100 In The Bank

I am back in the work/wife/train groove here in Memphis. IMTX is actually getting pretty close and I only have 9 weeks to go. If you count some taper time, well...that is not a lot of time left at all. Good thing it has warmed up here in Memphis so I can finally ride outside.

Looks like Tim noticed I don't have much time left as well, as evidenced by my schedule. Holy Moly. Looks like Smashfest Camp hasn't ended. No complaining, though...I don't want him to cut back and then I will be saying, "I am not doing enough, wah wah." But man this week has been hard!

Today I had a solid 100 miles on the bike. The funny thing is, last year I couldn't do enough centuries. More, more, more!!! This time around, I start to think....90 sounds good, right? Can't you do an ironman off just 1 long ride? Ha ha! I know that is the winter hibernation talking, so I am ignoring that voice and getting the work done.

I am really working on keeping my HR up and consistent for long durations of time. This is hard for me. It takes a lot of focus to not let my HR drop off. I realized I am really good about not going too hard in training, but I am not so great at keeping my effort level up. I thought I had perfected my aerobic paced rides, but in reality, I have still been riding a little too easy at times.

So, if the goal is to ride 112 miles in a consistent manner, I need to do that in practice. Today I executed my plan and was rewarded with a much faster bike time at an appropriate level of intensity than I am used to seeing. I made myself push a little bit when my intensity was getting too low. It made a big difference.

I know my Los Locos team is probably completely annoyed with me and my "zones" as I will just drop off of the back of the group when it is too high or I will just go off of the front when it is too low. Eh, but I know deep down they really love me and that is why they put up with me. :) Hopefully I amuse the group with my shenanigans if nothing else.

A fantastic treat landed on my doorstep last night...my new Wattie Ink gear! Holla!!!!! I LOVE our uniforms, and I usually don't love inanimate objects, but these kits are so nice. I had to play dress-up and try on every little piece.
Happy Weekend!