Monday, February 25, 2013

The Measure of a cyclist?

How to measure a workout is key, and its one of a few changes for me this year.  There are a few metrics to consider when collecting data.  According to Christian Tanguy there are 3 main points:

  • Workout duration
  • Workout intensity and type
  • Weight  **
Source: http://teamcf.org/2013/01/keeping-track/

Workout Duration was something that I have recorded in the past 2 years, albeit in-directly.  I say indirectly because I measured in miles, and not actual time which could be an indicator of intensity in known routes.  workout intensity (& type), is a new data type that I will include, but hope to keep a consistent schedule.  Every workout has to have a purpose. Weight?  That's definitely new to me. I have been trying to keep the weight I lost in 2012 down, but this item Christian mentions confirms my suspicion that weight does matter.  No not the weight of the bike, but weight of the rider.  I used the weight of 2011 Iceman (178lbs.) as a baseline to work from in 2012.  I knew I had to not only increase my strength but power-to-weight ratio improvement also had to come from losing body weight. I basically lowered my carbohydrate consumption on the non-training days and raised my protein consumption.  I achieved a weight loss of 14 pounds by 2012 Iceman (164lbs.). I am currently at 165lbs. with regular weight training and running I am becoming a more efficient fat burning machine.  So now as part of my regular training record keeping, I will keep track of my body weight for that workout, which could be useful in determining work-load.

Its almost time for Barry Roubaix 2013, so its time to step up the pace.



Tuesday, February 5, 2013

2012 done and over with 2013 already started.

Well my 2012 season was pretty good. I had improvements (fitness/performance) in every single aspect of my racing. I had a nice finish at Iceman, finished 3 100 mile races with one of them being a First place finish. I got in 4309 miles for the year. 2013 is here and I rode outside only a few times, but I already got a first place in a little local race. I felt strong and not even winded. My health is good, albeit a few concerns that started a week before Iceman and still persists at least until I have a few more tests. The good news is no vascular issues and no cancer. I am thankful for my health up to this point and the ability to race like I was still a kid. Thanks gos out to Cycletherapy and Specialized Bicycles for the chance to race for a really cool team Cycletherapy-Specialized Racing. My first big race of the year will be the Barry-Roubaix Gravel Road Grinder. I plan on completing the N.U.E. Serious, starting with Cohutta 100 and will include at least 3 other races.

That's it for now. LIVE FREE OR DIE!