Where it matters most: Heading for the hills

It’s time to test my mettle.

It’s time to see if all of this cycling-focused training has made a difference where it matters the most.

It’s time to return to Lake Placid.

John and I are heading north for the Fireman Ironman May Training Camp, which is run by NY City Fireman Larry Parker. Last year, John and I went to the June training camp, and it was such a positive experience, I can hardly wait to do it again–and again (for the June camp). We made friends, learned valuable tips, and swam, rode, and ran ’til our bodies cried for mercy. (You can read about last year’s camp here.)

I am excited and a just a little nervous to do it all again.

The main source of the nerves and the excitement?

The bike, of course.

Since November, I have been in the midst of “Operation: Become a Better Cyclist.” It’s not a top secret endeavor as the name might imply, but it has been one full of hard work, and sweaty indoor and outdoor sessions 4 to 5 times a week.

And, there are indications that I have gotten better, most recently with my performance the NJ Devilman. But, has my performance improved where it matters most?

I’m about to find out.

I’ll be using two main indicators to judge my progress: going up and going down.

The second half of the Placid course is grueling with the rollers, particularly so on the second loop. It doesn’t seem so terrible the first time around. But oh-my-heavens-to-betsy, it will bite you in the boo-boo the second time around if you punch it too hard in the beginning.

I don’t mind climbing; in fact I like it because that hard effort reminds me most of running. Yet, I’m not necessarily a speedy climber. Steady, yes. Speedy, no.

So, this weekend, I’d like to see my average speed on the back end of the course increase. I realize I won’t be in a race situation, but really, my bike splits last year were pathetic. (Yes, pathetic is the right word.) If I can’t beat them in training this year, I need to rethink what I’ve been doing for the past several months.

But, let’s get to the real issue, shall we?

I’m nervous about that 10k descent, during which some riders have reported 50+mph hour speeds.

I haven’t been on hills since last year, as we are completely starved for elevation change in Southern New Jersey. Climbing is hard work, but I can handle hard work, and can stimulate it on the CompuTrainer.

Descending is scary, and there’s only one way to simulate it: go down.

The first time on the descent last year, during the June camp, was positively nerve-wracking. Lots of other cyclists, high speeds and cars: it was enough to make me want to pull over to the shoulder and cry for my mommy. (Just a note: I didn’t do that. But, I did feather my brakes–a lot.)

When we returned to Lake Placid in July for the Ironman, the descent was still scary, but it wasn’t as bad, and I felt more in control. I like to think this is because I was more experienced. Yet, at least part of the reduced anxiety was due to the fact that the road was closed to cars.

When I ride the course on Saturday, I’m hoping for confidence on the descent. I’m hoping that last season’s experience guides me safely, and more swiftly, to the bottom.

“Last year was about survival,” I told John’s mom a few weeks ago. “This year is about speed.”

And, that change in focus with my bike training has made a difference in my attitude and relationship to cycling. Last year, I would begin agonizing about my long ride on Wednesday or Thursday, and by Saturday morning I was in a near state of panic about riding. It would usually take me an hour or more to relax and not stress about the cars.

This year, I’ve looked forward to my long rides, seeing each one as a little test of the training I’ve been putting in. Am I getting more confident? Is my endurance improving? Am I getting faster?

By the end of this weekend, I’ll have a solid test of my fitness where it matters most. And with 9 weeks until Ironman, and I’ll know just how fast I can go.

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