MSers in Training 2016

[teena marie]

Hi all,

My swim as part of the team triathlon was 2 days ago. It went well despite 4 weeks of very little training and even less ocean swimming. It was a spectacular day and calm seas. My goal was to finish which I did, albeit last. I organized helpers before and after to give me a little break and to help with recovery, which took less time than usual.

Take care all and keep up the amazing work.

Teena Marie

Will post picture soon

[teena marie]

tri 2016_2.jpgHere is the day.

[AMFADVENTURES]

Hey TM, I thought your swim should be coming up pretty soon. Congrats on getting it done again, good to have you back.

Dave, so sorry, my bad, I never should have mentioned shoulders and hand cycling! Good to hear everything is working again.

Marina, my money is still on you. I'll be interested to find out if you notice any difference in your hill handling ability on the hilly hundred this year. Good luck, hope you get decent weather.

Veronica, strength training. Good. We'll need that for skiing this year.

Same old same old here. Legs and I did our monster climb last week, 60 miles and 6,600 ft. I sure felt that one, although, the next day wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. Anyway, the Copper Triangle is next weekend, 80 miles and 6,000 ft., anybody want to come sag me up Vail Pass?

You all are a great group,
Larry

[Suebee]

You all are a great group ! TM I'm so inspired by your posts. I've been using all your posts as motivation to find the way I can be active. I also want to give a shout out to my favorite Athlete who happens to have MS. - cyclist Jill Walsh! She is proof MS doesn't have to stop your sport. She's going to RIO with US Paralympic team - with a trike ! http://www.teamusa.org/para-cycling/athletes/Jill-Walsh

Keep it up everyone!

[AMFADVENTURES]

Copper Triangle in the bag

The 2016 Copper Triangle is in the bag. Rode all but about 20 feet of the 80.5 miles and climbed the whole 6100 vertical feet. Heavy low hanging clouds kept temperatures very comfortable most of the time and even the occasional shower didn't make things unbearably cold.

The first 65 miles and 3500 feet weren't a problem, even Battle Mountain wasn't as bad as I remembered it. Vail Pass, on the other hand, was a real SOB! The first steep pitch went by smoothly, confirming in my mind that my strength has improved this year. The second one, steeper and longer, was tough but, for the first time ever on this ride, I made it to the top of it without having to walk, albeit, it took a toll. There was one more short but very steep little hill that finally did stop me though. I ran out of leg power about 20 feet from the top. It was like trying to get one more rep in after you have exhausted your muscles, my legs just couldn't pull the last 20 feet and I had to dismount and walk.

We hadn't seen the sun all day but light started to show through the clouds as we approached the top of Vail. When we did arrive, the sky had turned blue and the sun was out, some kind of congratulatory salute from mother nature maybe. The rest was all downhill.

Our time in the saddle was about 30 minutes more than we'd done before. I had suspected we didn't have the endurance of previous years but by going a little slower we still managed to finish the whole ride. Not sure what next year will bring.

[Veronica]

Dave, you have been my virtual “pacer” when I am out there….Haven’t quite gotten to your PR, but am definitely striving for it and closing in on it! Of course when you post your NEW PR, I'll be growling...no worries, it's good for me..

TM, good for you with the swim. Really enjoyed the photo!

Marina, I am wondering if this current weather that we are having in the NYC area is the same as yours…terrible heat and the dreaded humidity. Have your gotten in some outside rides, or are you all Suffered out? Hilly hundred, huh? Go get it....

I don’t have the easy option of bringing the trike in and out of my place to get it on the trainer, so between weather, work schedule, and weekend plans of being away, my riding has actually taken a very awful backside….MOMENTARILY, that is! Finally have a much clearer schedule starting this week, and now I hear we will have heavy humidity and heat thru Saturday, at least. I am just gonna go for it either Thursday or Friday, and again on the weekend. I got the cooling water bottles, and the thermos that Dave reviewed, and I hope that these items, plus timing of day makes this possible for me…I am so antsy….

Larry! You rocked it, as I had expected you would. Congratulations to you! Must feel good, to say the least. I was particularly happy to read that no sag was needed for Vail Pass…. Sounds like you are right in assessing that you are stronger this year…. Now, you are not getting nuts about being a little slower than last year, are you??? I have to just give you advise that I would have a hard time accepting…. “So what?? You went the distance….”

Suebee: I know that you are really working to get yourself more active, and that you’d love to get back riding. Is there any place by you where you could rent a trike?? I am thinking a tadpole like Marina and I, and I am sure many more ActiveMSers on the forum, have….. Just to really check out where there might be issues, and even if issues develop, just to get you back “in the saddle” so to speak, even for a short ride.

Stay strong everyone!

[Marinadca]

Hi All

TM - I am so glad you met your goal - to finish, which is a great goal and one I always have - and the pictures look great. I am glad your helpers were able to lessen the load for you and quicken recovery.

Sudabee - thank you for posting that. I hope I can catch some of the race video somewhere. Those upright trikes make me nervous but its amazing to watch people gogogo on them!

Larry - congrats and getting that done! I amazed by your climbing ability. Doesn't matter one bit that it was a teeny bit slower. You made it and this is what matter.

Veronica - I feel you, when Steve leaves for the day for work (I work at home 2-3 days a week and the rest in the office) I have to pick inside or outside. I also know the frustration when life gets in the way of your training (really, doc appointments, work, friends, and family...all at once?


As for me - I was outside 1 time in July and 1 time in August. Its so hot and humid lately. Even days when its not totally hot (I am talking 87-90) its so humid that it feels like soup. So I am indoors training. Strava has this helpful feature that lets you see the miles/rides/climbing you have done this year vs. last year at the same thing. I have about 25 more rides this year (yay!) but only a few hundred more more (Meh) and a ton less hill climbing then last year (boo). I hope the weather gets its act together soon. I can't say I am not worried about my hilly century on Labor Day. I am not in full on panic mode yet but I am concerned. Both about my lack of hill training but more importantly the weather on the day. It is like today, 99 with 90% humidity there isn't a chance I will be riding that century. But then again I am so stubborn, I fear that I will try!

[Marinadca]

Also wanted to add - the next ride I do will make 100 for the year! I'd love to do it outside but looking at the temps it will be an indoor ride...but still...100!

[ActiveMSers]

Finally getting cool over here (sorry Marina) and I just broke a couple PRs on my trike (sorry Veronica). Crushed my earlier PR of 9.5 mph avg with like a 10.8, but I didn't count it because I only was on the trail for 35 minutes, so it was more of a sprint. That said, in a 65 minute ride (over an hour, so it counts) I logged a 9.9, so I was hammering it.

The next outing I set a climbing mark, over 3K feet (a suspect number, but nonetheless) as I went up a number of "steep" inclines. On my handtrike, steep is relative. That spike the heart rate and dropped my average speed way down as I crawl up hills despite using max effort. But Laura didn't have to push me once! And no, Larry, I'm not joining you on any of your crazy climbs.

Overall, got on the bike Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun, and going out hopefully today. Should break the 50 mile mark with those five outings. Hope all is well with everyone!

[AMFADVENTURES]

Suebee, neat story, I did wonder if there were any MSers in the Para Olympics.

Marina, I have watched your training on garmin, it's been better than mine, you're more consistent. I would think all that interval work has to pay off, it'll surely get you up the shorter hills. If the longer hills get tough, just pace yourself. Anybody who can get through an 11 hour sufferfest is probably going to be ok. Hope the weather gives you a break! Can't wait to hear about it.

Veronica, so you put your target on Dave's back huh? Try this: on a flattish half mile or so of good trail, in a comfortable gear, spin as fast as you can while still maintaining controll. Spend as long as it takes to recover your heart rate then do it again. Work up to as many reps as you can. (Marina is easily good for 10, I am lucky to get 5 and that's why Marina's so fast.) This little exercise should really waste you so don't do it if your planning to go dancing later, but you only need to do it say twice every 3 weeks or so. It'll take some time but eventually Dave won't stand a chance.

Dave, I totally understand no crazy hill climbing, it's an acquired taste ... BUT ... how about some white knuckle descending? Meet me at the Puye rest stop on day 2 of Pedal Los Pueblos, and we can ride down that hill. It's not a technical descent but there is a section that comes pretty close to free fall on a bike - or trike. It's only about 15 miles to the end too, at a slight grade. It'll be a thrill you can savor for some time! And of course, there must be beer afterwards!

Still getting out 4 times a week here but have reduced the serious hill climbing to once a week. Yesterday I did a hill I've loathed since the first time I rode it. Although I was whipped by the time I got to the top of it, I still thought it wasn't the challenge it used to be and I need a bigger hill. That little accomplishment only took 6 or 7 years.

Stay safe all,

Larry

[ActiveMSers]

Veronica, don't listen to Larry. I'm trying to hold on to my lead here.

Was just up in Colorado Springs for a wedding/reunion. Biked (stationary), played wheelchair tennis, and kayaked. But now I'm back home and back on the trike and putting on the miles.

[Veronica]

Dave, you are safe for awhile, is all I will say. Just do me a favor, and top out at around 10 mph average, ok? I am VERY slowly increasing my average, but boy, is it a work in progress. Progress being the operative word here!

Had a very fun, novel ride last night...yeah, last night. I was part of a renegade crew of 3 trikes and 7 diamond frames who broke the local trail rules and rode at night. With all our headlights and tail lights we were quite a sight...for all the critters along the way! Just a real hoot... did about 15 miles...10 of which were in the pitch dark. It was GREAT for not obsessing about my speed as I couldn't even SEE my odometer reading. And we didn't even have any run ins with the ATV patrolling cops.....darn....would have added to the adventure.. but glad I didn't have to worry about Bail money And riding a trike allowed me to also star gaze... had a wonderful view of the Big Dipper.... Just delightful....

[ActiveMSers]

Veronica, your nighttime ride sounds fantastic. 15 miles is a pretty big day for me, as my distance PR is 19.25 miles (set Saturday). I can go way longer, but the 20 barrier has been tricky. As soon as I get close, we need to finish the ride to get ready for dinner or some darn thing. Next time I get close I'm just going to ride in circles in the driveway, darn it.

As for Larry's suggestion to go down the steeps, I will say he is crazy considering my proneness to visit the ER. Speaking of which, how did Pedal los Pueblos go??? Sorry to miss you. I want the full story!

[AMFADVENTURES]

Pedal Los Pueblos

Pedal Los Pueblos, Best Supported Ride in the USA period! And still a challenge.

It was a spontaneous decision on my part to do the ride this year. I'd thought about it a couple of weeks before the event and if Dave had taken me up on my offer I'd have committed prior to the day before the ride, but I felt good Friday morning so threw the bike and some things in the car and took off for Santa Fe. I got to registration, saw a few old friends, declined a couple of invitations and headed for the hotel for an early evening. Those trips do take a toll and I wanted the max mileage on the first day so an early bed time seemed prudent.

Saturday was gorgeous, perfect riding temperatures almost all day. I'd decided I wanted to finish the days 90+ miles in a good time so I took off at what I thought was the highest sustainable pace I could manage.

Once out of the urban congestion, it's not unusual to find yourself pedaling through the beautiful high desert country on your own, maybe another cyclist just visible ahead or behind and a support vehicle passing by every 15 or 20 minutes. The beauty and solitude in that area is never lost on me, it verges on a spiritual experience every time, it is the most consistent experience of this ride for me.

I covered the first 50 miles to the lunch stop, mostly uphill and into a slight headwind, in less than 4 hours, a very good pace for me. Shortly after the lunch stop, the road turns South, goes mostly down hill and generally has a tail wind accompanyment at least until the last 15 miles, but not this year. I made the turn back to the finish line and was appalled to find myself pedaling downhill into a strong headwind! Arg! Treachery! I was seriously doubting my ability to pedal the 40 miles back in the face of a 15 to 20 mph headwind, even if it was mostly down hill.

More than a little dismayed, I began to evaluate how to deal with the situation. I decided to consult the Bullet, a Denver riding buddy, for advice, because she can cut through a headwind like a hot knife through butter. I got down in the drops, chest nearly on top of the handle bars, elbows tucked into my sides, knees as close to the bike frame as possible, and put the hammer down just lIke the Bullet would do. Lo and behold if that wind didn't mostly get out of my way and let me pass. I was amazed! 10 miles or so down the road the source of the headwind became apparent. An enormous black storm cloud covering 2/3 of the horizon, pouring down rain and spitting lightening, lay about 10 miles dead ahead.

In a few more miles I hit the next rest stop, where ride organizers were holding the riders up to see what the storm was going to do. For 30 minutes we watched the storm huff and puff, throw down torrents of rain and lightening and barely move at all. When a sag came by and a couple of folks jumped on I decided to join them. Dodging lightening on a bike isn't really my thing.

Dinner was served back at the tent a few hours later but before the after-dinner festivities could commence, another storm appeared. The wind picked up and the rain and lightening came down and the party moved into the nearby casino. I went back to the hotel for another early night to rest up for the hill climb the next day.

Day 2 started out just as nice as the previous day and it stayed that way. I was riding with one of my wife's relatives and we were determined NOT to set any new land speed records. We rode the first 30 miles to the base of the hill at a leisurely pace. Once on the hill I threw my bike in a low gear and commenced to spin slowly up, the better to observe the rather unique climatic change in vegetation over the relatively short ascent to the Puye cliffs. As you ascend the 1500 ft or so you go through at least 4 distinct settings ranging from dry desert grass to scrub brush to pinion and finally end up in a pine forest. It really is unique.

And of course, there is always a section of hill that is nearly vertical. I mean it is Pedal Los Pueblos, a ride for those who dare, how could there not be? That section came after the first three miles of hill and was about a half mile long. I was begging for air and strength shortly after starting up that section and about to stop for at least a short break when I thought about how Leggs, another Denver bike buddy, would handle the situation. Leggs and I have a no nonsense relationship when it comes to climbing hills. I knew what she would say and in her gentlest, most encouraging voice, it went like this, "We've been training on this stuff all year! So, quit your whining and get your butt up the hill."

Well, it works nearly every time. I strengthened my resolve, sat a little more upright in the saddle, felt my heart rate drop a beat or two, my breath steady and some strength return to my legs and pedaled over the top of that steep mother of hills. Oh, and, wearing my I Ride With MS jersey and my ActiveMSers pro bike shorts, I pedaled past the people walking their bikes up it.

There was no Puye Cliffs this year, the course had been shortened to just past the top of that last steep pitch. The rumour was that there was a movie crew filming at Puye and apparently they didn't need any sweaty extras on bicycles. So after a short break and some refueling, I started the descent. You should have been there Dave, it felt like free fall. In a crouch, hitting cadences I didn't know I was capable of, hoping my tires held together, I blew down that hill as fast as I could, faster than most. What a rush!

We commenced our leisurely ride back to the finish with the help of police motorcycles escorting us across the major intersections, sirens wailing. I do believe we may have been DFL across the finish line, although for no particular reason other than we just weren't in a rush. Well I was DFL anyway, my buddy may have taken the penultimate position.

Pedal Los Pueblos, for those who dare

[Marinadca]

Awesome recap Larry, it sounds like you had quite the time! I am glad no major mishaps for you!

Dave - very nice how you keep trucking away. Life does tend to love to meddle with riding though!

Veronica that sounds like so much fun!! What kind of lights are you using? I dont have any and have decided that I really need some - especially a back light for when I am on the streets to be as visible as possible. But I also was a front light so I can see when dusk is coming or if its dark.

As for me the Indian Head 100 was yesterday. I decided to do the Indian Head 70 instead. After only being outside 3 times in July, August and being 15K feel under for climbing for this year over last year it just seemed like a better idea. Turned out to be a huge challenge to do the 70 with almost 3K feet of elevation. I eeked it out at just under 12 mph as an average. Slower and less miles then last year but I gave it my absolute all.

I have decided I need to temper myself to the heat more next year. I hid inside all year and it bit me in the end. Either that or I need to learn to be a morning person and get out there at 6 am. I need to do something for next year as I dont want to be slower with less miles again!

Coming up for me in the beginning of Oct is my last large ride for the year. The seagull century - a flat 100 that sometimes gets fun wind. A tropical storm canceled it last year so I hope we have nice weather for it this year