I went into the Millennium Institute this morning for some testing to see what kind of number I can throw down. Well really its part of a top secret study, but I'll claim its for my own good. So I did a V02 max and lactate tests which were both firsts for me.
Both tests are done at the same time and the V02 is recorded by wearing a mask and working out how much air you can process. The lactate test is done by stabbing your ear and measuring part of the blood for lactate levels. You basically jump on a stationary bike and start at a set wattage then increase it by 30watts every 3 minutes...its great fun, you should all try it! Then if that's not enough fun you get 10minutes rest before going harry for 60 seconds to see what max and ave power you can dump through the bike.
I'd tell you the numbers but to be honest I didn't have a clue what the meant so I forgot them pretty fast. I get to do it all again in 7 days, can't wait...might even try get some shots of the suffering.
I've got a couple of races coming up over the next 2 days. First is Gallipoli cup tomorrow out at counties, 4 times up twilight should sort out the men from the boys. There are supposed to be a dozen of us on scratch so hopefully we see the front. Then on Saturday its the R4 down in Rotorua which will be a first for me. I know the roads pretty well as I have done a fair bit of training down that way, but I guess we'll see what the day brings.
Tonight its off to clean the bike before 30minutes spinning on the erg to freshen the pins up...its supposed to work, so lets see.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Monday, 21 April 2008
Its time to rug up
Well winter has finally arrived up here in Auckland which is a bit stink. We have had one of the best summers that I can remember so there is no complaining coming but it still is that moment that you never really want to arrive.
Last week it basically rained all week which wasn't too bad as I did very little riding as I was on bed rest trying to prevent a wee lurgie getting anything more serious (mission accomplished) then Saturday was torture loop with Gordy for the last time. I wont go into too much detail as I am likely to start welling up, but good luck down in ChCh mate I hope its all you want it to be and you don't come back too often to ruin our racing. Sunday was bunchie, and it was almost cold enough to turn back and go home to bed. It had been a clear night and my summer undershirts and vest just weren't keeping the chill out at all.
So Sunday it was off to buy the thermals, most of my cold stuff is still in the UK, so it was stock up time. Well this morning was much, much more manageable with dubs on the polypro, thermal jacket, vest...and felt toasty. In fact had to unzip during my interval work, much better to be too hot than too cold. The one thing that does crack me out riding is when you see other punters out there in just the basics. All in all I had 10 pieces of clothing on and yet there were guys riding with no arm warmers or leggings. I don't really understand it but its a sure fire way to get sick and ruin your riding, plus it must be miserable as well, hey ho.
Last week it basically rained all week which wasn't too bad as I did very little riding as I was on bed rest trying to prevent a wee lurgie getting anything more serious (mission accomplished) then Saturday was torture loop with Gordy for the last time. I wont go into too much detail as I am likely to start welling up, but good luck down in ChCh mate I hope its all you want it to be and you don't come back too often to ruin our racing. Sunday was bunchie, and it was almost cold enough to turn back and go home to bed. It had been a clear night and my summer undershirts and vest just weren't keeping the chill out at all.
So Sunday it was off to buy the thermals, most of my cold stuff is still in the UK, so it was stock up time. Well this morning was much, much more manageable with dubs on the polypro, thermal jacket, vest...and felt toasty. In fact had to unzip during my interval work, much better to be too hot than too cold. The one thing that does crack me out riding is when you see other punters out there in just the basics. All in all I had 10 pieces of clothing on and yet there were guys riding with no arm warmers or leggings. I don't really understand it but its a sure fire way to get sick and ruin your riding, plus it must be miserable as well, hey ho.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
update
Things have been pretty quiet on here the last couple of weeks, but that doesn't mean nothing has been happening. Had a couple of races and been putting in some strength work so I am feeling pretty good, know its just a chance to get out and try post a few W's.
The first race was Bike the Bays a couple of weekends ago, this was the first outing of the full Bike360 mens team, and we rode pretty well. Covered or started most of the early action then got the right combo away in the winning move but come away with second. Its pretty tough to really shape a 40km flat race on the waterfront but we did our bit.
Second race was opening day at club, this is always a goodie its first time back up since October usually. For me it was first time back in 2 years so was extra mint to catch up with a whole bunch of people. A grade was stacked with sprinters so I decided to bugger off up the road to try and grind the down. Well after attacking after 3kms I got caught by the bunch with 2km to go. Spent the rest of the time either solo or in small groups.
So the form is starting to come round, I don't actually know if it is good form or just some regular training paying off. I don't really want to be going any good for at least 2 months so will just try not get carried away. Long term I will probably take 3 weeks off around the end of July before building up for the end of season stuff.
Well thats my lot, hello to all the new Chinese readers of this blog, you must be out there know that the free trade agreement has been signed.
The first race was Bike the Bays a couple of weekends ago, this was the first outing of the full Bike360 mens team, and we rode pretty well. Covered or started most of the early action then got the right combo away in the winning move but come away with second. Its pretty tough to really shape a 40km flat race on the waterfront but we did our bit.
Second race was opening day at club, this is always a goodie its first time back up since October usually. For me it was first time back in 2 years so was extra mint to catch up with a whole bunch of people. A grade was stacked with sprinters so I decided to bugger off up the road to try and grind the down. Well after attacking after 3kms I got caught by the bunch with 2km to go. Spent the rest of the time either solo or in small groups.
So the form is starting to come round, I don't actually know if it is good form or just some regular training paying off. I don't really want to be going any good for at least 2 months so will just try not get carried away. Long term I will probably take 3 weeks off around the end of July before building up for the end of season stuff.
Well thats my lot, hello to all the new Chinese readers of this blog, you must be out there know that the free trade agreement has been signed.
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