Team McAlister

Forty-six more or less easy miles today on a very social ride.  It wasn’t all BBQ and beer though.  There were 2 very good climbs;  a tough pursuit of a fast rider that had a 100 meter lead; and, 2 5-mile stretches at 20+ mph.  All-in-all a good day in the saddle.  Happy to report no hot foot, no knee pain, no back ache, no crashes or close calls.

I didn’t report on Friday’s interval training.  That may be because it sucked so bad.  I was tired from a bad week at work.  I wasn’t properly fed or watered from a day of loose nutritional living.  I also love to see old friends and acquaintances on the trail, but not when I’m on a tight schedule with a specific purpose in mind and a bad day under my belt.  Of course, I hit a social trifecta Friday evening with an old law school buddy and a couple of current riding partners who were all beginning some light evening pleasure cruising.  I had to get organized and on the clock for speed work though.  Despite all of the distractions, forgotten gear, bike computer mishaps (almost busted the Garmin!  YIKES!), and physical limitations, I rode a set of 12  1-minute x 2-minute recovery bits.  These are 15 seconds of standing sprint with 45 seconds of heart pounding hammering followed by a 2 minute recovery.  I know this is helping my overall ride conditioning.  I can easily tell when on the road for regular rides.