Saturday, March 17, 2007

Make it happen (part 2)

Exhibit A


The bike is my weak link, and it has been frustrating me for some time. It's embarrassing, but I have a hard time keeping my speed over 14.5mph. I took off today ready to prove something to myself and shake that monkey off my back. I had 20miles scheduled (mostly flat, slight rolling hills) and was ready to make them count!

Did I succeed in my quest? I think so, and I'll tell you why.
  • Never before has 25% of my ride averaged over 16mph
  • Never before have I had a mile near 17mph !!
  • First time I've not recorded at least one mile below 12mph on a 20mile ride.
My short term goal is to be able to maintain an average speed of >=15.5mph over 20miles. I'm not there yet, but after today's ride, I think it's achievable. My strategy for the next month is to be more consistent by pushing harder during those sluggish periods. I'm going to try to make the second ten miles look more like that first ten. And if I can manage to maintain that for another ten miles on top of that, I'll be stoked.

So there you have it. I've set another goal. Now to make it happen!

13 comments:

  1. Goals are good. You'll do it!!

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  2. Sounds like a do-able goal to me! I wish you goodluck on St. Patty's day! :)

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  3. Way to tackle that monkey! My bike speeds at this point are unpublishable. I don't know why I think they'll be where they were at the END of last season, but somehow I always hope. But nope, I gotta tackle that monkey too!

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  4. Sounds very successful to me. You're going to reach all those goals, I'm sure. Keep up the good work!

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  5. Well, personally I have the same problem. I really don't know why I can't seem to achieve a better pace either, since I really do try. I am hoping after I get a new bike this year that it might be a little easier. This is also one reason I tend to ride alone a lot of the time--because I can't keep up with others. But you are making progress. That's good.

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  6. Nice ride, Lisa, and an excellent goal! I think the negative split thing for the bike is a good idea too! You are on to something. I kind of wonder about my speed too. I haven't averaged over 12.7 mph on a ride yet, but I do some serious hills here. Excellent work and goals!!

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  7. Great job and a good workout. One monkey gone!

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  8. Hey, keep it up and you may just have to lose the "Slow and Steady" header. :)

    I'll tell you the secret to get fast on the bike - blow a few grand on a new tri bike and you will be "pressured" to go faster. :D Either that, or you will FEEL a lot faster. :)))

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  9. One step at a time, one pedal stroke at a time. Then you go for another goal.

    Great job getting out there and getting some ride time.

    Go, go, speedy turtle...

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  10. Confrats on your anniversery!

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  11. Great job on the improvement. I'm working on increasing my biking speed too so I understand how you feel!

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  12. A goal on the bike, great job. Now where did I put that extra tube to fix that flat...

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  13. Oh, this is the clear and resolute expression of progress.

    By the way, where do you bike?

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