Kicking off 2009 Training
Today was the “official” first day of my 2009 racing season. After a great week off, and spending loads of time with my new fiance Bridget, it’s time to chamois up and get ready for the program.
I’m really psyched for this off-season. Much more so than the past few years. Last year was quite abnormal and I really didn’t get the engine going until February/March. I even skipped the gym last year! This year though, I’m back in the gym and utilizing the tried and true FasCat program. I think 09 will be a great year. My CTL is at 60 to kick off the season, whereas last year it was at 9! That’s equivalent to a good 10-12 weeks of hard training. It also means my base fitness is quite higher this time around than last season. I was off the bike nearly 2 solid months last Fall, but not so this time around, I haven’t had this much desire or drive to excel in a few years, so I’m going to harness all that energy and focus on a few larger season goals. Racing kicks off again (well road) in only a few months!
Today kicked off the “adaptation” phase. I headed over to 24hour Fitness and joined up and dug my heels in for 10 weeks of weights. Sitting here I can feel that I was there as my legs are a little tired, hamstrings especially. After the gym, I headed home and pulled out the singlespeed. I put in about 2 hours of night riding as I headed over to Green Mt. The legs were a little sluggish, mostly from the weights earlier in the day, but I was getting a great force workout from climbing. I was going to head up box-o-rocks, but the 12 little beady eyes that reflected off my headlight, had me turning around and heading back home. Besides, the ss grind was catching and I’m sure I woulda been hosed (moreso than I currently am) after climbing that sufferfest.
My race calendar is slowly falling into place; Ouachita Challenge, Sea Otter, Mountain State Cup XC’s, Select NUE Series Races, 24hr of Summer Solstice and a few others, hell I may even race the road bike for fun a few times!
Should be in for a great season and super excited to be back on the Gary Fisher 29er Crew for 2009 again!! I love riding a 29er and not quite sure If I’d be able to even ride a kids bike again….
Currently playing in iTunes: Joy Ride by The Killers from Day & Age
November 26th, 2008 at 4:14 am
Alright Buddy! 29ers are cool and all, but you’ll hurt my Alma’s feeling if you call it a “kids bike”. Good job on starting your season training already. I’m picking up heavy stuff too, but it’s my body weight on rock. I bet I’m having more fun…
November 26th, 2008 at 4:17 am
I dunno, not sure if you could’ve had more fun than todays ride up Lookout Mt. May have to take you there next week, work out the kinks on tech and then learn descend fearlessly!
November 26th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Yes.