So, a little over a month ago we switched from P90X-ing to training for the Seattle to Portland Classic. A 204 mile bike ride taking place from July 13th and 14th. It has been a long and challenging number of weeks with all sorts of obstacles and set backs that I couldn't have foreseen coming.
The plan was to be simple. Starting from the last blog I wrote (May 28th) we were going to ride 25 miles EVERY single day until about the end of this week (July 5). I was hoping that on some days we'd ramp up the mileage to get Zu (and myself) used to going long periods. That didn't really happen. We did get a lot of riding in though and Zulema has made vast improvements to her times and attitude (which is vital). I think she's ready.
This year, we're also being joined by my good friend and former co-worker, Leah. She's been kicking ass and taking names all over WA in the Cascade Bicycle Club training for this ride. In fact, she just completed her first Century ride last weekend. She's been tearing it up.
Today, we're going to take our training to the next level finally. Since it's a holiday, we have the time. We're going to do a metric century ride. It's only 100km (62 mi) as opposed to a full century that's 100 miles, but it's the biggest cycling route I know by heart and it's the biggest ride Zu has ever done to date. It'll be the perfect training for STP. She gets through this, and STP will feel like a light stroll on the beach!
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| Fern Ridge Trail in Eugene |
Our training has been fun though. It really made me happy to see her ready to ride most days. I only really lament the crazy schedule conflicts or other "life" issues that got in the way of our training, but either way she's shown some real growth in staying the course and following through on this commitment. Our rides this year have been beautiful and filled with so much to just look at. Oregon is a really beautiful place and you don't really get the opportunity to appreciate it until you do it on foot or on 2 wheels I'd say.
My trusty bike, the "road tank" is doing quite well. I believe I'm somewhere around 4500 miles put on this guy now since buying it in August '11. Well, if I'm not quite there yet, I'll cerainly be there within the next few days :-P
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| Another pic from the Row River Trail in Cottage Grove |
With less than 2 weeks to STP, our biking adventures are almost up. I still aim to try and hit at least one or two more Century rides after the Seattle to Portland thing, but we're probably heading back into P90X land. Though, I'm a little conflicted. There's a brand new workout routine that has just come out called T25. It's basically an intense 25 minute workout. The big key is the fact that it's only 25 minutes a day. P90X is anywhere from an hour to almost 2 depending on the day so this one could be huge in terms of availability to do it.
I'm going to start a fitness challenge group on August 1st. Open to anyone who's interested. I'm still trying to determine whether I'm going to use P90X as the focus for the group or this new T25. I feel like people have a better ability to accomodate 25 minutes rather than an hour+. Also, I could use something new to work out to. So if you, or anyone you know is interested let me know. comment on the blog, hit me up on facebook. Just get at me!
I'll leave you with this awesome smoothie I concocted yesterday:
KCPBBBAM!
4-6 leaves of Kale1 Carrot
1 Peach
1 1/2 cups of frozen berries (I used a mix of Blackberries and Boysenberries)
1 Banana (frozen)
Almond Milk to consistency
