not be boo-hooing right now; but I’m getting this fear that I’ve run as fast as I’m ever going to and it’s all downhill from here. When I was in my 40s I was a low-6-minute-mile 10K runner. The thought of it is downright discouraging. |
I've been training religiously all winter (previous years, I would just commute to/from work) and I feel much better at this point versus where I usually am before the season starts. But don't worry, you'll just need some time to get back in the groove!
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What's involved in your training, guys?
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dminor: I'm reading your mail. I've been commuting all winter on studs, but I am feeling slow now that some of the snow is off the roads and I'm back on slicks. If the weather holds, I'm going for a Saturday afternoon loop on the road to see how much get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went.
santiago: I'm assuming you're asking a general question about training. If not, just skip this part. ;) I've been doing weight training 2 or 3 times/week since September to try and get my girly arms and floppy man-boobs into better shape. It's a pretty basic arms/chest/back/abs routine with free weights, usually 3 sets of 10 reps. Since January, I've been on the road bike in the basement, doing 1 hour sessions 2 or 3 times/week. I've been pushing fairly hard, doing my warm-up in the 140 bpm range and most of the ride at 155-180 with some good sprints getting me close to 190. My cardio is definitely not where I want it to be yet, but I'm able to recover from the sprints more easily now. never: Please tell us about your workouts! Are they painful? :D |
Good job pinkrobe - - you disgust me :p
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I like pain so they are enjoyable. ;)
Actually a lot of variety and cross-training so I enjoy it. |
While I may ride slower and less distance, I can drink greater amounts for longer. It's a give and take.
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Originally Posted by never
(Post 6208620)
I like pain so they are enjoyable. ;)
Actually a lot of variety and cross-training so I enjoy it. |
Originally Posted by mtnbiker66
(Post 6208700)
I hate training of any sort. Can you go out and do some for me as well?
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Originally Posted by mtnbiker66
(Post 6208700)
I hate training of any sort. Can you go out and do some for me as well?
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I really need an all around good workout so just do what you can.
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Yeah, my question was thrown out to anyone.
My training varies. What I do have as a constant is that I hit a spinning class twice per week. Besides that it's a mix and mish-mash of things. I'll go XC skiing, I follow parts of James Wilson's MTB Strength training, and I'll go hiking/snow-shoeing/ice skating. I do want to devote more time to a gym program as I think that would be the most effective. I am really sold on what James Wilson preaches in that strength training, mobility and conditioning are all needed to be solid riders. He focuses mainly on anaerobic conditioning and thinks for mountain biking, in particular the more burlier stuff, aerobic conditioning is less important. |
There's no science behind what I do at the gym through the winter other than trying to get a full body workout in weekly. I do find that, especially in mountain biking, upper body strength is helpful for keeping from fatiguing too early. Additionally, any core stuff is going to be good (abs, lower back, etc.) I've been resting my knee, so my leg workout has been on hold, but I am soon to be getting back to that, too.
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getting old sucks
getting old and slow sucks more |
Hmm snow.
I got into WWU in Bellingham, going up there Saturday to check it out, but I don't know if I can stand the winter season, and the huge downtime... Hmm. |
Originally Posted by MattP.
(Post 6209103)
Hmm snow.
I got into WWU in Bellingham, going up there Saturday to check it out, but I don't know if I can stand the winter season, and the huge downtime... Hmm. |
Originally Posted by MattP.
(Post 6209103)
Hmm snow.
I got into WWU in Bellingham, going up there Saturday to check it out, but I don't know if I can stand the winter season, and the huge downtime... Hmm. |
Slow is only in your head.
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I think Mr. Smashy just called Dminor slow in the head.
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As in slow is only an optical illusion.
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Originally Posted by Mr. Smashy
(Post 6209258)
As in slow is only an optical illusion.
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typically
Running and lifting
seems to help. |
Originally Posted by Mr. Smashy
(Post 6209258)
As in slow is only an optical illusion.
Oh well, I just run to train and because I still love to; don't run competitively any more. It's just that, when I feel I'm getting faster on a bike, it's tough to see another facet slipping. |
Happens with age?
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^^ Yeah but its not fair; I've got this thirty-year-old mind trapped in a middle-aged body. I want to take up flat track racing again but my better half thinks I've gone far enough out there racing downhill :rolleyes:
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