Training Log Archive: PG

With Phil from his house in Northampton. Easthampton, Southampton, then it got hilly to Westhampton and Chesterfield, then some altitude in the bank to enjoy to Williamsburg and back to Northampton.

Feeling the heat today. Or maybe just one of those days. Seemed to be working too hard going up the hills. Pretty sure I wasn't drinking enough, but I wasn't really feeling like it. Who knows. Didn't seem to have much power in the legs. But maybe seeing Phil a ways out front on the last climb just meant he was having a good day. Which is a good thing.

Stopped for fluids in Williamsburg. It wasn't far from Northampton, but I was really parched, and we sat in the shade for 10 minutes refueling. I was thinking as we got back to Northampton that my legs were doing a little better, but now back home and a while later, they just feel trashed. Well, we'll see what tomorrow brings. :-)

And a delight, of course, to have such good company. He gave me a tour of a bunch of roads, a few dirt, that I hadn't been on before. I gave him a suggestion that in this part of the world there is really no reason to ride close enough to a parked car to ever get doored. He also should get a rear-view mirror, if for no other reason to be able to watch me falling farther behind, but somehow I doubt that will happen. I will keep my fingers crossed that neither of us gets doored.

And no matter how much I am dragging my ass right now, and was dragging it at times out there today, it is still wonderful to be able to get out.

I was reflecting yesterday on my decision a couple of years ago -- or maybe it's now three years ago -- to stop activities (O', running, golf) that seemed likely to cause me serious back problems. And thinking how lucky I was to make that choice before my back got really f-ked up. I don't know what lies ahead, but it's real nice to look back and not have regrets.

And I was thinking maybe I should have a go at the corn maze this year. Though that quickly reminded me of about this time last year, when I had such a thought, took a slow test jog down the driveway, and decided that running no longer suited me. We'll see if I try that experiment again.

With Gail, Rhonda and Charlie.

Got a new chain for the bike. Next time will need a new chain ring (the large ring is getting worn, don't know if just that gets replaced or if both rings are a package). And before then should replace the cables.

And forgot to ask for an opinion on the tires.

Well, that felt better. I guess all it takes is just going at a no hurry pace. And drop a gear whenever there's a little wind. And just mosey up what few little ups there are. Probably should do this more often.

Gail will be happy (and me too) that they're paving the section about 5 miles north of here (Ferry, South Ferry, Old Greenfield). Don't know if they'll get it all done this year but maybe, there's only about a mile and a half that needs it. Will be nice for us old folks.

Formerly standard loop done rarely these days, north and mostly flat to Old Deerfield, back via River Road with a few hills. A light breeze from the south, so at best a moderate effort going north, but working pretty hard coming back.

Another soupy day. Got home and the only thing I had the energy for was a nap.

Short outing before the rain comes, about 3 miles in mountain bike mode along the top of Pocumtuck Ridge, plus getting over there and back.

Seemed tired when I started, plus pretty much trashed myself getting excited going up Hillside Road, so the first part of the ridge felt rather awful. But the legs slowly came back on the last few ups and the rest of the way was fine.

I was thinking some about my minimal mountain bike skills. My assumption has been that it's just a general lack of skills, plus lack of nerve, plus maybe equipment. I think I should add to the list just pure power. Because I noticed today that there were a couple of spots that I've had trouble with before which today were no problem, just made sure I had some speed. My legs have gotten a little stronger this summer and it's nice to notice it every once in a while.

Gail celebrates a round number today. Still gorgeous. She says she feels her age but she sure doesn't look it.

Celebrated with a fine dinner out a couple of days ago, will have another celebration on Friday.

C • Happy b'day to Gail! 1

Over to the Conway and Whately hills, including having a look at a couple of old woods roads I might explore someday, but not today. Feeling tired, perhaps a residue from Sunday's ride, perhaps just part of the normal ebb and flow of energy levels. Other than a good effort on the 5-minute climb south of Conway on the road to Haydenville, had neither the energy or the desire to put out much effort.

Two stops. One to try some more adjusting of my rear deraileur. Think I got it just about right, and certainly understand the mechanism better. The other was a side trip up Walter's mountain that he calls a driveway, but no sign of him. Today may be the day he was his back checked post-surgery.

What started out as a relaxed and easy ride on the flats south of town became a relaxed and easy corn ride. Legs loosened up after a while and actually had a little zip on the way home.

And the corn was excellent. Tried some a couple of weeks ago and it was very mediocre. That's been true other years of the early stuff. Just have to be a little patient.

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Reevaluated my comment on yesterday's ride that I had good legs. Upon reflection decided that I should have said really good legs. :-)

C • Corn 1