Keeping training interesting with alligators
The week after Christmas was the longest training week I've ever done. I rode everywhere there is to...
January 16, 2008
The week after Christmas was the longest training week I've ever done. I rode everywhere there is to ride in Orlando, and even found some new routes that I didn't know existed. I listened to my usual Podcasts and snacked on food, even when I wasn't hungry, just to give myself something to do. Recently, I've taken to purposely getting myself lost (how I find new routes) on my long rides so that my mind is occupied by figuring out how to get home instead of how much my butt hurts. I've also started making a point of riding to places. It's much more satisfying to finish and be able to say "I rode to ____ today" instead of "I rode around for ____ hours."
I learned that, although I've been cycling for several years and I talk about it all the time, my non-cyclist friends have never quite understood what I do. "You rode to where?" they ask in astonishment.
"To Melbourne," I respond, and their answer is usually something similar to "but that's so... far!"
On the longer days, I try to meet up with Amanda, my training partner and roommate at UF. They say that mental pictures are a great way to motivate yourself and help you attain your goals. When I need motivation, I imagine a 40mph [64.4km/h] sprint in which Laura Van Guilder's wheel is four inches behind mine. When that fails, Amanda is usually there to keep me from slacking off.
I'm in the middle of a rest week right now. For the first time in a long time, I sat down in front of the TV and let myself relax. I'm going camping and hiking with some friends on Friday in order to take advantage of this rest week (probably not the best rest in my coach's eyes). But this break is so short, and I don't want to miss out on the fun. Both classes and the racing season start up again soon, and I'll have plenty of time to be stressed out. I'm not planning on travelling much in the next couple months, but be sure to look for me in some of the upcoming Florida and Georgia races. I'll keep you updated on my training and racing. Oh, and if an alligator ever does come after me while I'm riding, I'll be sure to let you know.
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