Thursday, March 06, 2008

and it begins...

I recovered pretty quickly from VQ and even though it was longer than any ride I have been on this year I never really got out of my comfort zone. A couple of easy spins along the coast and an epic massage did the trick... and now it's time to get down to business.

Here's the only photo I have seen of me from VQ... and of course I am walking my bike. Sweet.


After a very successful 3 months of Base training it's finally time to start my favorite phase of training: Build. I am feeling really strong and more motivated than ever to dial it up. There are quite a few different names for the cycles in training but I have found that the Friel method/model of periodization works for me. It's basically Base, Build, Peak, Race. Depending on the amount of time you have before your A races the time in each cycle will vary.

The build phase is my favorite because it's when the intensity goes up... and for me it goes way up. I always forget how much I really like running and riding hard. A long endurance run does not give give me the same feeling or satisfaction as my ass kicking, xterra-specific, hill repeat workout. My trainer sessions are also right in line with my training cycles. They are getting f'n harder each session.

With harder work comes the need for more recovery time. Definitely something I need to stay on top of. I have a tendency to not want to hold back. I like going fast. I also need to stay on top of my diet... and by that I mean make sure I am eating enough. It seems when I start doing harder workouts I lean out very quickly and am always hungry. I can't eat enough. I weighed myself this morning and was 135lbs (I raced at 132lbs in Maui and I think that was too light). I really don't want to get any lighter than this. This is what I need to be racing at! Time to eat!

7 comments:

GZ said...

I hear you - there is nothing I like better (well in terms of training) than a hill workout that leaves me feeling like capillaries are growing out my ears for the rest of the day.

Enjoy that weight problem. Most of us are a bit envious of that issue you have. I need to cut all the beer when I want to get to fighting weight.

Cliff said...

Gotta drop the weight on my end. Body must be storing fat for the frozen tundra I am living up north.

Hmm yeah...nothing like doing hill repeats feel the pain :)..fun

ll said...

Dude! It was GREAT talking to you today.
You might want to add some more carbs (other than fruit and veggies) to maintain healthy weight. I really have some serious experience what happens when weight goes too much down while training hard and it ain't nice at all when the hormone levels get depressed! So enjoy some pasta, quinoa, rice, oats etc. with other great foods..

beth said...

yes, GZ, let me tell you, it's really fun to hear "i can't believe i've been eating my face off for four months and haven't gained an ounce!"

sweet hike-a-bike...

Paul said...

Cool picture.

135?? How do you do it? :) I'm always around 175+...doesn't seem to matter how much volume or intensity I'm doing.

See ya round.

ramon said...

Sound like your coming along well JW. Drink more beers, that may help with the weight :)Your gonna have an epic season. I'll be in town for SuperSeal,maybe we can throw a few back after.

beingoutside said...

Quite the entourage you've assembled. Even includes your own personal photographer!