Rest:
I once farted in an elevator, it was wrong on many levels.
PMPW: 86kg
This blog contains the daily grind of a bloke striving to be a mediocre cyclist. A bunch of training logs, with some comments thrown in to keep me amused (it's ok for you to be amused as well).
Be warned, this site contains references to poop.
Friday, 30 September 2016
Thursday, 29 September 2016
29/09/2016
Commute:
It is so cold outside I saw a politician with his hands in his own pockets.
D: 18.0km
A: 136m
PMPW: 86kg
It is so cold outside I saw a politician with his hands in his own pockets.
D: 18.0km
A: 136m
PMPW: 86kg
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
28/09/2016
Belgie:
The happiness I felt when the Belgie rolled out and Rohin Adams wasn't on it was short lived, as his pink lycra clad figure met us on the road and ensured a repeat of yesterday's shenanigans.
The plan was always going to be to drop a bunch of hammers and see who was left seeing straight, but Rohin not only keeps me honest, but fact checks every single effort to ensure 100% transparency. Yeah, alright that semi reference to yesterdays USA Presidential debate didn't really work, but it's typed now and I am too tired to reach all the way up to the backspace.
I know that the path to adaptation travels through pain town, but it's one thing to look at the map, it's another to roll through it and experience those moments of "My body is telling me this is all I've got, but I need more, so I'm going to demand more and see what happens.". Moments on a wheel where I worried about holding on, but had to kick to come over the crest of a hill first.
LOLs, "had to come first". Yeah that was my mentality this morning, and while it's wee bit anti-social, it's pro-fitness-gains.
Anyway the efforts are done, and now I have to deal with the lethargy that flows from it. Thank Shozaburo that it's raining tomorrow and thus I'll just be rolling easy.
Strava link.
D: 55.5km
A: 553m
Commute:
D: 5.5km
A: 17m
PMPW: 88kg
The happiness I felt when the Belgie rolled out and Rohin Adams wasn't on it was short lived, as his pink lycra clad figure met us on the road and ensured a repeat of yesterday's shenanigans.
The plan was always going to be to drop a bunch of hammers and see who was left seeing straight, but Rohin not only keeps me honest, but fact checks every single effort to ensure 100% transparency. Yeah, alright that semi reference to yesterdays USA Presidential debate didn't really work, but it's typed now and I am too tired to reach all the way up to the backspace.
I know that the path to adaptation travels through pain town, but it's one thing to look at the map, it's another to roll through it and experience those moments of "My body is telling me this is all I've got, but I need more, so I'm going to demand more and see what happens.". Moments on a wheel where I worried about holding on, but had to kick to come over the crest of a hill first.
LOLs, "had to come first". Yeah that was my mentality this morning, and while it's wee bit anti-social, it's pro-fitness-gains.
Anyway the efforts are done, and now I have to deal with the lethargy that flows from it. Thank Shozaburo that it's raining tomorrow and thus I'll just be rolling easy.
Strava link.
D: 55.5km
A: 553m
Commute:
D: 5.5km
A: 17m
PMPW: 88kg
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
27/09/2016
Ricktastic Tuesday:
I think I have to stop claiming Pony Club as mine, as for the second week in a row, Tommy completely steam trained me. Yeah yeah, he represented GB at 5 road world champs, but... actually there's no but to that, dude knows how to ride a bike, and I left way too many watts on the road earlier in the ride.
I'm going to blame Rick again, though as I'm sure you'll see I'm equally to blame. You see, when we rolled into High St, it was Rick and Matt Berg on the front. Rick appeared to take delight in half wheeling Matt until he blew. So I rolled underneath Matt, and up to Rick where I politely asked him how he is/was. Moment's later Rohin did the same to me, ensuring that the tone for the morning was maximum jerkiness.
Strava link.
D: 49.6km
A: 653m
Commute:
D: 8.1km
A: 62m
PMPW: 86kg
I think I have to stop claiming Pony Club as mine, as for the second week in a row, Tommy completely steam trained me. Yeah yeah, he represented GB at 5 road world champs, but... actually there's no but to that, dude knows how to ride a bike, and I left way too many watts on the road earlier in the ride.
I'm going to blame Rick again, though as I'm sure you'll see I'm equally to blame. You see, when we rolled into High St, it was Rick and Matt Berg on the front. Rick appeared to take delight in half wheeling Matt until he blew. So I rolled underneath Matt, and up to Rick where I politely asked him how he is/was. Moment's later Rohin did the same to me, ensuring that the tone for the morning was maximum jerkiness.
Strava link.
D: 49.6km
A: 653m
Commute:
D: 8.1km
A: 62m
PMPW: 86kg
Sunday, 25 September 2016
26/09/2016
Commute:
I rolled down St Kilda Rd this morning, deciding to take the express wheel of a roadie who was booking it. The thing is, she had one sock on inside out, and not only that, when I asked, she indicated it was intentional.
So there we go, that last birthday was the one where I lose track of what's cool. Kids these days!!
D: 21.2km
A: 171m
PMPW: 87kg
I rolled down St Kilda Rd this morning, deciding to take the express wheel of a roadie who was booking it. The thing is, she had one sock on inside out, and not only that, when I asked, she indicated it was intentional.
So there we go, that last birthday was the one where I lose track of what's cool. Kids these days!!
D: 21.2km
A: 171m
PMPW: 87kg
25/09/2016
Run:
It was back to the oval for another 10 laps on grass to keep the impact load as low as possible. I worked on relaxing my shoulders/dropping my arms, and pulling up my shorts (seems my new phone is heavier than the old one).
I started with a tight calf, and finished with a tighter one. Even giving it a few solid going overs with a massage stick leaves me worried about what's to come over the next few days.
Strava link.
D: 3.7km
P: 5:05/km
PMPW: 88kg
It was back to the oval for another 10 laps on grass to keep the impact load as low as possible. I worked on relaxing my shoulders/dropping my arms, and pulling up my shorts (seems my new phone is heavier than the old one).
I started with a tight calf, and finished with a tighter one. Even giving it a few solid going overs with a massage stick leaves me worried about what's to come over the next few days.
Strava link.
D: 3.7km
P: 5:05/km
PMPW: 88kg
Saturday, 24 September 2016
24/09/2016
St Kilda East, Half Hell Ride, Safety Beach, St Kilda East:
I'm going for a nap.
The helly southbound was solid, it took 55km/h to roll a turn so I only managed one. That left me in the churn of the bunch and thus stuck behind riders who seemed to brake when we hit Olivers (seriously people, wtf?!). I tried to chase Pat Lane when he kicked out of the bunch as we passed the end of Baden Powell, but I eventually blew somewhere in no man's land. That wasn't what did me in though.
The roll from Mt Eliza through to Safety Beach featured 6 of us, and though I spent some time on the front, that's not what did me in.
No, what ruined me for the rest of the day was sitting two up with DK into the headwind home. Solid, sweet spot effort levels for twoish hours. I swear as the wind got stronger as we went, meaning as I steadily weakened our pace dropped down and down and down. It's beach road damn it, where were all the lovely bunches for me to sit on?!
Strava link.
D: 139.0km
A: 822m
PMPW: 88kg
I'm going for a nap.
The helly southbound was solid, it took 55km/h to roll a turn so I only managed one. That left me in the churn of the bunch and thus stuck behind riders who seemed to brake when we hit Olivers (seriously people, wtf?!). I tried to chase Pat Lane when he kicked out of the bunch as we passed the end of Baden Powell, but I eventually blew somewhere in no man's land. That wasn't what did me in though.
The roll from Mt Eliza through to Safety Beach featured 6 of us, and though I spent some time on the front, that's not what did me in.
No, what ruined me for the rest of the day was sitting two up with DK into the headwind home. Solid, sweet spot effort levels for twoish hours. I swear as the wind got stronger as we went, meaning as I steadily weakened our pace dropped down and down and down. It's beach road damn it, where were all the lovely bunches for me to sit on?!
Strava link.
D: 139.0km
A: 822m
PMPW: 88kg
Friday, 23 September 2016
23/09/2016
NRR TTT:
I had planned on another Friday St Helena loop, but when everyone else bailed at 5:20am I decided I needed to find another multi person option rather than ride solo. Obviously it's a bit rude to be sending unsolicited texts soliciting rides before 5:30am, so I went with Northy's TTT option.
I spent the morning glued to wheels like a a 14 year old glued to their first model plane. I was stuck fast, but a little bit too embarrassed to ask anyone for help. Sadly a post ride review of the power numbers suggest that it wasn't them, it was me. Oh well, I've chalked (another) one in the "not my day" column and now it's time to get on with copious coffees.
Strava link.
D: 53.2km
A: 212m
Commute:
D: 9.4km
A: 17m
PMPW: 87kg
I had planned on another Friday St Helena loop, but when everyone else bailed at 5:20am I decided I needed to find another multi person option rather than ride solo. Obviously it's a bit rude to be sending unsolicited texts soliciting rides before 5:30am, so I went with Northy's TTT option.
I spent the morning glued to wheels like a a 14 year old glued to their first model plane. I was stuck fast, but a little bit too embarrassed to ask anyone for help. Sadly a post ride review of the power numbers suggest that it wasn't them, it was me. Oh well, I've chalked (another) one in the "not my day" column and now it's time to get on with copious coffees.
Strava link.
D: 53.2km
A: 212m
Commute:
D: 9.4km
A: 17m
PMPW: 87kg
Thursday, 22 September 2016
22/09/2016
Commute:
My dog always used to chase people on a bike. It got so bad, I finally took his bike away.
D: 19.4km
A: 132m
PMPW: 87kg
My dog always used to chase people on a bike. It got so bad, I finally took his bike away.
D: 19.4km
A: 132m
PMPW: 87kg
Wednesday, 21 September 2016
21/09/2016
Commute:
I was putting away some books tonight and one fell right on my face. I guess I've only got myshelf to blame.
D: 19.1km
A: 140m
PMPW: 88kg
I was putting away some books tonight and one fell right on my face. I guess I've only got myshelf to blame.
D: 19.1km
A: 140m
PMPW: 88kg
Tuesday, 20 September 2016
20/09/2016
Ricktastic Tuesday:
I've often talked about events being a reaction to past events. Like wearing leg warmers today (even it it's probably unnecessary) because yesterday I didn't but should have. Well today I got a bit feisty early because last week, Rick did.
It was possibly petulant, it was feasibly fractious and it was unquestionably ungracious. We were sat on the front of our swollen bunch, catching up on weekend activities, and though there was some minor half wheeling, it never felt malicious. I guess what I'm trying to convey there is that there was no present excuse for increasing the intensity the way I did. I heard his inhalation increase in intensity and pushed on the pedals.
Just to be clear about the state of my conscience, it is unhindered by unrest. Yep, I'd do it again, even if once again it left me prevented from peak performance on pony club. I feel that piquing the passion of the peloton, provides plenty of personal progress in physical proficiency.
Strava link.
D: 46.6km
A: 630m
Commute:
D: 7.5km
A: 19m
PMPW: 89kg
I've often talked about events being a reaction to past events. Like wearing leg warmers today (even it it's probably unnecessary) because yesterday I didn't but should have. Well today I got a bit feisty early because last week, Rick did.
It was possibly petulant, it was feasibly fractious and it was unquestionably ungracious. We were sat on the front of our swollen bunch, catching up on weekend activities, and though there was some minor half wheeling, it never felt malicious. I guess what I'm trying to convey there is that there was no present excuse for increasing the intensity the way I did. I heard his inhalation increase in intensity and pushed on the pedals.
Just to be clear about the state of my conscience, it is unhindered by unrest. Yep, I'd do it again, even if once again it left me prevented from peak performance on pony club. I feel that piquing the passion of the peloton, provides plenty of personal progress in physical proficiency.
Strava link.
D: 46.6km
A: 630m
Commute:
D: 7.5km
A: 19m
PMPW: 89kg
Monday, 19 September 2016
19/09/2016
Commute:
I thought about calling it a while ago, when the first warm air of spring rippled over the dark sleepy city of Melbourne. I thought about saying "Righteo, no more leg warmers for 2016", but resisted and was glad when frost laden southerlies once again made the mercury plummet.
Well, I'm thinking about calling it again. The days are longer, the sun lightening the Eastern horizon as most of the bunches meet, then stays up long enough for me to get home and take the dog to the park so he can show off how fast he is to the other dogs. It just feels like the right thing to do, which probably means it's not, but I'll do it anyway, then deal with cold knees while pretending I don't have cold knees.
D: 20.8km
A: 144m
PMPW: 89kg
I thought about calling it a while ago, when the first warm air of spring rippled over the dark sleepy city of Melbourne. I thought about saying "Righteo, no more leg warmers for 2016", but resisted and was glad when frost laden southerlies once again made the mercury plummet.
Well, I'm thinking about calling it again. The days are longer, the sun lightening the Eastern horizon as most of the bunches meet, then stays up long enough for me to get home and take the dog to the park so he can show off how fast he is to the other dogs. It just feels like the right thing to do, which probably means it's not, but I'll do it anyway, then deal with cold knees while pretending I don't have cold knees.
D: 20.8km
A: 144m
PMPW: 89kg
Sunday, 18 September 2016
18/09/2016
Run:
My trip to the UK office for work is 3 weeks away, and I'm concerned about endorphins withdrawals. Taking a bike is going to be a pain in my arse, which means running is going to be the most time and luggage space efficient... but I'm not terribly happy about it.
Given the forecast today was a bit shoddy, I went out for a short run, lopping a few hundred metres off my last run, doing it almost all on the grass oval over the road, and walking to/from as a bit of a warm up/cool down. Even with all those modifications, and a solid going over with a massage stick straight after, I could feel my calves getting tight this arvo. Maybe if I commit to 1-2 runs a week for the next 3 weeks I'll adapt in time, but I have a feeling that I may have to fold some very sore legs into my economy seat for LHR-DXB-MEL.
Strava link.
D: 2.7km
P: 5:05/km
PMPW: 90kg
My trip to the UK office for work is 3 weeks away, and I'm concerned about endorphins withdrawals. Taking a bike is going to be a pain in my arse, which means running is going to be the most time and luggage space efficient... but I'm not terribly happy about it.
Given the forecast today was a bit shoddy, I went out for a short run, lopping a few hundred metres off my last run, doing it almost all on the grass oval over the road, and walking to/from as a bit of a warm up/cool down. Even with all those modifications, and a solid going over with a massage stick straight after, I could feel my calves getting tight this arvo. Maybe if I commit to 1-2 runs a week for the next 3 weeks I'll adapt in time, but I have a feeling that I may have to fold some very sore legs into my economy seat for LHR-DXB-MEL.
Strava link.
D: 2.7km
P: 5:05/km
PMPW: 90kg
Saturday, 17 September 2016
17/09/2016
St Kilda East - Dirty 1:20 - St Kilda East:
My legs functioned a bit better today than they did yesterday, but that didn't make it easy. Surprisingly the fact that Straussy called for this to be an easy ride didn't make it easy either. Mostly the culprit for making it a semi decent day out was the wind being permanently in our faces, but Dan hitting it along the bike path route out to the nongs didn't help either.
After getting out to the prominent bump in the land sans traffic, it seemed a shame to ride up Mountain Highway with all the cars trying to go about their day. Instead we headed slightly further north for a lazy roll up through the tall gum trees of the Basin-Olinda Rd, before bombing back down Devils Elbow on the way to a couple of long blacks in Ashburton.
Strava link.
D: 103.1km
A: 1,264m
PMPW: 89kg
My legs functioned a bit better today than they did yesterday, but that didn't make it easy. Surprisingly the fact that Straussy called for this to be an easy ride didn't make it easy either. Mostly the culprit for making it a semi decent day out was the wind being permanently in our faces, but Dan hitting it along the bike path route out to the nongs didn't help either.
After getting out to the prominent bump in the land sans traffic, it seemed a shame to ride up Mountain Highway with all the cars trying to go about their day. Instead we headed slightly further north for a lazy roll up through the tall gum trees of the Basin-Olinda Rd, before bombing back down Devils Elbow on the way to a couple of long blacks in Ashburton.
Strava link.
D: 103.1km
A: 1,264m
PMPW: 89kg
Friday, 16 September 2016
16/09/2016
St Kilda East, St Hell-ena, St Kilda East:
A dry forecast was enough to get me committing to an St Helena loop with Ryan, Warrack and a couple of Ryan's mates.
There were lots of moments that were less than ideal, such as helpfully flicking some mud off someone's bike only to find it was a dog turd, or getting chased for several hundred metres by an irate magpie, but all up you can't complain. Well you could, you're most likely a middle aged, white, aussie male, and while that reeks of privilege, it also comes with a rich history of complaining about trivial stuff. Anyway, perhaps I should say you shouldn't complain, because it was good to get out and roll around and drink a coffee or two.
Strava link.
D: 62.0km
A: 822m
Commute:
D: 8.1km
A: 13m
PMPW: 89kg
A dry forecast was enough to get me committing to an St Helena loop with Ryan, Warrack and a couple of Ryan's mates.
There were lots of moments that were less than ideal, such as helpfully flicking some mud off someone's bike only to find it was a dog turd, or getting chased for several hundred metres by an irate magpie, but all up you can't complain. Well you could, you're most likely a middle aged, white, aussie male, and while that reeks of privilege, it also comes with a rich history of complaining about trivial stuff. Anyway, perhaps I should say you shouldn't complain, because it was good to get out and roll around and drink a coffee or two.
Strava link.
D: 62.0km
A: 822m
Commute:
D: 8.1km
A: 13m
PMPW: 89kg
Thursday, 15 September 2016
15/09/2016
Commute:
While not the path to absolute happiness, I think that accepting that something you don't want to happen is about to happen is one to relative happiness. This applies to hills, sprints, crosswinds, and of course, rainy commutes.
I'm a big fan of BOM, my mate Steve Duggan works there, and I know that weather systems are complex things and thus forecasting rain is difficult. That said, I put some trust in the forecast and ended up with regret.
You see, this morning the forecast suggested some early rain that would clear during the day. Come roll out time the clouds were at bay, so I grabbed the CX bike. Yep, sure I got to work bone dry (bar some mud from getting squirmy on singletrack), but then it rained, and rained, and just kept on bloody raining. Eventually at home time I had to resign myself to a wet arse, and just get out there.
I think that was the right choice. Accepting it didn't make me happy, but I would have been downright miserable if I'd held on the the hope of a completely dry day.
D: 17.9km
A: 151m
PMPW: 89kg
While not the path to absolute happiness, I think that accepting that something you don't want to happen is about to happen is one to relative happiness. This applies to hills, sprints, crosswinds, and of course, rainy commutes.
I'm a big fan of BOM, my mate Steve Duggan works there, and I know that weather systems are complex things and thus forecasting rain is difficult. That said, I put some trust in the forecast and ended up with regret.
You see, this morning the forecast suggested some early rain that would clear during the day. Come roll out time the clouds were at bay, so I grabbed the CX bike. Yep, sure I got to work bone dry (bar some mud from getting squirmy on singletrack), but then it rained, and rained, and just kept on bloody raining. Eventually at home time I had to resign myself to a wet arse, and just get out there.
I think that was the right choice. Accepting it didn't make me happy, but I would have been downright miserable if I'd held on the the hope of a completely dry day.
D: 17.9km
A: 151m
PMPW: 89kg
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
14/09/2016
Intervals:
Last week, when I applied for the day off work, the forecast was pretty good. I told Rick, and he decided that he too would take the day off. So... given the forecast last night was for a shitty, rainy morning, we changed plans to an ergo.
I guess it's time to say the reason for the day off is it's my birthday, and that fact influenced what we did on said ergo adventure. One minute above threshold, for every year I've been alive.
1 x 10min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 7min >350W
1 x 10min E1
I'm not going to check my data to see if I held the numbers, because I'm just glad it's over with. Effort 4, 5, and 6 were not happy times. Even with a mate next to me sharing the experience, and stage 20 of the Vuelta on the telly to give us a distraction I found myself going a bit inward mentally, and dropping off the cadence/power.
I don't think this should be a tradition, a final 8 minute effort next year and a 9 minute one the year after might end me.
Strava link.
PMPW: 88kg
Last week, when I applied for the day off work, the forecast was pretty good. I told Rick, and he decided that he too would take the day off. So... given the forecast last night was for a shitty, rainy morning, we changed plans to an ergo.
I guess it's time to say the reason for the day off is it's my birthday, and that fact influenced what we did on said ergo adventure. One minute above threshold, for every year I've been alive.
1 x 10min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 5min >350W
1 x 5min E1
1 x 7min >350W
1 x 10min E1
I'm not going to check my data to see if I held the numbers, because I'm just glad it's over with. Effort 4, 5, and 6 were not happy times. Even with a mate next to me sharing the experience, and stage 20 of the Vuelta on the telly to give us a distraction I found myself going a bit inward mentally, and dropping off the cadence/power.
I don't think this should be a tradition, a final 8 minute effort next year and a 9 minute one the year after might end me.
Strava link.
PMPW: 88kg
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
13/09/2016
Ricktastic Tuesday:
I wasnt super in to maths at school, mostly I was right that I wouldnt have to use quadratic equations etc in my adult life, except for one very important moment. Sitting on the dunny at 5am, staring at the weather radar and trying to work out if that gap in the clouds is big enough to get a specific ride in.
The answer to the question I was trying to answer pre my post morning poo weigh in, was no, if I rode I'd get wet. At the time, I guessed we wouldn't, which is why I spent some time with my bibs hanging over the hot air hand dryer in the work change rooms. That then means that yes is the answer to the question "does it smell like arse in here?" that thankfully no one asked.
The ride was good though, with Rohin Adams joined Rick, Warrack and I for a bit of a mixed bag of efforts. Rick went hard up Doncaster Rd, presumably because I'd just moments before declared I was still tired from Sunday. High St wasn't earth shattering, but I gave Parker St because I prefer to get it over with, and I wanted to see how I'd fare against Rohin (the answer to that is, "quite good!"). Rosehill devolved into Rick and I out of the saddle putting everything into the pedals, but soon after there was chatting as we ascended Pony Club.
Strava link.
D: 47.9km
A: 617m
Commute:
I had a chat with a friendly physio today about my body. I've had a theory about two issues that i thought might have a single cause. The issues are some pain in my left patella tendon, and some discomfort in the undercarriage area after some rides. I've done a lot of stretching/rolling/rehab for the former, and I've done a bunch of saddle swaps and position adjustments for the latter. Anyway, the theory was a slight leg length variance, and we came to the conclusion that functionally I do have some, caused by a slightly shorter right shin (tib/fib).
If it was anyone else, I'd say go have (another) bike fit, but I'm going to shim my right cleat a little and observe the outcome. Maybe for the first time since owning a power meter I'll even review L/R pedalling balance.
I'm not 100% sure why I'm sharing, it feels personal, but the two things have affected my joy of riding, so it's going here.
D: 8.2km
A: 10m
PMPW: 88kg
I wasnt super in to maths at school, mostly I was right that I wouldnt have to use quadratic equations etc in my adult life, except for one very important moment. Sitting on the dunny at 5am, staring at the weather radar and trying to work out if that gap in the clouds is big enough to get a specific ride in.
The answer to the question I was trying to answer pre my post morning poo weigh in, was no, if I rode I'd get wet. At the time, I guessed we wouldn't, which is why I spent some time with my bibs hanging over the hot air hand dryer in the work change rooms. That then means that yes is the answer to the question "does it smell like arse in here?" that thankfully no one asked.
The ride was good though, with Rohin Adams joined Rick, Warrack and I for a bit of a mixed bag of efforts. Rick went hard up Doncaster Rd, presumably because I'd just moments before declared I was still tired from Sunday. High St wasn't earth shattering, but I gave Parker St because I prefer to get it over with, and I wanted to see how I'd fare against Rohin (the answer to that is, "quite good!"). Rosehill devolved into Rick and I out of the saddle putting everything into the pedals, but soon after there was chatting as we ascended Pony Club.
Strava link.
D: 47.9km
A: 617m
Commute:
I had a chat with a friendly physio today about my body. I've had a theory about two issues that i thought might have a single cause. The issues are some pain in my left patella tendon, and some discomfort in the undercarriage area after some rides. I've done a lot of stretching/rolling/rehab for the former, and I've done a bunch of saddle swaps and position adjustments for the latter. Anyway, the theory was a slight leg length variance, and we came to the conclusion that functionally I do have some, caused by a slightly shorter right shin (tib/fib).
If it was anyone else, I'd say go have (another) bike fit, but I'm going to shim my right cleat a little and observe the outcome. Maybe for the first time since owning a power meter I'll even review L/R pedalling balance.
I'm not 100% sure why I'm sharing, it feels personal, but the two things have affected my joy of riding, so it's going here.
D: 8.2km
A: 10m
PMPW: 88kg
Monday, 12 September 2016
Sunday, 11 September 2016
11/09/2016
St Kilda East, 1:20, Devils Elbow / One Tree, The Wall, St Kilda East:
If anyone is out near Mt Dandenong, and finds where the legs and lungs I left out there... actually I'm not sure they'll want me back, so um, just hang on to them for a bit until we reconcile.
The plan was simple, meet Fewy, go to the nongs with some of his mates, ride up and down a few times. Even as we rolled into the first climb, the 1 in 20, I had no plans to drill myself into a tiny box of pain and unhappy times. It was the faint waft of fresh rabbit floating back on the still morning air that suddenly awoke a need to challenge and compete. The simple act of someone rolling off the front that brought out my overly competitive nature.
I sat on several wheels, staring at a 50cm gap that was moments before a 30cm gap, wondering if that was the end of everything. Questioning if 20cm was a reason to give up, or rather if I had a reason to continue. There were most certainly some emotions experienced.
It wasn't all horrible horrible pain though, there was also TTT trains run down the sweeping roads of the mountain and a lemon curd and passionfruit tart that may have just been the difference between me making it home and me sitting in a gutter in Knoxfield having a few more emotions.
Strava link.
D: 129.3km
A: 2,355m
PMPW: 89kg
If anyone is out near Mt Dandenong, and finds where the legs and lungs I left out there... actually I'm not sure they'll want me back, so um, just hang on to them for a bit until we reconcile.
The plan was simple, meet Fewy, go to the nongs with some of his mates, ride up and down a few times. Even as we rolled into the first climb, the 1 in 20, I had no plans to drill myself into a tiny box of pain and unhappy times. It was the faint waft of fresh rabbit floating back on the still morning air that suddenly awoke a need to challenge and compete. The simple act of someone rolling off the front that brought out my overly competitive nature.
I sat on several wheels, staring at a 50cm gap that was moments before a 30cm gap, wondering if that was the end of everything. Questioning if 20cm was a reason to give up, or rather if I had a reason to continue. There were most certainly some emotions experienced.
It wasn't all horrible horrible pain though, there was also TTT trains run down the sweeping roads of the mountain and a lemon curd and passionfruit tart that may have just been the difference between me making it home and me sitting in a gutter in Knoxfield having a few more emotions.
Strava link.
D: 129.3km
A: 2,355m
PMPW: 89kg
Saturday, 10 September 2016
10/09/2016
Rollers:
I think it took me longer to set up the rollers than I spent riding on them. Sure that's partially because I hadn't used them in forever and i needed to wipe the drums down, but really, that's not a very long ride.
PMPW: 90kg
I think it took me longer to set up the rollers than I spent riding on them. Sure that's partially because I hadn't used them in forever and i needed to wipe the drums down, but really, that's not a very long ride.
PMPW: 90kg
Friday, 9 September 2016
9/09/2016
Commute:
So this magician is driving down the road and then he turns in to a driveway.
D: 16.5km
A: 166m
PMPW: 88kg
So this magician is driving down the road and then he turns in to a driveway.
D: 16.5km
A: 166m
PMPW: 88kg
Thursday, 8 September 2016
8/09/2016
Commute:
It was such a nice morning that I scooted down to Albert Park Lake on my way to work. As I rolled past the first corner, a group of Melbourne Uni dudes rolled around, thus giving me a lovely sit and a bit of a chat for a couple of lap. Then as they peeled off, someone we'd just passed rolled up, giving me a chat for a further lap or so. 3 laps in glorious warm spring air. No warmers standing between my skin and the long rays of the sun, and only the occasional swan poo to dodge on the road.
D: 33.0km
A: 195m
TRX Circuit:
We're having wellbeing week at work this week, and the City Baths put on a few group sessions for just our staff. Boxing didn't interest me, but I was pretty confident Jeff... yeah Jeff Williams... like Jeff's Shed Jeff, would be the one taking it, so I signed up. Sadly he wasn't taking it, a nice Irish fellow named Mick was, and he lead the 10ish people from my work through a session on the TRX suspension strap/handle thingies.
We did some squatty things, some lungey things, and some pushupy things. Only two exercises really stuck with me, something called "thread the needle" that left me more uncoordinated than normal, and pistols. The straps took the balance element out of the pistols, meaning I was able to just bob away ceaselessly... I may come to regret that tomorrow.
PMPW: 87kg
It was such a nice morning that I scooted down to Albert Park Lake on my way to work. As I rolled past the first corner, a group of Melbourne Uni dudes rolled around, thus giving me a lovely sit and a bit of a chat for a couple of lap. Then as they peeled off, someone we'd just passed rolled up, giving me a chat for a further lap or so. 3 laps in glorious warm spring air. No warmers standing between my skin and the long rays of the sun, and only the occasional swan poo to dodge on the road.
D: 33.0km
A: 195m
TRX Circuit:
We're having wellbeing week at work this week, and the City Baths put on a few group sessions for just our staff. Boxing didn't interest me, but I was pretty confident Jeff... yeah Jeff Williams... like Jeff's Shed Jeff, would be the one taking it, so I signed up. Sadly he wasn't taking it, a nice Irish fellow named Mick was, and he lead the 10ish people from my work through a session on the TRX suspension strap/handle thingies.
We did some squatty things, some lungey things, and some pushupy things. Only two exercises really stuck with me, something called "thread the needle" that left me more uncoordinated than normal, and pistols. The straps took the balance element out of the pistols, meaning I was able to just bob away ceaselessly... I may come to regret that tomorrow.
PMPW: 87kg
Wednesday, 7 September 2016
7/09/2016
Commute:
I got to work early so I could get something done before the office filled up. I would have too, except I completely forgot to bring what I needed from home. Oh well, the bright side is that I got double my normal commute kms, and did so in idyllic weather.
D: 35.8km
A: 280m
PMPW: 88kg
I got to work early so I could get something done before the office filled up. I would have too, except I completely forgot to bring what I needed from home. Oh well, the bright side is that I got double my normal commute kms, and did so in idyllic weather.
D: 35.8km
A: 280m
PMPW: 88kg
Tuesday, 6 September 2016
6/09/2016
Ricktastic Tuesday:
With my shoulder being somewhat tight/dodgy, it was Parker St that I was worried about, instead it should have been the roll up Doncaster Rd that concerned me. One moment I'm sitting on the front, talking to Rick about his weekend, the next I'm having to push 550-600W just to keep my front wheel within cooee of his. It took me back to the first few weeks/months of joining Rick, he'd absolutely cane us early on, and lead to a habit I was grateful for today. Warming up on my way to the meeting point by giving Princess St hill (out of Kew junction) a good whack.
Parker wasn't so non event per se, but rather my pride had been piqued enough that I was willing to push through any discomfort in it and my legs to get some kind of vengeance.
Strava link.
D: 50.5km
A: 674m
Commute:
D: 8.8km
A: 23m
PMPW: 89kg
With my shoulder being somewhat tight/dodgy, it was Parker St that I was worried about, instead it should have been the roll up Doncaster Rd that concerned me. One moment I'm sitting on the front, talking to Rick about his weekend, the next I'm having to push 550-600W just to keep my front wheel within cooee of his. It took me back to the first few weeks/months of joining Rick, he'd absolutely cane us early on, and lead to a habit I was grateful for today. Warming up on my way to the meeting point by giving Princess St hill (out of Kew junction) a good whack.
Parker wasn't so non event per se, but rather my pride had been piqued enough that I was willing to push through any discomfort in it and my legs to get some kind of vengeance.
Strava link.
D: 50.5km
A: 674m
Commute:
D: 8.8km
A: 23m
PMPW: 89kg
Monday, 5 September 2016
5/09/2016
Commute:
My left knee has been sore for a few months, a chronic issue that I've managed with stretching, foam rolling and rehab of the underlying issues. Anyway, the point is that I'm used to a discomfort on the floor of my living room, or at least I thought I was.
The last day or so I've been feeling tighter and tighter in my right shoulder, it's gotten to the point where I've got a low level headache from it. That's nothing though when compared to the acute stabbing pain that a ball to the trap brings. I've been giving serious consideration to just putting up with the headache.
D: 19.6km
A: 183m
PMPW: 89kg
My left knee has been sore for a few months, a chronic issue that I've managed with stretching, foam rolling and rehab of the underlying issues. Anyway, the point is that I'm used to a discomfort on the floor of my living room, or at least I thought I was.
The last day or so I've been feeling tighter and tighter in my right shoulder, it's gotten to the point where I've got a low level headache from it. That's nothing though when compared to the acute stabbing pain that a ball to the trap brings. I've been giving serious consideration to just putting up with the headache.
D: 19.6km
A: 183m
PMPW: 89kg
Sunday, 4 September 2016
4/09/2016
Rest:
No a lot going on today, I thought it was going to be wet and miserable, so I didn't even bother. In hindsight i probably could have gotten something more done outside than just walk the dog.
PMPW: 88kg
No a lot going on today, I thought it was going to be wet and miserable, so I didn't even bother. In hindsight i probably could have gotten something more done outside than just walk the dog.
PMPW: 88kg
Saturday, 3 September 2016
3/09/2016
Total Rush Shop Ride:
I'm not meant to shower for a few days*, so I figure that means I shouldn't sweat my dressings off either. So, after a bit of a sleep in, I met the shoppy at Luna Park, and took a tow south.
After telling my little door tale a few times, we got rolling back North. I would have liked to have been with the fast group, it just didn't seem like the sensible choice though, so instead I planted myself with the slower bunch and towed everyone home in the gusting winds while chatting to one of the boys.
* I still got in (with the shower head low) and got my legs shaved. Standards need to me met/kept.
Strava link.
D: 63.3km
A: 291m
PMPW: 89kg
I'm not meant to shower for a few days*, so I figure that means I shouldn't sweat my dressings off either. So, after a bit of a sleep in, I met the shoppy at Luna Park, and took a tow south.
After telling my little door tale a few times, we got rolling back North. I would have liked to have been with the fast group, it just didn't seem like the sensible choice though, so instead I planted myself with the slower bunch and towed everyone home in the gusting winds while chatting to one of the boys.
* I still got in (with the shower head low) and got my legs shaved. Standards need to me met/kept.
Strava link.
D: 63.3km
A: 291m
PMPW: 89kg
Friday, 2 September 2016
2/09/2016
Commute:
It made sense to do it, well it made sense to me anyway. I had to drop my car off for a service, and I needed to get to work. Obviously the most logical thing 2 days after a traumatic dooring was to pop my bike in the car and get double my normal ride in.
D: 34.7km
A: 236m
PMPW: 88kg
It made sense to do it, well it made sense to me anyway. I had to drop my car off for a service, and I needed to get to work. Obviously the most logical thing 2 days after a traumatic dooring was to pop my bike in the car and get double my normal ride in.
D: 34.7km
A: 236m
PMPW: 88kg
Thursday, 1 September 2016
1/09/2016
Rest:
The title says rest, and though I didn't exercise or work, the almost complete lack of sleep last night has left me feeling slightly less than rested.
A few paper sutures, some dressings and an antiseptic formula that made it feel like my chest was on fire. That's the extent of the fix up costs so really, it could have been a lot worse. I guess that explains why I'm feeling fairly calm/happy about it all.
PMPW: 90kg
The title says rest, and though I didn't exercise or work, the almost complete lack of sleep last night has left me feeling slightly less than rested.
A few paper sutures, some dressings and an antiseptic formula that made it feel like my chest was on fire. That's the extent of the fix up costs so really, it could have been a lot worse. I guess that explains why I'm feeling fairly calm/happy about it all.
PMPW: 90kg
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