During my self-assessment, I determined that as a runner, I am strong in all three. As a swimmer, I am weak in all three. And as a cyclist, I have solid endurance (thanks in large part to my run base) and moderate force and speed skills.
I know that if anything is going to hold me back when I make my 70.3 debut, it's going to be the swim. No question about it. But, until yesterday, I was feeling like my cycling had the potential to hurt me too.
I have been riding for time. With no bike computer or speed/cadence monitor, I just pedal comfortably until time is up. And then I guess about how far I went. Generally speaking, I guess 15 mph. Made sense to me. It looks like a good number.
But yesterday, I finally got my speed/cadence monitor set up. The plan for my workout was to ride for an hour. So, I turned on my Garmin and got started. I didn't pay much attention to the display since I was basing my time remaining on the television show I was watching. Then, about 45 minutes in, I finally looked. In a complete surprise to me, my average speed was 20.7 and my current speed was 22.3. And I felt strong.
When the hour was up, I decided that 25 miles sounded better than an hour. So, I kept going finishing the 25 miles in 1:13:10 with an average speed of 20.5 and a max speed of 28.5 (I have no idea where that came from).
I have been seriously underestimating myself. I'm not sure why either. I mean, you've met "The Quads" before ...

18 comments:
That is awesome! I'm sure those quads will help power you through your swim too! PS- I get super jealous when your quads make an appearance, but am happy to report that I can see mine under a layer of fat that I am trying my hardest to get off.
Never doubt the quads! That's really exciting. WAY better than finding out you're only going like 12 mph :)
Haha! that's great - and I love that you're featuring the quads. My quads are shy, shrinking violets. Literally - I don't think I've seen them in months!
That must have been a pleasant surprise! Those quads are working!
Way to go quads. I know sometimes we surprise ourselves. Way to go on that bike ride. Have a great weekend and holiday
The swim is def part of a tri that scares me a little. I need to be training more that is a given! Running has always been my thing, of course bouncing back from baby hasn't been as easy as I envisioned - sometimes I forget I am not in the same form as I was last year...not yet anyway! The most significant part of any training is the mental game... keep up the good work, we are always capable of a lot more than we give ourselves credit for!
Always a good day when we can amaze ourselves!
Speedy! :) Who doesn't love those kinds of surprises. Go quads go!
I can swim.. the bike on a flat I can ride 20-22mph..BUT there's tons of hills here SIGH.. that slows me down. The run.. well if I get run injury free.. I wish I had your legs!!!!
Bahahaha... your Quads are amazing!
I say it every time you talk about your quads...they are truly amazing....great biking:)
Seriously, your legs do not mess around! I think you have a promising career ahead in triathlons!
Those are indeed some awesome quads!!!
ditto
ditto
ditto
Awesome quads!
Those things are beasts! You are a biking super star, I'm jealous!
Jealous! That is fast.
T- It was so incredible meeting you today. Not to mention meeting your beautiful babies! Hope to see you again in the future (hopefully at another race)! =)
Super speedy! :)
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