HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR TRAINING IS ON TRACK?
A FEW OF US RODE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE, the Alpine Loop in Utah. The main feature is a 9 mile climb, with corresponding descent. I prefer going from the American Fork side...
... then ripping the many twisty turns through the aspen trees on the way to Sundance.
I have some interesting data from today's adventure.
I've been riding this loop for decades.
The last two times on my gravel bike,
with gravel tires.
Last year, about 6 weeks out from Leadville.
This year, about a month out from Marathon Nationals.
Both times, with my younger and handsomer cousin who shares the same name as me.
Is it fair to use this as a fitness test?
Especially, since we were talking all the way up?
Should we consider his recent shattering of his PR at Leadville?
Yes, to all of the above.
Look at this.
It's safe to say,
my fitness is on track.
Scientific?
No.
Empowering?
Most definitely.
When we are deep in our training, it's important to find little nuggets like this...
... glimmers of hope.
Otherwise, it can seem like we're getting nowhere,
particularly in the months before the A race.
Questions of...
Is this working?
Is this worth it?
Am I on track?
Will this pay off?
... can be slayed,
by simply finding a nugget of proof,
bonus points when they come without trying.
The key is to acknowledge,
file away, and
keep riding.
This is why we stop at Sundance
Epically perfect day,
dodged the rain until last 3 miles.
---
163ish
7.5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
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