bleh

Riding the trainer is pretty boring... but at least I'm in a garage now so I can have the door open - so it's kinda like riding outside.  Even though interval training is brutal, it kinda gives me hope that if I can push and make it through the intervals of my program then I can find it in me to keep pushing in this week's race.

Although, the weather has been bogus, and looks like more rain tomorrow, so who knows when I'll actually get to ride outside.  The weekend looks great though.  See you out on the course.

Training

Riding the trainer is hard enough when it is nasty, cold, and dark out.  (Actually, I have to admit that I didn't really mind riding the trainer and following along with my DVD)  But, in a place where the weather (and light) has been so nice it's hard to imagine climbing on a trainer at all!!

Of course, a trainer allows for interval training that isn't always easy to replicate in the wild.  But, I find myself with rainy weather, the HiFi getting a little extra love at the LBS, and the need to inject some more power into these legs and lungs... so I guess it's the "perfect" time to jump back into a training/trainer regimen.

This year Sean has hooked me up with his workout, sketched from a workout a coach had drawn up for him a few years back.  Normally I would just follow along with one of my Carmichael training videos, but I have no problem trying out Sean's program.  Plus, with the garmins I'll be able to program in the time intervals and have the little bastard beep at me to let me know what I should be doing (I hope?).  As it's Wednesday already, it's time to get up on the trainer for some nice suffering.  Fun times indeed.  Although I'll be hating my life on the trainer, I will just have to stay focused that this will pay off on the trial.

I had planned on hitting big road rides on Wednesdays anyway, so I guess this will be a perfect substitute, although... nothing is a perfect substitute when it comes to the benefits that actually riding has on your soul.  I have to admit though, so far this week I feel like I'm behind the ball in terms of riding.  The plan called for an easy spin Monday (recovery from the race) and then no riding (workout instead) on Tuesday...  I'll follow the plan and see how things go, but I am jonesing for a real ride... maybe if I get my workout today in early enough I can get some real riding in as well... although I think it might have to be asphalt and not dirt - boo.

Bike Thong... it's what the cool kids wear!!

Annie and I spent a little time this weekend converting our extra bedroom into a training/workout room.
And, I got the HiFi fitted on the trainer!!  Took a little filing here and there, but now it's snug as a bug in a rug

If 29ers weren't tall enough... put it on a trainer and you better find yourself a step stool!

Yeah, I'm sporting the complete set - mat, bike thong, and phone/remote holder (not pictured, 2 climbing blocks).

I've got three, count em, three training videos to utilize.  The deal at the LBS was two videos, and they even dug up a mountain bike video for me.  When I got home and opened up the trainer out popped another video, and luck be a lady, it wasn't one I already had!!  SCHWEET!  

1. Mountain Biking (no longer available as a DVD - you can download it on your computer, but I got the classic DVD suckers!!) from the TrainRight series from Carmicheal Training Systems.

2. Force - from the realRides series with Robbie Ventura

3. Race Day  - from the realRides series with Robbie Ventura (the freebie!!)

Now I'm all set to get my "trainer on" once the weather completely turns on us... until then, I'll be tearing it up on the 4300 whenever possible... which will mean more forays into the realm of night riding!!

It costs monies to ride

I've been looking into trainers for the winter - consulted with my Dild's grill teammate, and I'm feeling pretty confident with the decision to go with the Fluid2 from CycleOps.

Then comes the logistics as to where I'll be setting it up, which bike will be on it (getting a slick rear tire for said bike) and then setting up some sort of training regime.  I've bowed out from coaching this season so I can concentrate on being an athlete myself - let's see how that turns out.

But wait!!  Why am I preparing for the winter when there is still PLENTY of riding to be had???  Good question!!  So before I get into trainer mode I need to get into "night rider" mode... which is another mode I haven't accessed previously.  So on top of a hefty trainer purchase, I need to get a lighting system that will allow me to do some solid riding as the sun starts hiding from us.

I've looked a little and I'm thinking right now that a Light and Motion Stella 300 would be a good light to get me out there.  

Here's the deal.  I don't want a crap light that is going to make me go 3 mph out there.  But with the trainer purchase on the horizon (plus a new wheel set for the HiFi next season) I don't want to get killed with the bill either.... so I'm hoping something like the Stella 300 will be an adequate light to allow me to still get some solid riding out there in the darkness.  

So, let the honesty flow.  I know some of you must have some experience; so give me the good, the bad, and the high priced.