Last Thrusday was my first fit test of the season and confirmed everything that I knew to be true. I am weak. I could only manage a pathetic 215 watt avg. for a flat 10 mile TT at 182 bpm. Having never done wattage based training before, I am not sure what my "in-form" average is, but certainly more than 215. I hope that in three weeks, during the second test, that the result will show some marked improvement. The good news is that when you are as out-of-shape as I am, you can improve quickly. Yesterday I did 1:20 of nice tempo at the cycle lab. It's nice to have some base numbers to work from. My heart rate was much more settled than the first two sessions and my legs felt good to start. Most of the ride was in the 120-190 watt range at about 135-150 bpm. The Computrainer was set for a rolling ride (much like the roads of KY - more on that later) and it really illustrated the importance of shifting when it comes to maintaing peak wattage. Thursday I'll be back in the lab for more!
The most important thing right now is my improved morale. I am really, really, really, enjoying my bikes again. I am looking forward again, which I haven't been able to do for a couple of years now. I have a tentative race schedule and am fired-up for each one. The benchmarks that I am shooting for right now are a return to race weight and lots of focused winter/early spring miles. If I can accomplish these two things, I think that things will be OK.
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