The best exercise is the type that pushes you to the edge–works you as hard as you can, but doesn’t injure you. It’s not easy. The century is a lot like that for me. It’s a really long ride by most people’s standards–100 miles–although it’s a lot easier on the joints than the marathon is. […]

As the century approaches, I’m considering revamping my workout schedule. My thirteen workout a week target is rarely met and even when it is, it seems like I’m not really getting fitter. I have mixed feelings on how to change things up. I have to figure out what my athletic goals for the last parts […]

I’m resting. At this point, with just days before the century ride, riding lots of miles isn’t really going to make me do any better on this coming long ride. I am riding–short distances–to keep my legs fresh, but I also know that I can’t cram in miles. I’m also making sure my equipment is […]

I’m about as ready as I’m going to be. The century’s at the end of the month, and I’m just about a week away. I’ve gotten in about as much training as I can. My weight is about the same as it was last year. My legs feel about the same. I’m a year older. […]

I’m worried. I’ve not gotten as much training in for the century as I’d like to, and this weekend was pretty much a total loss, since I stayed out late on Friday night with my friends, did no riding yesterday but instead went to play basketball, and promptly injured myself. Now I’m sore and not […]

I lament often about not being very fast, but maybe it’s the question that’s not correct; instead of comparing speed to someone else or even myself, the question might be better phrased like this: How fast is fast enough for me? I’ve never been speedy. As a big kid, on foot I was always among […]

I’m sore. The 65 mile ride on Saturday wasn’t hard (because I decided to take it easy), but there was a lot of wind to make my way through and it was hot. My left knee is a bit tender although I made it through without cramps. I was still dehydrated a bit as of […]

I’m feeling the pressure. I’m only a few weeks away from my biggest ride of the year–a ride I’ve done three straight years but last year got heat stroke from. I’m not afraid but I am concerned. There’s no such thing as cramming training time in, but I’ve really done enough miles, even though I […]

If cycling is about three things–speed, endurance, and strength–the place I lack most is strength, if strength is about climbing. There’s certainly a possibility lots of that is psychological. Since I started life as a cyclist weighing a lot more than I do now, I was an absolutely horrid climber for a long time. I’ve […]

I’ve got purpose. For the first time in awhile, my workouts seem to be falling into place, and even though I’m not getting everything done I want to, I think I’m getting enough done to be ready for my big ride next month. What’s my secret? I have none. Wake up early and work hard. […]