LATEST BLOG ENTRIES
New FTP established; On track for new mileage PR; AtLarge 35% off!
I’m starting my new cycling training program (see yesterday’s blog for details), and so yesterday it was time to re-test my Functional Threshold Power (FTP). What is Functional Threshold Power? FTP is simply the maximum power (measured in watts) that a cyclist can maintain for one solid hour. FTP is the best single marker for fitness in cycling: the higher your FTP is, the stronger rider you are. There are a couple of well-established tests… [Read more]
Added Friday, May 24, 2013 by John Stone
Couple new PRs on yesterday’s ride; Starting a new training program.
Yesterday I talked about some of the exciting fitness improvements I’m seeing since completing TrainerRoad’s “8 Days In California” challenge, and on yesterday’s ride I saw some more encouraging results. Yesterday I rode a little over 23 miles at a moderate pace: my average speed was 19 MPH and my average heart rate was 156 BPM. I did a similar ride back in March (same basic route), and on that ride I did 18 miles:… [Read more]
Added Thursday, May 23, 2013 by John Stone
Fitness benefits of the 8DC already showing; Doing a century group ride.
TrainerRoad’s “8 Days In California” event concluded on Sunday (here’s my 8DC wrap-up blog), and after eight straight days of tough workouts you’d think I’d be more than ready for a day off from riding. My plan, in fact, was to rest on Monday, but when I woke up that morning all I could think about was getting outside and riding. I guess eight days of indoor trainer workouts had me feeling a little stir… [Read more]
Added Wednesday, May 22, 2013 by John Stone
“8 Days In California”: Final thoughts along with stats and data.
TrainerRoad’s “8 Days In California” challenge was an incredible success. I want to thank the TrainerRoad team for putting this challenge together. Everything ran smoothly, and the workouts were extremely well done. Great job, guys! I found all of the stages to be exceptionally well-designed, but the Queen stage was a stroke of evil genius. That stage pushed me to my limits, and I loved it for doing so. Probably the toughest trainer workout I’ve… [Read more]
Added Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by John Stone
“8 Days In California”: Stage 8 recap; One day 35% off AtLarge Nutrition sale!
Yesterday I rode the 8th and final stage of TrainerRoad’s “8 Days in California” challenge! Stage description: The final stage of 8DC is pretty forgiving in format with just a sprinkling of smaller climbs leading up to the 2-lap finish circuit that promises to be action-packed. There’s a single intermediate sprint and strong chance this will come down to a mass field sprint. Stage strategy: Our plan will be 2-pronged. Both scenarios will involve an… [Read more]
Added Monday, May 20, 2013 by John Stone
“8 Days In California”: Stage 7 recap, and a few words about motivation
Note: This is continuing coverage of the “8 Days in California” challenge, in which I’m currently participating. My usual Sunday weekly maintenance report will return next week. Yesterday I rode the 7th stage of TrainerRoad’s “8 Days in California” challenge–the Queen stage. The Queen stage is the longest and most difficult stage of the eight stage event. Stage description: The Queen stage of 8DC is comprised of 3 climbs, the final climb being the most… [Read more]
Added Sunday, May 19, 2013 by John Stone
“8 Days In California”: Stage 6 recap
Yesterday I rode the 6th stage of TrainerRoad’s “8 Days in California” challenge–the tough Time Trial stage. Here’s the recap… Stage description: Time Trial! Today’s TT is short but it finishes with a tough hill climb. No KOM’s or sprints, just individual racing against the clock. Stage strategy: We’ll follow a structured team warmup and hope for a couple of high finishes due to our climber’s time trailing prowess as well as our new rider’s… [Read more]
Added Saturday, May 18, 2013 by John Stone
“8 Days In California”: Stage 5 recap
Yesterday was the 5th stage of TrainerRoad’s “8 Days in California” challenge, and my legs let me know early on that they were feeling the cumulative effects of the first 4 stages. Stage description: Stage 5 is the closest thing this tour offers in the way of an easy day. After an early, moderate climb, a flat course favors the sprinters. There are 3 intermediate sprints and only a single KOM. Stage strategy: Our goal… [Read more]
Added Friday, May 17, 2013 by John Stone
“8 Days In California”: Stage 4 recap
Yesterday was the fourth stage of the “8 Days in California” challenge, and I made another solid showing. Stage description: A shorter stage with short, punchy climbs will require shorter, more intense efforts than the preceding stages. There’s plenty of downtime between these short climbs giving riders the opportunity to recover and then really attack each of the climbs. There are a total of 2 KOM’s and 2 intermediate sprints. Stage strategy: We can play… [Read more]
Added Thursday, May 16, 2013 by John Stone
“8 Days In California”: Stage 3 recap
Yesterday I rode the third stage in the “8 Days in California” challenge, and it was a very, very good day. Stage description: Stage 3 is a barrage of shorter climbs, and each of them has it’s own unusual twist when it comes to format & intensity. There are 4 KOM’s, each coming at the end of all 4 climbs, and there are 2 intermediate sprints within the latter half of the stage. Stage strategy:… [Read more]
