Time: 1:20:24, Resistance: 5, Distance: 17.79 miles, Average Speed: 13.28 MPH, Energy Burned: 950.6 kcal, Average Pulse: 165 bpm
I'm starting to love the feeling of pushing this hard. A month in and I'm already going hellbent. It's nice going to bed exhausted and actually sleeping for the full time. Last night wasn't so great because I was so throughly spent I didn't notice that my daughter was playing with buttons again and hit the Auto-Fill button to pump my mattress up hard as a rock. I was paying for that in the morning. Toddlers and buttons don't mix.
I'm considering having workouts like those of the past two nights every day for a month to see where it gets me. It's something I've never done before. I even saw the speedometer hold 14.0MPH for a short time while not on a VO2max sprint. And the last time I saw that was at Resistance 4.
At work, there's this program that gives you a discount on your health plan for either already being in great health or following their guidelines to get in great health. One of my coworkers now has his photo plastered on several walls. I noticed he was trimming down. That's pretty cool. I was kicked out of the program. Too words-on for me. Actions always speak louder, but I've always been that way so it's old news. I'd rather be seeing stars on the bike than talking about my veggie and fish intake with some girl a hundred miles away who's never had a weight problem in her life.
You know, it's funny how these things happen. I always have a hard time getting started with something long-term and/or not immediately appealing, but once I've been at it for a while, it becomes an addiction. I think about how I'm supposed to be working on Project Lanternfish (the repurposed iMac G4 hooked to beast computer), but I'm not willing to give up my workout to do it. If I'm going to have my workout at the expense of my pet projects, I'm going to make it worth the loss.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
2/25/09 - I Would Ride 500 Miles And I Will Ride 500 More
Time: 1:50:04, Resistance: 5, Distance: 24.27, Average Speed: 13.23MPH, Energy Burned: 1300 kcal, Average Pulse: 160
I have my first 500 miles in the books. After today I know what it's like to truly kick my own ass. I felt like slowing down halfway through and didn't. I felt like calling it a night at 20 miles and didn't. I know what it's like to dig deep now. Not as deep as I'm sure the pros do, but I got a taste of it.
And I want more...
I have my first 500 miles in the books. After today I know what it's like to truly kick my own ass. I felt like slowing down halfway through and didn't. I felt like calling it a night at 20 miles and didn't. I know what it's like to dig deep now. Not as deep as I'm sure the pros do, but I got a taste of it.
And I want more...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
2/24/09 - Closing In...
Time: 1:22:00, Resistance: 5, Distance: 17.12 Miles, Average Speed: 12.53 MPH, Energy Burned: 913.7 kcal, Average Pulse: 155
Normal workout. I don't feel messed up at all. It would seem that I thrive on a challenge as my pace has increased. 476.07 miles in the books. I can hardly believe 500 miles is within striking distance. Actually, it would seem that 500 miles coincides with my 1 month point and I'm dropping weight at the rate I expected so I'm on track.
Normal workout. I don't feel messed up at all. It would seem that I thrive on a challenge as my pace has increased. 476.07 miles in the books. I can hardly believe 500 miles is within striking distance. Actually, it would seem that 500 miles coincides with my 1 month point and I'm dropping weight at the rate I expected so I'm on track.
2/23/09 - Pick Up The Pace
Time: 1:20:41, Resistance: 5, Distance: 16.89 Miles, Average Speed: 12.56 MPH, Energy Burned: 901.6 kcal, Average Pulse: 155 bpm
I didn't think I'd be setting any kind of personal best any time soon at the new resistance level, but I did. Taking less time to cover the distance gave me almost 17 miles this time. I've now logged 458.95 miles.
I didn't think I'd be setting any kind of personal best any time soon at the new resistance level, but I did. Taking less time to cover the distance gave me almost 17 miles this time. I've now logged 458.95 miles.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
2/22/09 - Resistance 5
Time: 1:23:00, Resistance: 5, Distance: 16.10 miles, Average Speed: 11.64 MPH, Energy Burned: 859.4 kcal, Average Pulse: 150
This was new and interesting to me. The change in resistance was certainly noticeable. I didn't have trouble keeping my heart rate up. While I had planned to go longer, I decided I shouldn't as the workout was different enough that treading with caution was just a real good idea.
The weekends always remind me how good a consistent diet really is.
This was new and interesting to me. The change in resistance was certainly noticeable. I didn't have trouble keeping my heart rate up. While I had planned to go longer, I decided I shouldn't as the workout was different enough that treading with caution was just a real good idea.
The weekends always remind me how good a consistent diet really is.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
2/21/09 - With A Vengeance
Time: 2:44:03, Resistance Level: 4, Distance: 32.08, Average Speed: 11.74 MPH, Energy Burned: 1685 kcal, Average Pulse: 140 bpm
I missed yesterday's workout. I was really in no condition for it. Even today I found myself wanting to slack off, but I finished at like 10PM.
After having scaled my worknight sessions back to 15-16 miles, I still want to knock out miles like I did at 20/day. After over 30 miles tonight before my feet made me pack it in, I think I have the solution. If I standardize on 30 miles for Friday night and during both weekend days, I'll have even better mileage. That's actually 150 miles a week where I was getting 140 in before.
My pace will be going down some next week. I have to turn the resistance level up on my trainer in order to keep my heart rate deep enough in the 140s that I'm not hawk-eying my watch twice a minute.
I've lost a significant amount of weight so far and I'm sure it will continue. While I track my weight daily and try to keep the same conditions each time, it's something that I understand will only really make sense over the long-term.
I also track what I eat, but I have done no calorie count tallies or anything like that. I have the data stored for post-processing when I've reached a target weight I haven't even decided on yet, but I'm not doing anything with it now. To put too much thought into that part would have me thinking about food a lot more than I should. I'd rather spend brain time thinking about workout stuff instead of the fuel I'm taking in to power it.
Actually, that's why a lot of diets fail--too much emphasis on what or how much you're eating.
I missed yesterday's workout. I was really in no condition for it. Even today I found myself wanting to slack off, but I finished at like 10PM.
After having scaled my worknight sessions back to 15-16 miles, I still want to knock out miles like I did at 20/day. After over 30 miles tonight before my feet made me pack it in, I think I have the solution. If I standardize on 30 miles for Friday night and during both weekend days, I'll have even better mileage. That's actually 150 miles a week where I was getting 140 in before.
My pace will be going down some next week. I have to turn the resistance level up on my trainer in order to keep my heart rate deep enough in the 140s that I'm not hawk-eying my watch twice a minute.
I've lost a significant amount of weight so far and I'm sure it will continue. While I track my weight daily and try to keep the same conditions each time, it's something that I understand will only really make sense over the long-term.
I also track what I eat, but I have done no calorie count tallies or anything like that. I have the data stored for post-processing when I've reached a target weight I haven't even decided on yet, but I'm not doing anything with it now. To put too much thought into that part would have me thinking about food a lot more than I should. I'd rather spend brain time thinking about workout stuff instead of the fuel I'm taking in to power it.
Actually, that's why a lot of diets fail--too much emphasis on what or how much you're eating.
Friday, February 20, 2009
2/19/09 - Huh Huh... He Said "Bones"
Time: 1:25:32, Resistance: 4, Distance: 16.53, Avg Speed: 11.6MPH, Energy Burned: 879.8 Kcal, Average Pulse: 145 bpm
I watched Bones tonight while I trained. It was the one with the sword people were killing each other for. That's about it.
I took the workout a little slower still this time to see how I'd feel while keeping my heart rate lower than where I have been lately. I have to say even 135bpm is almost effortless. I could probably go all day like that. That's a pretty big difference.
I'm down to 206lbs now, seven below where I started. This is includes over a week of no loss at the very beginning.
I watched Bones tonight while I trained. It was the one with the sword people were killing each other for. That's about it.
I took the workout a little slower still this time to see how I'd feel while keeping my heart rate lower than where I have been lately. I have to say even 135bpm is almost effortless. I could probably go all day like that. That's a pretty big difference.
I'm down to 206lbs now, seven below where I started. This is includes over a week of no loss at the very beginning.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2/18/09 - Front Row Seat To A Trainwreck
Time: 1:20:06, Resistance: 4, Distance: 16.08 miles, Average Speed: 12.04 MPH, Energy Burned: 841 Kcal, Average Pulse: 150
I did my workout while American Idol was on. Like most, I only care about the auditions and the finale of that show (when there's nothing else going on), but this season became a question of "What will Tatiana del Toro do next?" Aside from being completely annoying until her last hurrah, she struck me as self-centered (as hell) both before and after the group performance. Seems fitting that she went up against the Danny Gokey guy my mother says looks like me (it's the goatee) and lost (Everyone has an evil twin--I guess I'm his?). Like there was any other possible outcome? I mean the guy was good and he lost his wife a year ago. On top of that, he's not annoying.
It was kind of ironic to see Tatiana hanging on the arm of fellow rejectee Stevie Wright (who looks like a cross between Jessica Biel and Scarlett Johansson) whom you would never know from maturity is, in fact, seven years younger than Her Majesty The Exhalted Precious Snowflake Princess Tatiana del Taco. Grow up and try again, kid, just be more personable next time and people will like you. You gain nothing by being yourself when you're a living root canal. If you were honest about the annoying you not being the real you, you will go far.
(A pound of post-workout skin salt crust says she reads this while googling her name.)
I did my workout while American Idol was on. Like most, I only care about the auditions and the finale of that show (when there's nothing else going on), but this season became a question of "What will Tatiana del Toro do next?" Aside from being completely annoying until her last hurrah, she struck me as self-centered (as hell) both before and after the group performance. Seems fitting that she went up against the Danny Gokey guy my mother says looks like me (it's the goatee) and lost (Everyone has an evil twin--I guess I'm his?). Like there was any other possible outcome? I mean the guy was good and he lost his wife a year ago. On top of that, he's not annoying.
It was kind of ironic to see Tatiana hanging on the arm of fellow rejectee Stevie Wright (who looks like a cross between Jessica Biel and Scarlett Johansson) whom you would never know from maturity is, in fact, seven years younger than Her Majesty The Exhalted Precious Snowflake Princess Tatiana del Taco. Grow up and try again, kid, just be more personable next time and people will like you. You gain nothing by being yourself when you're a living root canal. If you were honest about the annoying you not being the real you, you will go far.
(A pound of post-workout skin salt crust says she reads this while googling her name.)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
2/17/09 - No Hoggin Here
Time: 1:18:04, Resistance: 4, Distance: 15.35 miles, Average Speed: 11.8 MPH, Energy Burned: 802.9 Kcal, Average Pulse: 150
No pain today either. No medicine before or during the workout. I did scale my workout back to 15 miles because I feel like I'm spending my entire night on that bike and that's no way to live. I've also got to avoid hogging it so my wife can use it too.
No pain today either. No medicine before or during the workout. I did scale my workout back to 15 miles because I feel like I'm spending my entire night on that bike and that's no way to live. I've also got to avoid hogging it so my wife can use it too.
Monday, February 16, 2009
2/16/09 - And Like That... It's Gone
Time: 1:40:41, Resistance: 4, Distance: 20.67, Avg Speed: 12.32 MPH, Energy Burned: 1103, Avg Pulse: 157
I don't believe it, no knee pain or inflammation at all today. It's just plain gone. I don't know if it will be back, but I'm not going to hold my breath. To put this in perspective, it's like waking up thinking you're late for school and suddenly realizing it's not only not a school day, but the beginning of a four-day weekend.
My biggest obstacle blocking me from running LOTOJA this year is gone for now and I toughed it out with 345.92 miles down so far.
I don't believe it, no knee pain or inflammation at all today. It's just plain gone. I don't know if it will be back, but I'm not going to hold my breath. To put this in perspective, it's like waking up thinking you're late for school and suddenly realizing it's not only not a school day, but the beginning of a four-day weekend.
My biggest obstacle blocking me from running LOTOJA this year is gone for now and I toughed it out with 345.92 miles down so far.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
2/15/09 - Three Weeks
Time: 1:40:02, Resistance: 4, Dist: 20.76 mi, Avg Speed: 12.45 MPH, Energy Burned: 1109 kcal, Avg Pulse: 147 bpm
325.25 miles down and three weeks completed. I also did two 15-rep sets of curls with 20lb dumbbells in each hand. That wasn't meant to be an actual part of the workout, just a test to see how I'd take to 20lbs. I'm going to work into training my arms slowly since I can't afford to be shaky with a soldering iron during recovery.
Three weeks and I have lost two kilograms while changing an unknown about of body mass from fat to muscle.
My World of Warcraft account goes dormant this week. I leave with 39 days of time invested on my main character. Granted, I took up the game when my daughter was pretty much stuck in the house, but I have had a lot more characters in the past and I'm sure the time investment is double what I have on the main one. I wonder what 39 days (936 hours) invested in fitness would do for me? This could very well go hand-in-hand with my larger goal of 10,000 miles by my thirtieth birthday in 2010.
325.25 miles down and three weeks completed. I also did two 15-rep sets of curls with 20lb dumbbells in each hand. That wasn't meant to be an actual part of the workout, just a test to see how I'd take to 20lbs. I'm going to work into training my arms slowly since I can't afford to be shaky with a soldering iron during recovery.
Three weeks and I have lost two kilograms while changing an unknown about of body mass from fat to muscle.
My World of Warcraft account goes dormant this week. I leave with 39 days of time invested on my main character. Granted, I took up the game when my daughter was pretty much stuck in the house, but I have had a lot more characters in the past and I'm sure the time investment is double what I have on the main one. I wonder what 39 days (936 hours) invested in fitness would do for me? This could very well go hand-in-hand with my larger goal of 10,000 miles by my thirtieth birthday in 2010.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
2/14/09 - 300
Time: 1:40:04, Resistance: 4, Distance: 20.31 mi, Avg Speed: 12.18MPH, Energy Burned: 1071 kcal, Avg Pulse: 147
305.23 miles down. Another late night workout finished at 11:00PM. It's been quite a day. I didn't even stick to my regular diet of sandwiches and such. For lunch, I downed probably 1000 kcal of Kahiki frozen Chinese food in the form of General's Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken and had a few squares from a Symphony bar. For dinner, semi-healthy Chicken Marsala done low-fat style with a lot of chicken breast and Portabella mushrooms. The only greay area with that dish was the pasta. We used standard semolina spaghetti. With that, some great sparkling juice in Lingonberry and Peach flavors. I bet I took in almost 3000 kcal today.
But because my metabolism is jacked up and my workouts burn so much energy, I can totally afford to eat like that occasionally. And it looks like the same will happen tomorrow since dinner will be a family thing and that's always a surprise. Hopefully I'll be able to get my workout in before dinner so I'm not worrying about whether I get to bed on time.
Tomorrow marks three weeks. No way I'm missing that workout. Good thing I picked up another 1000 Ibuprofen tablets.
305.23 miles down. Another late night workout finished at 11:00PM. It's been quite a day. I didn't even stick to my regular diet of sandwiches and such. For lunch, I downed probably 1000 kcal of Kahiki frozen Chinese food in the form of General's Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken and had a few squares from a Symphony bar. For dinner, semi-healthy Chicken Marsala done low-fat style with a lot of chicken breast and Portabella mushrooms. The only greay area with that dish was the pasta. We used standard semolina spaghetti. With that, some great sparkling juice in Lingonberry and Peach flavors. I bet I took in almost 3000 kcal today.
But because my metabolism is jacked up and my workouts burn so much energy, I can totally afford to eat like that occasionally. And it looks like the same will happen tomorrow since dinner will be a family thing and that's always a surprise. Hopefully I'll be able to get my workout in before dinner so I'm not worrying about whether I get to bed on time.
Tomorrow marks three weeks. No way I'm missing that workout. Good thing I picked up another 1000 Ibuprofen tablets.
Friday, February 13, 2009
2/13/09 - Ibuprofen Is My Friend
Time: 1:41:08, Resistance: 4, Distance: 20.08 miles, Average Speed: 11.91 MPH, Energy burned: 1060 Kcal, Average Pulse: 150
284.92 miles down. I finished my workout at 11PM. Tomorrow's workout marks three weeks I've been doing this. My knees feel fine. It would seem that I need to take Ibuprofen in order to prevent swelling. I do have to walk a bit differently now, though. It almost seems like my posture and positioning have had to improve in order for me not to hurt all the time.
I wonder how important that will be in the long run?
284.92 miles down. I finished my workout at 11PM. Tomorrow's workout marks three weeks I've been doing this. My knees feel fine. It would seem that I need to take Ibuprofen in order to prevent swelling. I do have to walk a bit differently now, though. It almost seems like my posture and positioning have had to improve in order for me not to hurt all the time.
I wonder how important that will be in the long run?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
2/12/09 - I Would Walk 250 Miles
Time: 1:45:01, Resistance: 4, Distance: 20.14 Miles, Average Speed: 11.51 MPH, Energy Burned: 1071 Kcal, Average Pulse: 150
I went back to my aerobic pace. I also used Ibuprofen throughout the day at standard 400mg dose levels.
I found the body fat analyzer device today and I'm not sure it's working right. It says I'm at like 35% body fat. I may well be. I don't know for sure. I do doubt the accuracy of something I paid $5 for, especially when it does that electrical fat test... using your thumbs as contact points.
Oh well. At least it's likely a relative indicator.
I treated myself to a little liver exercise in the form of 2oz 80 proof Vodka (no more, no less) mixed with about a cup of Orange Juice in a standard Screwdriver. It's a friendly way of saying "Wake up, buddy!" to the most important organ in my body and giving it something to do.
Like anaerobic sessions, this will become a weekly thing. Or maybe I'll have a Guinness or two some day during a given week. All things in moderation, you know?
I've challenged myself to log 10,000 miles by my 30th birthday. Barring any major injuries, damn straight I can do it. I'm almost at the three week point with this. It's starting to become habit. Based on 20 miles a day, I'll almost have 9500 miles by the time I'm 30. I'm certain my pace will increase and I'm equally certain I'll have days where I ride a whole lot further than 20 miles.
I went back to my aerobic pace. I also used Ibuprofen throughout the day at standard 400mg dose levels.
I found the body fat analyzer device today and I'm not sure it's working right. It says I'm at like 35% body fat. I may well be. I don't know for sure. I do doubt the accuracy of something I paid $5 for, especially when it does that electrical fat test... using your thumbs as contact points.
Oh well. At least it's likely a relative indicator.
I treated myself to a little liver exercise in the form of 2oz 80 proof Vodka (no more, no less) mixed with about a cup of Orange Juice in a standard Screwdriver. It's a friendly way of saying "Wake up, buddy!" to the most important organ in my body and giving it something to do.
Like anaerobic sessions, this will become a weekly thing. Or maybe I'll have a Guinness or two some day during a given week. All things in moderation, you know?
I've challenged myself to log 10,000 miles by my 30th birthday. Barring any major injuries, damn straight I can do it. I'm almost at the three week point with this. It's starting to become habit. Based on 20 miles a day, I'll almost have 9500 miles by the time I'm 30. I'm certain my pace will increase and I'm equally certain I'll have days where I ride a whole lot further than 20 miles.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2/11/09 - Upped my pace
Time: 1:43:24, Resistance: 4, Dist: 20.17 mi, Avg Speed: 11.7 MPH, Energy Burned: 1061 Kcal, Avg Pulse: 155
244.70 miles in the books. Still having knee issues, but it's different now. Not as bad.
244.70 miles in the books. Still having knee issues, but it's different now. Not as bad.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2/10/09 - Vampired!
Time: 1:50:22, Resistance Level: 4, Distance: 20.02 miles, Average Speed: 10.89 MPH, Energy burned: 1068Kcal, Average Pulse: 145
My right knee feels like something is actually mechanically wrong with it. I really need to get it checked out soon and get an MRI or something because it's not feeling any better.
I donated blood today. I don't know my blood type and I've always wanted to know it. They say I'll get a card in the mail with all that info on it. It would be interesting if I were some unique type, but I'm likely O+ or A+ as they are the most common in the USA. One more good thing about my donation is it will take my body another 650kcal to replenish what I lost. That's the better part of half a workout.
I felt light-headed about an hour after the donation, but at the time I was looking at the possible stuff that may have to be done to my knee if something's seriously wrong. The popping of cartilage weirds me out.
My right knee feels like something is actually mechanically wrong with it. I really need to get it checked out soon and get an MRI or something because it's not feeling any better.
I donated blood today. I don't know my blood type and I've always wanted to know it. They say I'll get a card in the mail with all that info on it. It would be interesting if I were some unique type, but I'm likely O+ or A+ as they are the most common in the USA. One more good thing about my donation is it will take my body another 650kcal to replenish what I lost. That's the better part of half a workout.
I felt light-headed about an hour after the donation, but at the time I was looking at the possible stuff that may have to be done to my knee if something's seriously wrong. The popping of cartilage weirds me out.
Monday, February 9, 2009
200 Miles
Time: 1:49:02, Resistance Level: 4, Distance: 20.06 miles, Average Speed: 11.04MPH, Energy Burned: 1070Kcal, Average Pulse: 145
It would seem that getting my pulse to stabilize to any great extent was difficult during the first fifteen minutes of the workout. I don't know why. While I tried to stay at the bleeding edge of 150bpm for the workout, I found my pulse slipping to the mid-140s every time I took my eyes off the watch. I didn't expect I'd see that much of an improvement so soon. Unlike last night, pushing the pedals was easy, however. I was holding 12MPH for about the last ten minutes of the workout.
I noticed today that I appear to be gaining weight again. I don't know whether it's due to the alcohol over the weekend or the large increase in distance per session requiring me to build more muscle. Still, I've passed the two week mark and that's supposedly how long it takes to see any results from a fitness program. I passed the 200 mile checkpoint today so I'm in pretty deep now.
It would seem that getting my pulse to stabilize to any great extent was difficult during the first fifteen minutes of the workout. I don't know why. While I tried to stay at the bleeding edge of 150bpm for the workout, I found my pulse slipping to the mid-140s every time I took my eyes off the watch. I didn't expect I'd see that much of an improvement so soon. Unlike last night, pushing the pedals was easy, however. I was holding 12MPH for about the last ten minutes of the workout.
I noticed today that I appear to be gaining weight again. I don't know whether it's due to the alcohol over the weekend or the large increase in distance per session requiring me to build more muscle. Still, I've passed the two week mark and that's supposedly how long it takes to see any results from a fitness program. I passed the 200 mile checkpoint today so I'm in pretty deep now.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Week Three Begins
Time: 1:50:55, Resistance Level: 4, Distance: 20.02 miles, Average Speed: 10.83MPH, energy burned: 1070 Kcal, Average Pulse: 150
Aerobic workout yet again. I completed the workout at 9:15PM and had to force myself to do it. I happened to partake of grain spirits over the weekend and it had a negative effect on tonight's training session. When I started pedaling, I thought the resistance had been jacked up all the way or a bearing had gone out. I just wasn't having as easy a time moving the pedals. That went away after a while, but my pace was slowed down. It seemed that I didn't reach my zone as quickly as I usually do. No alcohol before my daily workouts ever again.
I'm up to 184.45 miles. I go over 200 during tomorrow's workout.
Aerobic workout yet again. I completed the workout at 9:15PM and had to force myself to do it. I happened to partake of grain spirits over the weekend and it had a negative effect on tonight's training session. When I started pedaling, I thought the resistance had been jacked up all the way or a bearing had gone out. I just wasn't having as easy a time moving the pedals. That went away after a while, but my pace was slowed down. It seemed that I didn't reach my zone as quickly as I usually do. No alcohol before my daily workouts ever again.
I'm up to 184.45 miles. I go over 200 during tomorrow's workout.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Heirarchy of Knee-ds
My knees were being weird relative to usual weirdness so I took a day off from my workout, but I came back strong.
Time: 1:47:42, Resistance: 4, Distance: 20.08 miles, Pace: 11.18MPH, energy burned: 1067 Kcal, Avg pulse: 150
I'm hanging on and getting stronger.
Time: 1:47:42, Resistance: 4, Distance: 20.08 miles, Pace: 11.18MPH, energy burned: 1067 Kcal, Avg pulse: 150
I'm hanging on and getting stronger.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Leveling Out And Locking In
I've got a good base to build on now so I've switched to an entirely aerobic workout. The workout you see below is what I'm going to standardize on for the next eight to twelve weeks or until my pace isn't getting any faster at 150bpm average.
Time: 1:31:46, Resistance: 4, Distance: 17.00 Miles, Average Speed: 11.18MPH, Kcal burned: 905.3, Average Heart Rate: 150bpm.
I also trained my right leg for 30 revs using nothing but my upstroke to turn the crank. It's really difficult this way, but I need to develop the "other half" (much less than half, actually) of my pedaling power. Of course, this means I'm going to have to have clipless pedals for my real bike when I start riding in order to use that power, but it's a small price to pay for such a gain.
I now have 144.35 miles behind me. My blood pressure from the only test I did today showed 134/80.
Time: 1:31:46, Resistance: 4, Distance: 17.00 Miles, Average Speed: 11.18MPH, Kcal burned: 905.3, Average Heart Rate: 150bpm.
I also trained my right leg for 30 revs using nothing but my upstroke to turn the crank. It's really difficult this way, but I need to develop the "other half" (much less than half, actually) of my pedaling power. Of course, this means I'm going to have to have clipless pedals for my real bike when I start riding in order to use that power, but it's a small price to pay for such a gain.
I now have 144.35 miles behind me. My blood pressure from the only test I did today showed 134/80.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
And That Makes Ten
1:17:51 workout time, Resistance Level 4, 15.16 miles, 11.68MPH avg speed, 807.8 Kcal burned, avg heart rate 165. One-leg training: Left leg, 40 revs, 192 peak heart rate, 14.3MPH (only saw one reading as machine cycles through all modes of display with each receiving equal time)
I spent twenty minutes in the 175-180 range with the rest being over 160 other than warmup for like three minutes where I was still 145+. I can handle the distance I went on a daily basis. I think I will standardize on 15 miles a day. A week ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible for another month.
I now have 127.35 miles behind me and I'm on track where I want to be. I started losing weight now, too. I've hovered between 212-213 with occasional peaks of 215, but I weighed in at 210 this morning.
I have new questions after today's workout and I need to get answers:
1. Based on the Fox and Haskell formula for training zones, I shouldn't be able to maintain a rate above 172 for more than a minute or so since that's my VO2 Max area. But I was doing it and did so for twenty minutes.
2. My peak heart rate is supposed to be 191 based on the Fox and Haskell formula. I saw 192, but I don't think that's my peak. I really don't want to look for my peak until my heart is ready for that kind of test, though. Is it possible that athletes just have higher heart rates from having more youthful hearts? Lance Armstrong maxes out at 201 or something like that, I remember.
3. If my heart rates really don't go along with the Fox and Haskell formulas, where are my real training zones? Does it matter? It would seem that optimizing at this point is kind of moot. Maybe I should just consistently train hard and leave it at that?
I spent twenty minutes in the 175-180 range with the rest being over 160 other than warmup for like three minutes where I was still 145+. I can handle the distance I went on a daily basis. I think I will standardize on 15 miles a day. A week ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible for another month.
I now have 127.35 miles behind me and I'm on track where I want to be. I started losing weight now, too. I've hovered between 212-213 with occasional peaks of 215, but I weighed in at 210 this morning.
I have new questions after today's workout and I need to get answers:
1. Based on the Fox and Haskell formula for training zones, I shouldn't be able to maintain a rate above 172 for more than a minute or so since that's my VO2 Max area. But I was doing it and did so for twenty minutes.
2. My peak heart rate is supposed to be 191 based on the Fox and Haskell formula. I saw 192, but I don't think that's my peak. I really don't want to look for my peak until my heart is ready for that kind of test, though. Is it possible that athletes just have higher heart rates from having more youthful hearts? Lance Armstrong maxes out at 201 or something like that, I remember.
3. If my heart rates really don't go along with the Fox and Haskell formulas, where are my real training zones? Does it matter? It would seem that optimizing at this point is kind of moot. Maybe I should just consistently train hard and leave it at that?
The Extra Mile
Time: 1:10:34, Distance: 12.78 miles, 10.87MPH avg speed, 680.4 Kcal burned, Resistance Level 4, Average Pulse: 155 bpm, One-leg training: Right leg, 40 revs, higher speed, 190 bpm peak, speed unrecorded
I'm stepping up my game. My knees are fine now so I know I can handle it. I'm going to start training in my aerobic and anaerobic zones as opposed to sticking with my fat burn zone, which maxes in the mid-130s. For me, aerobic maxes at about 155 and anaerobic at 172.
While I spent most of my workout at 160bpm, I spent a fair amount of time around 150 as well. During my one-leg training, I went up to 190 as the highest number I saw on my heart rate monitor watch.
I'm stepping up my game. My knees are fine now so I know I can handle it. I'm going to start training in my aerobic and anaerobic zones as opposed to sticking with my fat burn zone, which maxes in the mid-130s. For me, aerobic maxes at about 155 and anaerobic at 172.
While I spent most of my workout at 160bpm, I spent a fair amount of time around 150 as well. During my one-leg training, I went up to 190 as the highest number I saw on my heart rate monitor watch.
Monday, February 2, 2009
So Close...
1:12:14 workout time, resistance level 4, 12.4 miles, 10.30 MPH avg speed, 652.6kcal burned, avg pulse 135.
Slept like ass last night from too much Super Bowl food, but what a game! I actually somewhat understand Football now.
I was wearing my knee brace on my right knee at work and found that it actually made walking a lot more difficult and put stress on my left knee. I still managed my workout, though. I'm not all that enthusiastic about taking Ibuprofen every time I work out, but it seems to help a lot.
I still haven't dropped any weight. I remember in 2005 this kind of effort had me dropping pounds like mad, but the circumstances are different now as I currently have about twice the body fat I did back then. Well, not now, I'm sure. I know I've gained muscle.
I predict that at the start of next month, I will be dropping weight just because keeping my new muscle alive has called for burning fat, in addition to what I burn during the workout. I'm really in no hurry. This isn't like the diarrhea diets where you shit and starve yourself thin temporarily. This is long-haul like a freight train. To put it mildly, I'd rather be a freight train hitting a brick wall as opposed to a puddle of shit. Even if it takes time for a train to get up to full speed, they'll still push a brick wall out of the way.
I'm 99.41 miles into my plan.
Slept like ass last night from too much Super Bowl food, but what a game! I actually somewhat understand Football now.
I was wearing my knee brace on my right knee at work and found that it actually made walking a lot more difficult and put stress on my left knee. I still managed my workout, though. I'm not all that enthusiastic about taking Ibuprofen every time I work out, but it seems to help a lot.
I still haven't dropped any weight. I remember in 2005 this kind of effort had me dropping pounds like mad, but the circumstances are different now as I currently have about twice the body fat I did back then. Well, not now, I'm sure. I know I've gained muscle.
I predict that at the start of next month, I will be dropping weight just because keeping my new muscle alive has called for burning fat, in addition to what I burn during the workout. I'm really in no hurry. This isn't like the diarrhea diets where you shit and starve yourself thin temporarily. This is long-haul like a freight train. To put it mildly, I'd rather be a freight train hitting a brick wall as opposed to a puddle of shit. Even if it takes time for a train to get up to full speed, they'll still push a brick wall out of the way.
I'm 99.41 miles into my plan.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Super Bowl Sunday
1:07:21 workout time, 11.46 miles, 10.21MPH avg speed, 605.2 Kcal burned, Right Leg trained. Average heart rate of 135. I am 87.01 miles into my training.
Workout cut short due to having to get ready for Super Bowl Party. I might do five miles or so afterward if there's time, but I've got my miles in anyhow.
Today marks a milestone. I was tempted to slack on my workout, but didn't. I didn't need to take any pain relievers before the workout, although I did take 800mg Ibuprofen about halfway in just in case. As it's usually harder for me to start than to endure, I found that I was fine after fifteen minutes.
I think my knees are finally recovered.
For the record, I made some killer Little Smokies in the crock pot for the big game. Two pounds of Smokies simmered 15min in a tall-can of Coors (save half a cup), minced onions and a few other spices, drained and cooked on low heat in the cooker for six hours with a bottle of Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce and the rest of the Coors. Tasty stuff.
Workout cut short due to having to get ready for Super Bowl Party. I might do five miles or so afterward if there's time, but I've got my miles in anyhow.
Today marks a milestone. I was tempted to slack on my workout, but didn't. I didn't need to take any pain relievers before the workout, although I did take 800mg Ibuprofen about halfway in just in case. As it's usually harder for me to start than to endure, I found that I was fine after fifteen minutes.
I think my knees are finally recovered.
For the record, I made some killer Little Smokies in the crock pot for the big game. Two pounds of Smokies simmered 15min in a tall-can of Coors (save half a cup), minced onions and a few other spices, drained and cooked on low heat in the cooker for six hours with a bottle of Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce and the rest of the Coors. Tasty stuff.
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