This morning I went for the Montrose ride, same route as last week with the goal of completing the ride with the group and not getting dropped. It has been raining the past few days, so I wore my new Rapha wind jacket. It's super light and is supposed to be waterproof for around 45 min. Thankfully it didn't rain. However, after riding for a few minutes, I realized that the jacket may keep water out, but it also traps water in. All the sweat had no where to go. So yep, I was steaming after about 30 min into the ride. So I opened the zip and was riding with the jacket flapping away - like a pro. Except pros only open their vest or jacket during climbs, because there is too much resistance otherwise. I spotted another girl cycling, she was very random and dangerous, which probably lead to someone complimenting me for riding in a straight line. One would think that it's common sense. I have to say that I wasn't feeling as good as last week, maybe because I haven't been working out the past week. In total just 40 min on rollers and a weight lifting session....so sad. Anyway, at around Encanto park section, the guys sped off like last time. Last time, I was able to keep up, but this time, I was exhausted and a gap opened. I rode about 30 m behind the group for 2 miles. It was a great workout but a lost cause. The wind resistance created by my jacket flapping around didn't help either. I should have put in a bit more effort in closing the gap when it first opened.
As time passed, the gap widened, and I had a hard time keeping track where the group was. All would have been fine if I know the route, but I don't remember directions unless I have to and there are many turns in this ride so yep. At one point, there was a car behind me and I wanted to keep to the right as much as possible since I was by myself, but I was going fast and before I know it, I rode into the uneven section (again). This time it was worse, my bike tilted by maybe 20 degrees with screeching metal on concrete sound, thankfully I saved myself. Idk why I always do this, I need to be careful. Then as I was speeding away, I checked to see if the group turned right at an intersection, and sure enough they did, so I did my sad crazy ass wide turn and doubled back. By which time, I couldn't see any cyclists anymore. After a bit, I caught up with this guy perhaps 100 m in front of me and I followed him. Then came an intersection, if memory serves me right I should turn right, but he went straight head, so I followed...wrong choice. I doubled back again. Then I rode on Foothill for what seemed like forever, I knew I had to turn right just not sure where. Then behold, I saw a vague outline of a cyclist in front of me, and saw that he turned right ahead, so I followed. It was indeed the correct route. I was so happy that I saw him. At least I will finish the ride, all is not lost! He was very easy to talk to and must have been around 60 yo. He used to be a pro cyclist and raced with Greg Lemond!
At the stop, we rode over to my coach and he asked me about a few things. Then the triathlon coach I met last week came over (he must have waited a long time) and we rode back together. I told him how I got dropped etc, he said it was his fault and apologized cos he was leading. Lol it's obviously not his fault that I couldn't keep up. I have one more chance left to see if I could finish a ride with this group.
Which leads me onto other things. I handed in my thesis yesterday, took a total of 1 week to write everything up. So efficient. There is nothing like a deadline to make me work. I'm pretty sure that if I had 1 month to write the thesis, the quality would have been the same. If say I had finished my thesis a day in advance, I would have felt that I needed better time management because the less time I have, the more efficient I am. So happy to be finishing up soon! Counting down the days.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Cycling Update 11/24/12
Now that the weather is getting cold and rainy, I borrowed some rollers from my coach. He believes that I couldn't learn it myself so he made sure that the other guy would help me. I really don't like to get help unless I have to. And I don't want him to touch me. The more I think about this, the more angry I become. How could he be so selfish? For one thing, he is old enough to be my father! Anyways, I practiced on the rollers. At first I just could NOT let go of holding onto something to keep me from falling. But I heard that it helps to look straight ahead (instead of at your front wheel!). So I looked straight ahead, counted to 3, too chicken to let go, then to 10, I let go....and behold, I am on the bars and cycling away! I did it for 5 min then I got bored and stopped. Needless to say that I am very happy with myself. I told my coach about it, he just said that I should be able to ride comfortably for 20 min...
Yesterday, I went to take a recovery test at the gym with another student from my coach. That kid could push 700 lbs on the leg press!! Well, he is a Cat 1/Pro cyclist. Anyway, I told my coach that I cycled on the rollers for 25 min (yep, 5 min more). Then my coach asked the kid how long it took for him to learn, he answered a long time. So you can see why I am very proud, more so because I proved my coach wrong in expecting less of me. The recovery test involved measuring the resting blood pressure, then doing 20 squats and measuring the blood pressure again to see how long it takes to recover to baseline. I took 2 min and 10 sec. Not sure if this is bad, but the kid took 45 sec to recover. One thing to note here is that 20 squats for him is probably nothing, maybe 100 squats would be the equivalent to my 20. So this test is not just a recovery test, but a combination of recovery and strength test.
This morning I did the Montrose ride. I didn't want to drive to TJ because that meant I have to ride in lots of traffic when I return. So I left from my apartment and stopped at the intersection of Sierra Madre and Huntington. I conservatively calculated that it would take me 20 min to get there. Instead it took 10 min. I was there at 8 am and the ride starts at 8. So I waited and waited. During the wait, more people came by. It looks like that spot is a popular joining section. Looking at their bikes and looking at mine, I could see a major difference, they all have these thick rimed wheels. I'm sure their bikes are thousands of dollars to match these wheels. The guys all seem to think that I am a very mediocre cyclist (without looking down). So I randomly told them about my rollers story (since I was still bathed in its glory). One guy was amazed and made sure that I was talking about rollers instead of trainers.....At 8.20, the group finally appeared and we joined in. This ride was so fun! I felt like I was playing a computer game maneuvering inside the pack. And I was hardly tired. There was one time where someone was verging to the right and I had to squeeze through the gutters, nearly crashed due to the uneven ground there. Don't ride too close to the gutters - lesson learnt. A dude said he thought they nearly lost me there and how I got out of it like a champ. Then came a part where there was some climbing, this was where I and many others lost the group :( Yet at least 5 guys told me how good I am etc etc. I think people should seriously stop saying good things about my cycling, because whether I want it to or not, it does go to my head :P At the stop, I chatted with this nice triathlon coach and we rode back together. A very fun ride, I loved it!
Yesterday, I went to take a recovery test at the gym with another student from my coach. That kid could push 700 lbs on the leg press!! Well, he is a Cat 1/Pro cyclist. Anyway, I told my coach that I cycled on the rollers for 25 min (yep, 5 min more). Then my coach asked the kid how long it took for him to learn, he answered a long time. So you can see why I am very proud, more so because I proved my coach wrong in expecting less of me. The recovery test involved measuring the resting blood pressure, then doing 20 squats and measuring the blood pressure again to see how long it takes to recover to baseline. I took 2 min and 10 sec. Not sure if this is bad, but the kid took 45 sec to recover. One thing to note here is that 20 squats for him is probably nothing, maybe 100 squats would be the equivalent to my 20. So this test is not just a recovery test, but a combination of recovery and strength test.
This morning I did the Montrose ride. I didn't want to drive to TJ because that meant I have to ride in lots of traffic when I return. So I left from my apartment and stopped at the intersection of Sierra Madre and Huntington. I conservatively calculated that it would take me 20 min to get there. Instead it took 10 min. I was there at 8 am and the ride starts at 8. So I waited and waited. During the wait, more people came by. It looks like that spot is a popular joining section. Looking at their bikes and looking at mine, I could see a major difference, they all have these thick rimed wheels. I'm sure their bikes are thousands of dollars to match these wheels. The guys all seem to think that I am a very mediocre cyclist (without looking down). So I randomly told them about my rollers story (since I was still bathed in its glory). One guy was amazed and made sure that I was talking about rollers instead of trainers.....At 8.20, the group finally appeared and we joined in. This ride was so fun! I felt like I was playing a computer game maneuvering inside the pack. And I was hardly tired. There was one time where someone was verging to the right and I had to squeeze through the gutters, nearly crashed due to the uneven ground there. Don't ride too close to the gutters - lesson learnt. A dude said he thought they nearly lost me there and how I got out of it like a champ. Then came a part where there was some climbing, this was where I and many others lost the group :( Yet at least 5 guys told me how good I am etc etc. I think people should seriously stop saying good things about my cycling, because whether I want it to or not, it does go to my head :P At the stop, I chatted with this nice triathlon coach and we rode back together. A very fun ride, I loved it!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Training Update
I have gone to weight lifting 6 times now. After 2 times I could already see increased muscle definition on my quads! The first time I went weight lifting, I had no clue what all the equipments were. My coach showed me what to do, how to do it and how many repetitions. We first did legs, then arms, then abdominal and back. The next day my whole body was so sore! I practically fell off my bed when I tried to get up in the morning because my abs were rigid lol. Surprisingly the second time I went weight lifting, the day after I was fine. Apparently this is because my body adapts fast :)
Before I've been so stupid and thought that the best training is where I go all out and where I climb mountains. My heart rate likely averaged over 160 bpm all the time. The truth is that you need to have a strong base. I of course have no such thing. So it was odd that my body still burnt fat as the main source of energy! Now I'm supposed to train within the aerobic zone, with heart rate under 140 bpm. As well, I can't go climbing because that would defeat the purpose of muscle building. However, we went climbing up to Newcomb's ranch on the weekend. My friend seemed to know everyone even in the mountains. The others all assumed that I must be very good to ride with him. Ha! Not so! Even if I was going at 4 mph, he would have cycled alongside me. We finally reached the destination, had some food and went for the much anticipated descent. Previously when I descend, I would be on the bars, in aero position and not pedal. But this time, I was in the drops and pedaled hard, chased a car and we averaged 38 mph! It was so exhilarating and so cool!! I can't wait to do that again.
Whenever I tell people that a really good cyclist is riding with me, the first thing they ask is why is he so nice, he must want something from you. I wish I could prove them wrong....He is very nice, considerate and I feel like I could be myself around him. But I don't like him that way. I have to put a stop to this because the path he is headed would only lead to disappointment. And I can't help but feel that my cycling with him is taking advantage of him. I'm more than willing to give up cycling with him to avoid any hurt feelings. I tried to talk to him about it a couple of times, but he was always so nice and I just couldn't bring myself to say anything to hurt him. Instead I acted bad and distanced myself, and hoped that that would make him stop liking me. Ahhh I'm so lame. If he was anywhere close to an a-hole, I would have had no qualms. Sigh :(
Before I've been so stupid and thought that the best training is where I go all out and where I climb mountains. My heart rate likely averaged over 160 bpm all the time. The truth is that you need to have a strong base. I of course have no such thing. So it was odd that my body still burnt fat as the main source of energy! Now I'm supposed to train within the aerobic zone, with heart rate under 140 bpm. As well, I can't go climbing because that would defeat the purpose of muscle building. However, we went climbing up to Newcomb's ranch on the weekend. My friend seemed to know everyone even in the mountains. The others all assumed that I must be very good to ride with him. Ha! Not so! Even if I was going at 4 mph, he would have cycled alongside me. We finally reached the destination, had some food and went for the much anticipated descent. Previously when I descend, I would be on the bars, in aero position and not pedal. But this time, I was in the drops and pedaled hard, chased a car and we averaged 38 mph! It was so exhilarating and so cool!! I can't wait to do that again.
Whenever I tell people that a really good cyclist is riding with me, the first thing they ask is why is he so nice, he must want something from you. I wish I could prove them wrong....He is very nice, considerate and I feel like I could be myself around him. But I don't like him that way. I have to put a stop to this because the path he is headed would only lead to disappointment. And I can't help but feel that my cycling with him is taking advantage of him. I'm more than willing to give up cycling with him to avoid any hurt feelings. I tried to talk to him about it a couple of times, but he was always so nice and I just couldn't bring myself to say anything to hurt him. Instead I acted bad and distanced myself, and hoped that that would make him stop liking me. Ahhh I'm so lame. If he was anywhere close to an a-hole, I would have had no qualms. Sigh :(
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Cycling Potential Tests
So many things have happened recently. I will be brief as I don't have much time on my hands.
I have always wanted to test and see if I have the potential to become a good cyclist. So my friend introduced me to his coach to take some tests. I was to take the VO2max test. I was super stressed and thought I must get a good value since my cycling career is on the line! I didn't sleep well etc for several days before the test and aimed for 50 ml/min/kg (the value on the verge of a Cat 2 and a domestic pro female).
The test day finally came. We first measured my legs strengths. That was hard. I asked whether I have to give it 100 % because I need to conserve energy to get a good VO2max! Then came the VO2max test, I have to stuff this huge tube to breath through inside my mouth which looked dodgy and felt uncomfortable. Then I started pedaling, my coach was calling out for me to increase my cadence as the resistance increased. I could see that my VO2max was soon over 40 ml/min/kg! After awhile, my mouth started to feel horribly dry but otherwise I was fine. Suddenly, my legs gave out and I just couldn't push anymore, my cadence dropped from 80 to 40 in a matter of seconds. So the test was stopped and I got 54 ml/min/kg!!! That of a domestic pro! My coach was visibly excited. The value would have been higher if I have stronger legs. On Sunday we met with the coach and he showed me the results. Along with the high VO2max score, he told me how uncommon it is to have legs of equal strengths (in this case, weaknesses), and how I use predominately fat as energy source. He said I should write a letter to my parents to thank them for my genes haha! I need to work on my legs strengths. As well, my lung capacity is low, this can be improved by swimming (which I refuse to do) or by breathing exercises. I now have my own training program and have a diet program. hahaha like a real athlete. Today I went to do weight lifting and tomorrow is some easy rides. I was told the first time in my adult life that I am overweight! So I have to lose weight, which is fine because I have already lost 3 lbs over the past 3 weeks or so (currently at 127 lbs).
All I wanted was to get the tests taken. But now I have a coach! He is very respected and advises the tour de france teams on who to choose as their GC! Yesterday I got my bike fitted by the coach, he measured my legs lengths and pointed out how rare it is to have equal lengthed legs. Well, it seems that I have all the requirements and more to become a good cyclist. All I need to do is train hard and be persistent. Even my mum finally agreed that I could 'do some cycling in my spare times'.
During all of this, my friend is always by my side. I'm really glad that I met him. He is a very good and experienced cyclist without being arrogant and is direct and seems to have integrity. I like him as a person which means a lot, because in my life, I can't say that I have met even a handful of people whom I liked for their personalities.
I have always wanted to test and see if I have the potential to become a good cyclist. So my friend introduced me to his coach to take some tests. I was to take the VO2max test. I was super stressed and thought I must get a good value since my cycling career is on the line! I didn't sleep well etc for several days before the test and aimed for 50 ml/min/kg (the value on the verge of a Cat 2 and a domestic pro female).
The test day finally came. We first measured my legs strengths. That was hard. I asked whether I have to give it 100 % because I need to conserve energy to get a good VO2max! Then came the VO2max test, I have to stuff this huge tube to breath through inside my mouth which looked dodgy and felt uncomfortable. Then I started pedaling, my coach was calling out for me to increase my cadence as the resistance increased. I could see that my VO2max was soon over 40 ml/min/kg! After awhile, my mouth started to feel horribly dry but otherwise I was fine. Suddenly, my legs gave out and I just couldn't push anymore, my cadence dropped from 80 to 40 in a matter of seconds. So the test was stopped and I got 54 ml/min/kg!!! That of a domestic pro! My coach was visibly excited. The value would have been higher if I have stronger legs. On Sunday we met with the coach and he showed me the results. Along with the high VO2max score, he told me how uncommon it is to have legs of equal strengths (in this case, weaknesses), and how I use predominately fat as energy source. He said I should write a letter to my parents to thank them for my genes haha! I need to work on my legs strengths. As well, my lung capacity is low, this can be improved by swimming (which I refuse to do) or by breathing exercises. I now have my own training program and have a diet program. hahaha like a real athlete. Today I went to do weight lifting and tomorrow is some easy rides. I was told the first time in my adult life that I am overweight! So I have to lose weight, which is fine because I have already lost 3 lbs over the past 3 weeks or so (currently at 127 lbs).
All I wanted was to get the tests taken. But now I have a coach! He is very respected and advises the tour de france teams on who to choose as their GC! Yesterday I got my bike fitted by the coach, he measured my legs lengths and pointed out how rare it is to have equal lengthed legs. Well, it seems that I have all the requirements and more to become a good cyclist. All I need to do is train hard and be persistent. Even my mum finally agreed that I could 'do some cycling in my spare times'.
During all of this, my friend is always by my side. I'm really glad that I met him. He is a very good and experienced cyclist without being arrogant and is direct and seems to have integrity. I like him as a person which means a lot, because in my life, I can't say that I have met even a handful of people whom I liked for their personalities.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Cycling Report
Let me continue on from last Tuesday night. I was super stoked about riding with the Cat 1 guy. Yet after having a more clear mind, I have to say that it's obvious why he wants to ride with me. Normally I would just run away or disappear (I know, such awesome ways to deal with it). But this is cycling, and I'm willing to do almost anything for it. However, I was warned about him and there is a general consensus on this. So I'm going to stay away from him.
On Thursday, while cycling at RB, a very good cyclist whom I have met on Tuesday came and we rode together. He tried to get me to ride with the pack. But I'm just too cautious about riding close with the others and so I got dropped very fast. I had my first millisecond cramp when I tried to accelerate fast lol. We then went to have dinner with some other cyclists. I think they were all couples, I can't say that I have learnt anything about them because they were all grumpy and terse. I tried to make some conversations but all I got were one word answers. They were very unwelcoming and I can't help but feel that they were looking down at me for being a bad cyclist. Well, time will tell that I will be faster and better than them. But I'll always be welcoming and I'll always help out new cyclists. So this arrogant cyclist tradition can change little by little.
Yesterday I rode the long Montrose ride with my new friend. This was supposed to be the slow ride, yet the pace was fast and erratic compared to normal. At the start of the ride, I spent probably half of my energy focusing and stressing out about having to ride so close to the others. So I had a hard time keeping up. There was a point where someone gave me a push, so embarrassing. During the whole ride, it was drizzling nonstop and the road was super slippery. I would never have ridden by myself in this weather. Thankfully my friend was always there to help me, telling me what to do and waiting for me. I would seriously not have finished the ride or even attempted it if not for him! He knows a guy who does VO2max tests, apparently this person is so skilled that the Tour de France cyclists get advice from him! I'm going to take this test myself next week. Can't wait, I hope the results would be encouraging and show some potential :)
This morning, I rode up the 2. The road was wet and slippery. As I was going up further, fog started to appear. I wasn't feeling very comfortable because I didn't have lights on. I thought it might get better, however, the fog became so dense such that I couldn't see 10 feet in front of me. And it started to rain. I really really wanted to finish the ride but didn't want to risk getting run over, so I turned back 3/4 of the way up. As I was descending, I constantly looked back to see if there was a car behind me. This was a disconcerting ride, yet the spectacular view and the fresh air made up for it.
I have done 115 miles this week. I lost 1 lb this week (currently at 128 lb). I can see the muscle definitions more clearly now. So I believe I have lost some fat....now so hungry I'm feeling sleepy but don't feel like eating but I know I have to - do you know this feeling?
On Thursday, while cycling at RB, a very good cyclist whom I have met on Tuesday came and we rode together. He tried to get me to ride with the pack. But I'm just too cautious about riding close with the others and so I got dropped very fast. I had my first millisecond cramp when I tried to accelerate fast lol. We then went to have dinner with some other cyclists. I think they were all couples, I can't say that I have learnt anything about them because they were all grumpy and terse. I tried to make some conversations but all I got were one word answers. They were very unwelcoming and I can't help but feel that they were looking down at me for being a bad cyclist. Well, time will tell that I will be faster and better than them. But I'll always be welcoming and I'll always help out new cyclists. So this arrogant cyclist tradition can change little by little.
Yesterday I rode the long Montrose ride with my new friend. This was supposed to be the slow ride, yet the pace was fast and erratic compared to normal. At the start of the ride, I spent probably half of my energy focusing and stressing out about having to ride so close to the others. So I had a hard time keeping up. There was a point where someone gave me a push, so embarrassing. During the whole ride, it was drizzling nonstop and the road was super slippery. I would never have ridden by myself in this weather. Thankfully my friend was always there to help me, telling me what to do and waiting for me. I would seriously not have finished the ride or even attempted it if not for him! He knows a guy who does VO2max tests, apparently this person is so skilled that the Tour de France cyclists get advice from him! I'm going to take this test myself next week. Can't wait, I hope the results would be encouraging and show some potential :)
This morning, I rode up the 2. The road was wet and slippery. As I was going up further, fog started to appear. I wasn't feeling very comfortable because I didn't have lights on. I thought it might get better, however, the fog became so dense such that I couldn't see 10 feet in front of me. And it started to rain. I really really wanted to finish the ride but didn't want to risk getting run over, so I turned back 3/4 of the way up. As I was descending, I constantly looked back to see if there was a car behind me. This was a disconcerting ride, yet the spectacular view and the fresh air made up for it.
I have done 115 miles this week. I lost 1 lb this week (currently at 128 lb). I can see the muscle definitions more clearly now. So I believe I have lost some fat....now so hungry I'm feeling sleepy but don't feel like eating but I know I have to - do you know this feeling?
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