Training Log Archive: Harps

It was a struggle to get going for this so early as it seemed I had just digested my post race Baconator with Wes following the SS race last night. Regardless, after f*cking around once again with my tires, I decided to head out only to hear more squealing from the tire rubbing the frame somewhere. I was going to just take my road bike but then realized the battery on the Di2 was dead - f*ck. I deflated my tires to 60psi to help alleviate the rubbing as well, felt like riding on a flat but oh well time to get going.

Unfortunately the adjustments continued into my ride; half dozen stops and even walking up the hill on Crooks Hollow due to the rubbing preventing any cycling uphill. I couldn't even figure out where it was rubbing exactly, it was very perplexing but more so extremely annoying and frustrating given my lack of time for things like this; I'd already blown about 45mins making adjustments. I debated several times for a pick up or turning around but decided to just ride with the rubbing, making sure to check that my tire wasn't near blowing through (or eating at my carbon frame too much). Seemed OK at high speeds but brutal at low speeds or climbs (torque moving wheel ever so slightly to cause contact)? Hopefully going to 23mm wide tires will fix it otherwise I will have to use my old wheels for the rest of the season.

With limited confidence in my bike and kinda pissed off I decided to cut my intended route a bit short. I did make it to the Brown Dog for a butter tart and latte which lifted my spirits immensely. The tailwind riding back east also helped to the point I almost went back to my originally planned 110K ride. But I was still worried about the rubbing (esp. on a carbon frame) so just made my way home happy about the ride, irritated with the issues I've been dealing with on my new wheels. Oh well, a bad day biking still better than a good day in an office. This will be resolved very soon.

C • Rubbing tire 7

Event: Sulphur Springs Trail Race
 

With my nagging hamstring issues aggravated by anything resembling running "fast", I debated for quite a while dropping from the team. Unlike previous SS relays I hadn't done any speedwork leading up to this (due to hammy). However, I enjoy the team atmosphere and figured I'd try to make a conscious effort to dial it back a bit and also shorten my stride up to hopefully reduce the impact on my hammy.

Weather was the big story of the race, with temperatures in the upper 30s with the humidex. This was probably a good thing for me, while I don't usually do well in the heat early season, I knew this would force me to dial it back physically as my HR would be inflated due to the heat. I also get a bit worried about the cardiac effects of pushing too much in the heat. Almost all 3 DGL were an hour +/- behind predicted times 3/4 through their rosters.

After lollygagging with the DGL crew for a few hours, cheering on the 3 DGL teams it was my turn. Got the strap from the Griz and set off really wanting to keep a steady pace throughout. Last year I went out way too fast and I recall looking at my watch 20mins in thinking it would be 40mins and basically hanging on for the last 65 mins. This year time perception was never an issue and I didn't push as hard as last year, partly due to heat, partly due to injury. My avg HR was 8 bpm less than last year which is surprising given the heat; I figured it would be the same even though my time was slower this year. There were a few times where my head felt like it would explode due to throbbing heat but other than a few brief moments, in which I just slowed down a bit, it never got too bad for me. Perhaps my few times out this week earlier in the heat helped me for a quick adaption for race heat; in general I wasn't affected as much as others and while it certainly slowed me down, it never seemed too hindering.

So glad I ended up staying on the team. Unlike my race a few weeks ago in CO, much happier with my race this time around. My hammy doesn't feel great, but not too bad either. Gotta push through Raid Aran, IMMT and WT then rest it! I'm envisioning a very lazy fall (unless I can convince Wes/Scott to do a road marathon so we can all do Boston).

Thanks Trav for organizing another incredible relay!

C • Great job! 4

Steaming! To Old School Rd and back.

Hot and muggy, body didn't respond well. Ran into Tom Martin while he biked home along Plains Rd coming from the Hammer, had a good chat. Another Burlingtonite to add to the BSMT crew!

At least two completely clueless moronic drivers tonight. NP 216W.