a new training phase begins

Last month was a month filled with prescribed base miles from my coach Alex Hagman, this was phase 1 of my training in 2014. Base miles were something I missed-out on last year due to a late start to training (April). This year, in February, I averaged about 12 hours a week on the road or on the trainer and clipped into my Giant TCR Composite 1; another 4 hrs were dedicated each week to running, gym workouts, and indoor soccer. Base miles are all about moderation. And for my heart, that translates to keeping beats per minute between 110 and 135 (my zone 2) throughout the spin.

Today's weather in Fort Collins - blowing, snowing and cold - delayed the next phase of training. But otherwise, tomorrow by 11 am, I'll be warming-up for my first hill repeats in 2014. My instructions are to warm up on the road bike for 30-45 minutes and then make my way to Stadium Hill (close to the CSU football stadium). I'll repeat, assuming I have the stamina, five grinding "big ring" climbs to the top of what appears to be a wall on an elevation chart. Going the other way, a confident rider drops about 600 feet in about a mile over a very exciting 60-90 seconds (the last drop on this ride: strava).

I'm looking forward to accomplishing what my coach has prescribed for tomorrow. It's going to hurt, I'll be digging deep even on the first climb ... and the fifth climb will make a long lasting impression no doubt. But this is training ... and in April when the racing begins .... it'll be behind me .... and a finish line ahead. Hoping for the best ...

Update: Click here to view my successful ride including those hill repeats!.

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