Wednesday, November 11, 2009

8 WEEKS

Here is my game. With most things fitness related just as I begin to see improvement somehow I quit, stop, slam on the breaks and move on. My intentions are always good but for some unexplainable reason this has become a repeated pattern.

I recently received and dove into Selen Yeager’s book – Every Woman’s Guide to Cycling. This book if fantastic with several detailed plans depending on what your goal or time of year of training you are in is. In short I have selected an 8 week plan for the off-season training which will incorporate strength training and RUNNING. All of this is done without the need of a gym (only one set of 8 or 10 lbs hand weights). How easy is this..right?

So last night was the first night. I figured out all of my HR zones (again) and placed the 60 minute workout in front of me on my trainer in my garage. If you recall I was moving right along with this type of HR training before (and liked it) and then stopped…. for what reason I am not sure. Did the same with YOGA about a year ago. Anyway, I quickly fell into the workout and the time flew by. Although I hit zones 1-4 I was in zone 3 for the longest section for a steady 20 minutes. Following the ride I did the complete weight training/core routine she lays out which lasted 25 minutes. I recall thinking that it seemed rather easy until I woke up this morning and can feel it in my ribs and across my chest.

So I am committing to this Eight Week Program that will bring me all the way to the first week of January. Should start into the new year with some improved cycling and a nice strong running base.

To mix things up for fun Scott and I are joining some friends and going mountain biking on Saturday. Since I have not been in years the announcement that it will be a 15 mile social in nature pace seemed perfect. Did I mention the water falls?

Life is GOOD.

Robin

15 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

yes, it does seem like we're on the same page! Isn't it amazing how even the simplest of movement with a light weight reminds you of muscles you've long forgotten? Here's to base building and big changes! :D

Jason Andrew Mellet said...

Good luck with the training, we expect you to carry it through all the way to the end and look forward to hearing how your cycling has improved at the end of it.

Wes said...

Good! Keep spicing it up :-)

Shannon said...

Nice plan.....I love having a plan. On my "planned" list of things for 2010....Ride with Robin! :)

Marlene said...

I hear you on those muscles. I recently started incorporating some strength training of HOLY MAMA, it hurts in the morning.

Good luck with your 8 week program. I'm all about having a plan.

Karen said...

Good job - at least you found some thing new to keep it interesting. Go muscles!

Judi said...

i love off road riding!

Runner Mom said...

Mercy! Y'all be careful! Can yo do lunch on Friday? Let me know!
Hugs!
Susan

Kevin said...

Sounds like a solid plan for the early winter. Enjoy the mountain biking. I tried it once and nearly broke my neck. It is a shame since I have a mountain bike track adjacent to my neighborhood

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

I can totally relate--I get so bored, sometimes. Thank you alwasys for inspiring me! I need to hit the road, again. I really do love to run.

Anonymous said...

I personally don't understand what an on/off season is. But yes, no event it's hard to stay focused sometimes. I recently discovered the mixed training of endurance and weights in firefighting training. First a run and then lifting and repeating it even is killer!!!

Have you looked into CrossFit? It kicks ass!!!!

Cheri said...

You'll do great with it. You're too dtermined not to.

ShirleyPerly said...

Good for you, Robin! I too have sometimes moved on from things too quickly not reaping their full benefit. Thanks for the reminder to get back into strength training. That MTB ride sounds wonderful. Pictures, please :-)

Unknown said...

Ah, yes, life is good.

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Grey Beard said...

Sounds like Yeager is aware of, and using periodization? It's the reason Lance never raced the 'classics' and focused on winning the TDF instead.

You just can't believe how much your stock went up with me now that I know you like to bike in the dirt too. :D It's just fantastic interval training! Also great for balance, braking and gearing mgt.

I still think by mid-summer I can hammer a mtb-er into the road on a road bike, but the technical skill level of mtn bikers is very impressive. Just Do It