Training Log Archive: SherB

DD wanted to see what the flat roads out to Isle of Grain were like for TT practice, so we rode out there today. As usual, scenery stunning, lovely undulating route from our place to the other side of the A2, then the long flat stretches started. I made the mistake of staying with DD at first (who was taking it easy so I could stay with him), but he still burned my legs after a few km of flat at 38kph, so I dropped off hoping that I hadn't already done the damage that would make the trip home difficult. He continued on till the road ended, & is keen to return to those flat roads for more practice. We stopped at Isle of Grain, which feels like the end of the world, for bacon, brie & cranberry baguette's at the seaside cafe (they were delicious), then headed back via the village Cooling which is another hidden gem in Kent. I nearly made it home without falling into a heap. But I didn't quite get there - the short climbs from the M20 to our place finished me off.

Annoyingly, my neck & shoulders were really uncomfortable & hurting a lot by the end, so I'm going to need more amendments to bike setup. Thinking I'll just go back to what it was like 2 weeks ago, & be done with it.

The nasty wind meant I was reluctant to go out today, but DD wanted to, so I picked a route that I hoped would offer us the most shelter. Over to Westerham, south to Limpsfield, then across to Chiddingston & home via Bayleys & Star Hills. We had loads of tailwind on the way out which made it fun, but when it was a head wind, geez man, crawling pace. We were both pretty tired today tho, so pace was a bit off generally. Still, better to be out turning the legs over than sat on the couch all day (DD's words, not mine. I would have happily taken the couch). No leg pain at all today, so my set up might be right now (3rd saddle with amended angle/setback, & shorter bar stem).

Felt like I had a tap installed in place of my nose as it literally leaked the whole ride. Also a weird thing happened. Something small & dark blew into my arm poking me, & it stung a bit, but I figured it was a holly leaf or something. Then about 5mins later, noticed a patch of blood on my sleeve where I'd felt the sting. Not sure what it was, found a small puncture wound on the skin when I got home. Still think it was flora rather than fauna.

Bluebells are still stunning in the woods - wish I'd had my camera today.

Right hammy injury from Knole on Sunday meant I had a very lopsided stride today when running uphill, but it felt nice to stride out downhill, which I did to my peril. Got a warning twinge/cramp in my outer left calf after 35 mins of hobbling ups & loping downs. Stopped to rub it/walk it out, jogged for another minute & it happened again but a bit worse, so I aborted & walked home from there.

On reflection, I felt the same twinge/cramp when I did World Record Run the other day, but it went away when I slowed down. Perhaps I shouldn't have ignored it. Need to remember to keep my strides short. No more running now until SEL 14 May as I can't risk injury - need a good km rate there for full points so I take back the DFOK trophy that Mark Collins stole from me last year.

Gave up waiting for the rain to stop for a road ride, & not keen on running either as was only 8°, so spun instead. Included 10x1min & 10x30s of threshold efforts with HR at 170. I haven't worked that hard in ages.

3 sets of 45s plank, left side plank, right side plank, weighted seated Russian twists, weighted lie flat leg raises.

Have been trying different mods on my bike over the last couple of weeks (Look rather than SPD & different shoes/cleats, new saddle vs old saddle (incl fwd/back/up/down), change bar position) to see what is causing the outer hammy/ITB tightness. Felt stronger today after a rest yesterday & really enjoyed the ride, but still have symmetrical pain on both legs, so not sure if it's just a problem that now needs rest to clear up, or if my riding position is still contributing to it. Have had 2 sports massages in the last week, I was apparently "not as bad" for the 2nd one, & he was able to push a bit harder, but my legs still felt pretty uncomfortable riding today.

Will put more time into the foam roller as well.