Training Update

One of my winter goals was to crush some hard intensity trainer workouts to build my power as i felt i had lost some power given my bout with Cancer in late 2014 and early 2015.  Plus, i am feeling 100% healthy so why not hammer out some hard rides and see what gains are possible.  In addition, i have been hitting the weights and doing some heavy leg work to build back strength and hopefully address my climbing weakness.  Many thanks to Joel Friel's "Fast After 50" for the guidance to "intensity" for the winter.

Did a third FTP test the other week.  First one in late October was the benchmark.  My 20 minute average power was 202 and watts/KG were 2.58 (202/78.2) In early January the numbers were 220 for the 20 minute average and watts/KG was 2.63 (220/79.5).  A small improvement, but was off to the UK and London for 2 and 1/2 weeks mid December, so i was happy with the improvement.  And just in, the latest test indicates my 20 minute average power is up to 239 and my watts/KG are 2.84 (239/80).  A nice gain over the last 6 weeks and a decent improvement over the test period - roughly a 15% increase since October.  Just need to trim a Kilo or two and the gains will be magnified.

Planning to take a little cycling trip over the last four days of April.  Headed to Penticton and will ride with a group of guys from Saskatoon - a little catch up with old friends.  Once i been hammered into the ground over these four days, i will test again and see what the final numbers are for the winter of intensity.

It is time to start running more or start again as my last run was January 27th in Vancouver.  Bought new shoes to help motivate me, so it is time to get outside and run.

Until we meet again, enjoy what the day offers and make the most of it.

Ciao.
Rick.

100 Push Ups

On December 1, I started a push up challenge - starting with one day and then two, then three, etc.  On Wednesday i hit 100.  I feel i accomplished something as i never been strong at push-ups.  I missed a couple of days here and there - and boy the next day was tough.  Especially true when i missed 96 last week and had 193 the following day.

I must admit never doing more than twenty at a time.  But i got them done and soon i will start a crunch challenge and will boast the number of push-ups in a row to 25, then 30 and so on.

Give it a go, it may sound easy, but it gets tough pretty fast.

Good luck and have fun with this shenanigan.

Rick

Transportation

Well, this move has been contemplated for 18 months or so and finally it has happened.  A new Man of Leisure mobile has been acquired.  First new vehicle in 35 years - about time.  Always wanted a Subaru and figured the Outback would be the vehicle of choice, but decided on the Crosstrek as the $10-$15K lower price tag was more to my liking.

So far (one day of testing) so good!  Getting a hitch installed as part of the deal and will get a Yakima Skybox for gear.

I also have been hiding out in the basement since Xmas, employing a different mode of transportation.  Definitely more economical, but don't seem to get anywhere too quick.  The gains in fitness from following "Fast After Fifty" book by Joe Friel, are noticeable.  But need to do another FTP test, likely in the next few days, to actually measure the fitness gains.  I have to put in the hard efforts now, so i can stay in touch with the crew from Saskatoon, when we head to Penticton in late April.

Well, that's all folks.  Enjoy whatever shenanigans you are up to!

PS - I can finally say that my car is worth more than my bikes!  Been a while!