Training Log Archive: kgeisen

Looking at the splits from Saturday's race was interesting. I was 63 minutes behind at CP1 (mile 52), all of which I rode at a way easy pace with two stops (one for a mechanical, one for a break at Casey's) that I wouldn't have taken on my own. I was 44 minutes behind at CP2 (mile 82), and then she beat me to the finish by only 16 minutes.

I had totally checked out of "racing" as soon as I knew I'd be riding with my brother. When he dropped at mile 52, I was able to stop lollygagging and, even with a not particularly efficient 10-minute stop in Afton to get water/load the second part of the route, make up 19 minutes of that deficit.

The second half of the course felt SO hard, and "knowing" I was way in back I was just riding to complete the race. I didn't screw around too much while on the road (though Mickey was right and I should have just plugged my garmin into the battery backup from the start, something that would have prevented me from having to completely move around everything in my cockpit mid-race when I realized I couldn't plug in my garmin where I had it positioned), but my two C-store stops during that leg (the second of which was entirely unnecessary except from a morale standpoint) were both leisurely affairs.

Basically, even with the first slow 50 miles I had ample opportunity to win the race simply by being more efficient during the rest of it, something that has been my strength as of late. This was a good reminder of how important that can be.

C • the mental game 3

Jeff and Jacob go way early to get a good spot for the parade. I refuse to, so walking there makes a nice excuse. Plus, it's super nice out. Plus plus I'm still a little achy from Saturday and not interested in anything more challenging.

Event: Spotted Horse Gravel Ultra
 

Time is just riding time. Add on an hour for a stop for Jim's mechanical, waiting for him at tops of hills, and a not-hasty c-store stop.

Started the race with my brother, whose long ride this year was 20 miles. He made it 50, which was really impressive, particularly when considering the challenging route. I felt amazing when we were together, a benefit of stops and soft pedaling. He dropped at mile 52, and the rest of the leg was still pretty good.

Overall sawtooth profile. You were either climbing or descending all day. Somehow it seemed like mostly climbing.

Again add an hour for stops. This leg was basically trying to make it from one stop to the next. Felt pretty good through mile 81 and then it was a lot of suffering from there out. Not super surprising since I was way outside of my typical bike ride duration once we got into the second half, but disappointing because I've ridden a lot of bike miles.

Beautiful course. Very hilly. Rode tons of awesome B roads. I think this was harder than DK.

Packing and food prep for this weekend's race.