bruce19

I have a 6.4 mi. TT that I run every couple weeks. I've been doing this for the past 2 yrs. It's relatively flat (254 ft. elevation according to my Garmin) and it's an out and back from my house to the Town Hall. Depending on traffic the turnaround can be a bit tricky. Last year, at age 71, I did a PB of 17.7 mph. This year has been a strange season thanks to weather in CT so not as much riding as usual. But, I've also managed to come into the season about 8 lbs lighter than usual. I've also been feeling very fluid and smooth on the bike. My goal for this year was to hit 18 mph and I hoped I could do that by August. So, yesterday, I decided to go out for my first TT of the year to set a baseline from which to build. I was hoping my run would be 16+ mph. It was a great day. Very little wind and in the 60's F. Off I went. Got into a nice rhythm and feeling worked but unstressed, if that makes sense. I turn 72 in June so this was my last run as a 71 year old. To cut to the chase, had a great run and finished at 18.03 mph. WTF? I did not expect that. (FWIW for some reason Strava changes my Garmin data and reduces elevation and, in this case, added 13 seconds to my time. How is that even possible?) Now I'm celebrating and telling everybody.


https://www.strava.com/activities/1576055249

mcours2006

You're like a fine wine.

trailangel

Bragging here too

ReneV

Congrats:-)

Re. the 13s: my guess is that your Garmin paused at the turn-around. Strava uses the time difference in the GPS data.

Kurt Erlenbach

This is superb, Bruce. Think of the tiny percentage of the population, at any age, that could ride a bike at 18 mph for six and a half miles. One of the most frustrating things about cycling, or life, is that you can always get better. So, onward to 18.5!

OldTryGuy

Way to go, GO, GO!!!


**********?

Pretty sure that advancing age has a way of getting in the way of getting better.

bruce19

That makes perfect sense. I got hung up with cars going through the intersection and had to pause. We have a flashing light at the intersection and it's the only traffic light in town. LOL.

bruce19

My GF says more like vinegar.

TimothyH

Loosing weight will do it.

Ask me how I know.

canklecat

Pretty nice when we have those days where everything clicks. Nothing quite like that sense of flowing along, knowing you've kicked up another notch.

caloso

bruce19

One of my friends says that since I've already hit my goal for the year my season is over. But, yes, 21 min. and there's a Strava segment along our town green that is about 1 mi. long and pretty flat. My PB on it is 2:05 and if I can get it down to 2:00 I will be at 25 mph. But, what I really want to do is drastically improve my climbing. When it comes to climbing on my club's group rides (B Ride) I'm either the last one up the hill or close to it. I feel fine and I kind of like climbs but I just can't go fast enough. There's always a goal isn't there?

Kurt Erlenbach

You're completely correct, OTG. But that's the thing - while advancing age certainly has a way of getting in the way of getting better, we nonetheless CAN get better. And it's frustrating when we don't, or it seems we can't. But we can; it's just a matter of figuring out how.

McBTC

Not even a slight pain in the old piriformis? It ain't human... guess you'll have to kick it up a notch!

OldTryGuy

Well, this OTG ain't no vintage bottle of Dalmore so Everest was conquered and now it's just a slip-slidin' away.

bruce19

I feel like I am getting better. If that's a delusion, I'm sticking with it. I decided to eat less, eat better "stuff" and be a bit more diligent about exercise. Seems to be working in that I have lost about 8 lbs and I really do feel good. I know I will never be as strong as my 20 yr. old college football self. But, I can get smarter and perfect my technique on the bike. Back to the rollers and focus on cadence and proper shifting on the road. Always looking to ride with, as the French would say, "supplesse."

bruce19

Did a short (16.4 mi.) ride with my gf today. It was kind of a PITA thanks to a clicking sound on her bike that took us 6 stops to figure out. Turned out to be a tool bag issue. But, there was a Strava segment of about a mile that I tried to hit with some pace. Felt good but not particularly fast. Then I went home and uploaded my data to Strava. Turns out I did a PB of 24.4 mph on that segment. To say I was surprised would be an understatement.