Training Log Archive: peppa

this was probably the hardest ride i've done in a long time. glad i bagged it but would not do it again. here are a few things worth logging:

1. we started at the research station on white mountain (elevation: 12,441ft) and rode to the top at 14,250ft. i've never ridden at this elevation before and felt it right from the start. every effort felt magnified.

2. to get to the research station, we drove a long way from big pine on a combination of paved (15 miles) and on dirt (about 22 miles) roads.

3. the ride could be compared to blackstar (2000ft elevation gain and 7miles one way), but shorter and steeper, in that the total elevation gain was 2603ft and the climb to the top was 5.5miles.

4. the entire ride was on a fire road, but it wasn't technically easy. the trail was rarely hard packed, mostly sandy, loose gravel, or loose rocks.

5. the steepest climb was at the top, with tight switchbacks, just when you were ready to drop your bike and gave up.

6. we chose a weekend when there were tons of hikers. at times, we were not able to ride the best line, had to weave in and out to pass people. most hikers were very nice, they stepped aside and let you through.

7. there were hill climbs going both ways, 3 to be exact.

i was exhausted at the end and had stomach cramps for most of the ride. i tried to drink but did not feel like it, probably drank less than 20oz. ate a banana and a protein bar at the top. heart rate raised fast but also recovered quickly. time recorded did not include break at the top.

we (roxanne, rick, mo, G, and I) got to bishop late friday night. met up for breakfast the next morning and then headed straight to MM for some downhillin'. had lots of laughs on some gnarly trails, witnessed a handle of falls. fell twice myself, once catapulted into a bush, fun, fun, fun. time recorded was for riding only, did not include lunch break or gondola rides. did not bring garmin. the distance was probably somewhere between 45 and 50miles. had a major case of arm pump by the end of the day.

we worked purely on breaststroke today. did some drills and then carrie set us free on 15x50's. i stayed an extra 15min to work on flip turns.

met up with G after work. we started from the parking lot, up rock garden, up mustard, down the back side and out. did not bring water. stopped at the top to drink from fountain. it was super HOT. felt like a sloth going up mustard. calves were burning. had to do a combination of run and walk up it. need to do more trail runs! this one was really good, had a little bit of everything.

felt good today in the pool, which by the way, wasn't crowded. shared a lane with chuck. the sun came out and gave us some warm rays. it was 100's wednesday!

8x50 warm up / drills
3x100
3x100 with fins
6x100 with fins and paddles
200 with fins (alternating 25 front crawl, 25 backstroke)
200
----
1800y
- wanted to stay and do some more laps but the next wave was coming in.

i didn't have it in me today. the run felt like work, just a grind, watching time go by.

we worked on intervals again. while i was on the trainer, i day dreamed about swimming. it was super hot in the gym. clothes were soaked. the thought of being in the pool felt so refreshing. hopefully, i can make it there after work. we'll see.