BTC TT

A couple of weeks ago I did the Bellingham Triathlon Club's weekly time trial for the first time.  My time for the course was 42:23.  That's 47 seconds under what I predicted.  Not bad for a shot in the dark.  Last Thursday it was canceled because of rain, but today is another stellar weather day so I'm going to try and improve.  Last time I had some strange cramping in my calves about half-way through.  I was perplexed because I never have calf issues on the bike.  To figure it out I set up my video camera to record my pedal technique on the trainer.  After some analysis, I came to the conclusion my toe was always pointing down, even during the downstroke.  According to the majority of coaches, this is an inefficient way to deliver power.  Since I'm still fairly new to riding(1 year), adjusting my form was easy.  Focusing on keeping a good rhythm and staying in tune with my form is helping. 

Next day:
Last night's TT was great.  I held back on the first hill and then hammered it the rest of the way, including the long climb from the lake.  At the end I was foaming at the mouth and giving it everything I had.  I improved 25 seconds to nail a 41:58.  Even though I felt spent, Glenn, Steve and I ran one loop around the lake at a comfortable pace.  It was a solid effort, but maybe too much for a multi-sport event.  I'll have to test it out with a faster brick run next time.  I've decided Thursdays are going to be my brick days because Fridays are supposed to be rest days before big weekends.

Other than swimming, I've been putting in some solid time lately.  I'm up to 7 hours of training this week and tomorrow I'm going for a long ride(50 miles or so).  Sunday I'll help officiate the bike course at the Mount Rainier Duathlon.  Which means I better get comfortable sitting on the back of  a motorcycle real quick because I'm going to be on it for a few hours.  Good luck at the race Glenn Gervais. 

Strong for Boston

The sad event in Boston yesterday is truly tragic. It was supposed to be a day to embrace the body and move the spirit. I am confused about the reasons why this happened. But I will take this chance today, like so many others across the nation, to embrace my spirit and go for a run in honor of those affected.

Bellingham Triathlon Club TT

One month from today I will be riding with the Tour de Cure.   It's going to be my first crack at a century.  To get more into the cycling spirit I have decided to race in a Time Trial this evening.  It is an out and back of 14.4 miles that climbs away from the entrance to Lake Padden, drops down and circles Lake Samish.  We have to climb back over and down to the start/finish at Padden.  My goal is to finish in under 43 minutes.  That'll give me a 20mph average.  Which means I'll have to push the pace during the middle flat section to make up time for the two slow hills.  I'll keep you informed.

Strava segment page. 

In no way will I be racing for 100 miles next month but the TT should be a lot of fun. This is just what I need to kick start a big month-long training block of cycling.  I've gotta get more saddle time in before May just to make sure I can finish the ride without bonking.  I hate to put running to the side, but four weeks of serious biking should turn into lower times and therefore more fun.