Friday, September 12, 2008

Going easy requires much discipline, Chatterbox-san!


It's that time of year when we try to transition our brains from "Fast! Fast!" all the time to something a bit more measured. However, as I discovered yesterday, going easy also requires a lot of discipline! I was attempting to do a low-intensity, high-cadence workout. And, gosh darnit, there were times on relatively flat ground where I was going 10.9 mph. It was all I could do to swallow my pride and continue at a snail's pace. But, I must remind myself that this is what my body needs to repair and de-stress from the long season. Yep, it's the time of year to turn off the cyclo-computer and enjoy the view, have fun, and lose the hammer mentality (and forget about racing Harriet from Building E to work).

7 comments:

Itinerant Rick said...

Still bet you're faster than I am at the moment ;-)

Just keep the cadence and the HR in the right ranges for now. Keep the inner racer in check, and do not chase the 'hares' you see.

Wished I could join you some morning, but still need some additional strength before that can happen.

~ lauren said...

just put on the wool jersey, and it'll instantly slow you down to 8mph.

works like a charm for me every time.

Groover said...

I'm doing base training to built up for a second peak this year and I know exactly how you feel. Sticking to zone 1 and 2 heartrate and power is terrible when you are overtaken on your morning ride and people look at you like "Ghee, she is slow ..." and you just want to show them what you are made off. Instead ... you potter on in zone 2. I call these rides "Smell the flowers along the way rides". Enjoy. :-)

chatterbox said...

rick - yep! I miss my long, fall rides with you. I'm looking forward to getting you back on the road soon!

lauren - I think I need to just wear wool, because then people will expect me to be slow. They won't be thinking "Why is that girl in the fancy kit so slow?"

groover - yes, I plan to enjoy smelling the flowers along the way!

marscat said...

that's a classic pic...

and i like to run this time of year and let everyone pass me.

place_holder said...

you know what? paradoxically, when i see smooth pedaling riders executing their discipline of going super slow, i immediately think "pro." i never judge rider by their speed, i do admire how "one" they are with their bikes. style.

chatterbox said...

marscat - yep, just let them pass you by....

twinkie - good to have you back! Yes, I must think of myself as totally pro - that's it! :)