Taking off the thong

Yet another sign of spring- the bike thong came off the bike and the Felt was dismounted from the trainer for its first outside ride of the season!

I found a GREAT 25 mile ride:



25 miles is about right for the first outdoor ride of the season. I was particularly interested to learn how my indoor training affected outdoor ride performance.

I took the ride easy, making sure that the HR stayed at approx 140 - 145 except for the bigger hills. In addition I stayed in the seat for 99% of the ride, working on leg strength up the hills.

I came in EXACTLY where I wanted to (1:30) which means I was averaging just shy of 17mph. This number is important because it is my target pace for the 70.3.

There was no significant exertion on the trip, and I came home feeling great. My legs do need some hill strength (which they weren't getting from the trainer) but it seems as though muscular endurance is right where it should be.

Hopefully there will be no more trainer rides. Who knows though, spring can be unpredictable.

Finally, in a nutrition test, I ate a Cliff bar at 1:00. Seemed to digest just fine.