Saturday, March 7, 2015

Camanche Double Loop & Run

Let me start by saying that I LOVE training with our group. One of my least favorite aspects of my Vineman training is that I often feel out there on my own. Whether it's because I have a run scheduled and the group is riding (or swimming), or because the group is only riding for 90 minutes and I have a 2-3 hour ride scheduled...whatever the reason, it really bums me out that we can't train together :-(

Today, however, I was able to mix Vineman and Lodi Masters. The plan was for HS and I to show up an hour early so I could get one loop done before the rest of the group showed up to ride. Unfortunately, after a restless night of sleep (Aunt Flo ruins any chance I have of a full night's sleep) I woke up at 5:58am. It took a few minutes to sink in that in order for us to get to North Shore by 7am we were going to have to hustle. We should have been out the door at 6am, not just waking up!!!

I filled the water bottles, aired my tires, got dressed, woke up HS, and finally stuffed my mess of a hair "don't" into a ball cap. We were on the road by around 6:30-ish. We made fairly good time and got to North Shore Camanche about 7:10. Eric decided to join us and was there waiting (that's a first LOL) About 5 minutes later we were rolling down the road.

Loop No. 1

The first loop wasn't too bad. Since we were behind schedule, we didn't dilly dally at our normal re-grouping areas. It was during this first loop that I realized how tired my legs actually were. I had asked my coach to flip-flop my rest week and the next training week because of my schedule...so last week, instead of taking it easy, I kept training. All I can say is UGH!!! I need a break! 

Loop No. 2

When we came back to the start, +James was the only one there waiting for us. While it's not the same as the times when we get 10+ members from our group riding, it was still great to have James joining us. James has committed (on Facebook) that he is doing the Santa Cruz triathlon in September...so I get the feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of him in biking and running gear, instead of just a Speedo.

Which brings me to my next point...I know that James has worked hard to become a Masters swim coach and he is a very good swim coach...HOWEVER... and this is just my opinion...he has done much more for me as a cycling coach. Even today, he rode up next to me and told me to drop my elbows. Everything he has told me about cycling has stuck with me and I am a much better cyclist than I was 2 years ago. Much, much, MUCH better!!!!  Please keep the comments coming, Coach!

Missed my 2-1/2 to 3 hour goal...oh, well. Also of note...I hit my fastest "max speed" ever...only tapped on my breaks twice on the big descent on the second loop and managed to hit 33 mph!!!

The Run

The first mile of the "off the bike" run was AWESOME...and it was completely, 100%, straight downhill! I think I ran my fastest mile split ever! Not bad considering I had just rode almost 30 miles. I made a pit stop at the restroom and then caught up with HS and James. Our destination today was the gazebo where we normally take the Tri 101 class to do open water swims.  Everything looked the same, the only thing missing was the water.  I walked down to where the water normally was to check out the dried up weeds that used to tickle my toes. Looks like we won't be swimming here anytime soon :-(


Lake Camanche 2012
Lake Camanche 2015

Today was great....I loved riding with our group again and I hope more people show up next time. I definitely think there is a pancake ride in the near future :-)

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Garmin Connect - Linden Loop (Pedaling Paths to Independence)

Garmin Connect - Linden Loop

A great event for a great cause
HS and I did this ride on Saturday as part of the Community Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired "Pedaling Paths to Independence" charity ride. This is an annual event with 25 mile and 65 mile routes. We opted for the 65 mile loop.

We enjoyed this ride so much, we are definitely going to do this route again. The ride starts from Linden, Ca (just east of Stockton). There is plenty of on street parking and De Vinci's Deli is right there for a post ride meal.


Most roads were in excellent condition