It's that time of year again. The very beginning. That moment filled with hope and anticipation, fresh starts and optimism. After eight years tolerating a steadily deteriorating left hip, I had mine swapped out in order to reset my system for the decade (or more) of endurance cycling ahead. The first big goal on my horizon is Paris-Brest-Paris in August and I have a nice, progressive schedule of brevets lined up to get me there starting on April 6.
While only time will tell, it seems like I may have timed my late October hip replacement surgery just perfectly. I've experienced steady gains over the past two months but just this week, I've been walking entirely pain-free and feeling stronger than ever. This has been such a welcome change following so many years feeling stiff, weak and sore. It's remarkable how much we can get used to over time and I don't think I fully realized how old all of this made me feel.
But today's a new day. After six weeks of physical therapy, I recently switched from working out on the recumbent trainer at the gym to using my own bike on the trusty Cyclops trainer at home. I'd been resisting the need to throw my leg over the top tube until I was a bit more flexible and steady, but the positive feeling of clipping into my own bike after so many weeks cannot be overstated.
I've been taking it slow and steady on the trainer, though, gradually adding higher levels of aerobic resistance here and there to build strength and a foundation for the more ambitious training I envision as the season progresses. I'm not in any real rush to get out on the roads this winter, but look forward to doing so once I develop more strength and stability on the bike. Perhaps a nice warm day in late January. In the meantime, I plan to ride for at least an hour a day, five or six days a week, while increasing my aerobic load and my duration each week. This may become a bit challenging as my travel schedule picks up, but that's what hotel gyms are for, right?
So for now, the operative words during this season of base training are patience and consistency.
Nice to read that you are making progress with your hip surgery recovery. Also nice to read that you still want to be a serious cyclist. Sounds like you are taking it a little slower than you need to. Just riding an hour a day, 5 or 6 days a week is probably not the best route to pursue. Maybe three 1.5 to 2 hours low to moderate intensity sessions a week on the trainer would be better. And mix in one or two 20 minute high/moderate intensity interval sessions and one session of lifting weights. Maybe give your buddy Nigel Greene a call about this. He seems to have adopted this approach somewhat recently.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement. I agree with your assessment. Don't know what I was thinking. A balance of low/moderate and moderate/high intensity workouts is exactly what I need, and what I plan to do. Already added some intensity this past weekend and it felt GREAT! Finally sweating on a bike again. Hope to see you on the roads soon.
ReplyDeleteDidn't see you in Cranberry. I looked. Co-rider made video. Did everything heal correctly?
ReplyDeleteHi Thomas! Lots of riders in Cranbury, that's for sure. Sorry I missed you. What a fun day that was (with the exception fo that Biblical wind). Yes, I had a great ride and even shaved 20 minutes off my 2017 time. :) Haven't been posting to this blog for a while (obviously) and I need to change that. Up next, the Bash Bish 300K on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI do well in winds. I suffer on the hills. May have new bike for 300. Staying at hotel Friday into Saturday am not sure about Sunday. off Monday :0. Goal just finish!
ReplyDelete20 min is a long time in Randonneuring world!!! Congrats! We were last. But we had a blast!
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