Now what?
I've fallen into a huge gaping hole in my "schedule". To go from two 100 mile efforts in two weeks to nothing for over a month and a half is kind of a drag. I've got nothing coming up till The Cowbell Challenge 12 Hour race on June 21st. That's a long ways away.
Things have changed in the land of Cowbells. The race has been held at the USNWC for the last six years (I think it's been six years). Amazingly enough this race predates the construction of the USNWC by quite a few years and was held at the same trails that we lovingly called "Catawba" before someone figured out how to make money (not) with the land. Due to some issues that go deeper than even I understand the USNWC is letting this race, which is part of the USACycling Endurance Series and the NC State 12 Hour Championships, slip through their fingers. I can't imagine why they wouldn't want this race on "their" property so they can sell their $5 beer and $8 hamburgers to all the famished racers... whatever.
So anyways, the race is moving to a new venue just north of town called Fisher Farm. It's a really nice trail, but it's not the kinda trail that works in my favor. The old course had lots of climbing and fast descents. Fisher is tight and twisty, but it's much more about who can lay down the power for 12 hours. Meh. I've already proven that I don't do well on this type of course in the past, so I'm kinda thinking the odds are against me getting my Cowbell back (I missed last year due to the Hellride).
I was brainstorming on just how I can improve my odds at this year's event. I considered (once again) replacing my IF steel fork with a much lighter (but slower handling) carbon fork. That sounds like a lot of work, so I don't know about that. I do think I'll take the time to remove the 2.3 Rampage up front and swap it out for a Crossmark. That should buy me back some time and effort on the course. Other than that I guess I could start training. Start training???
Yeah, I've been slack. I'm still up at 5:00am just like I always am this time of year. I'm just finding it harder to get out the door. I surf the web and piddle about the house, and most mornings I'm lucky if I get out the door before 7:00am. I gotta do something about that. I know it's semi-defeatist, but training for a race that has stacked the deck against me is a bit disheartening, especially a race that I love to do and have done well at for many years.
I wouldn't exactly say I need more Cowbell. I've got two of them so far, and I've only got two hands to ring them. A third might seem pointless to some, but in true American style I want more than I need. What with the price of gas, the scary economic situation, and our hundred year war going on who wouldn't feel safer with an extra cowbell in their closet?
Sorry about the links to the USNWC. It's an insider Charlotte joke.
Things have changed in the land of Cowbells. The race has been held at the USNWC for the last six years (I think it's been six years). Amazingly enough this race predates the construction of the USNWC by quite a few years and was held at the same trails that we lovingly called "Catawba" before someone figured out how to make money (not) with the land. Due to some issues that go deeper than even I understand the USNWC is letting this race, which is part of the USACycling Endurance Series and the NC State 12 Hour Championships, slip through their fingers. I can't imagine why they wouldn't want this race on "their" property so they can sell their $5 beer and $8 hamburgers to all the famished racers... whatever.
So anyways, the race is moving to a new venue just north of town called Fisher Farm. It's a really nice trail, but it's not the kinda trail that works in my favor. The old course had lots of climbing and fast descents. Fisher is tight and twisty, but it's much more about who can lay down the power for 12 hours. Meh. I've already proven that I don't do well on this type of course in the past, so I'm kinda thinking the odds are against me getting my Cowbell back (I missed last year due to the Hellride).
I was brainstorming on just how I can improve my odds at this year's event. I considered (once again) replacing my IF steel fork with a much lighter (but slower handling) carbon fork. That sounds like a lot of work, so I don't know about that. I do think I'll take the time to remove the 2.3 Rampage up front and swap it out for a Crossmark. That should buy me back some time and effort on the course. Other than that I guess I could start training. Start training???
Yeah, I've been slack. I'm still up at 5:00am just like I always am this time of year. I'm just finding it harder to get out the door. I surf the web and piddle about the house, and most mornings I'm lucky if I get out the door before 7:00am. I gotta do something about that. I know it's semi-defeatist, but training for a race that has stacked the deck against me is a bit disheartening, especially a race that I love to do and have done well at for many years.
I wouldn't exactly say I need more Cowbell. I've got two of them so far, and I've only got two hands to ring them. A third might seem pointless to some, but in true American style I want more than I need. What with the price of gas, the scary economic situation, and our hundred year war going on who wouldn't feel safer with an extra cowbell in their closet?
Sorry about the links to the USNWC. It's an insider Charlotte joke.
Maybe not. (Comment this)
The body's circadian clock says so! According to one study I saw, its best to work out between 5 and 7!
(http://psychology.about.com/od/statesofconsciousness/p/BodyClocks.htm)
"What is the best time to train? First and foremost, when you can! However, research on circadian rhythms (your body's internal clock) indicate that the summation of several important (anabolic) hormones peak at 3 and 11 hours upon awakening. What does that mean in plain english? Well, according to science, if you wake up at 6:00 am, you are at your strongest at 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. And, according to Olympic Strength Coach Charles Poliquin*, your joints (specifically, the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints) require about 3 hours to reach an optimal level of warmth which will help improve performance while decreasing the likelihood of injury. ..."
"# Late Afternoon is Best for Exercise
Research shows that the optimal time to exercise is when our body temperature is at its highest, which, for most people is 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (body temperature is at its lowest just before waking).
# Strength is Greater in the Afternoon
Dr. Hill reported that strength output is 5% higher at around mid-day; anaerobic performance, such as sprinting, improves by 5% in the late afternoon.
# Endurance is Greater in the Afternoon
Aerobic capacity (endurance) is approximately 4% higher in the afternoon.
# Injuries Are Less Likely in the Afternoon
Afternoon exercise is the best if you want to avoid injuries for many reasons. We are most alert; our body temperature is the highest so our muscles are warm and flexible; and our muscle strength is at its greatest. These three factors make it less likely that we will get injured. "
I'm not sure why anyone would want to go out riding so early!
I like my sleep! I sleep until 8am every day. Ride to work. Meet all the people who rushed in to get that early cup of coffee at around 9:30 or so I present myself.
Leave at 5:30 or so. Afternoon to myself as everyone leaves at 3:30 to the crowded roads.
See the kids from 5:30 to 6:45. Go ride till 9-9:30 or so.
Not exactly hitting the exact optimum time, but hell, it works for me! (Comment this)
Tomi don't got no kids that I know of. (Comment this)