Hey podcast crew @Jonathan, @IvyAudrain, @ambermalika, and @Nate_Pearson , I wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much I appreciate the podcast and your content.
I’ve been a recreational cyclist for the past 15 years. I embarking on my only imperial century 8 years ago. In December 2021, I decided I’d like to get serious about my cycling training; maybe it had something to do with turning 50 a few months prior. Anyways, I signed up for TR and rode my workouts diligently inside in the cold winter months. When the weather got nicer recently, I switched to outdoor workouts. I’ve signed up for 6 centuries this summer (!) and just completed the first one earlier today. Your previous suggestions for Fondo road events to shoot for 60-70% of FTP was spot on for me. With an FTP currently at 252, I was trying to stay in the high 150s. I was also trying to keep my time in motion under 7 hours. I’m 6’4" and 210 pounds. I know I’m not gonna win any races, this was just for me. This was going be a challenge since The Horsey Hundred road race route was 6700 feet of ascent in the rolling hills of Kentucky, USA. Listening to the current podcast episode on the drive to the event, I took to heart the suggestion to have a strategy, plan for the unexpected, and focus on what I can control of my process rather than results. My strategy was to keep my watts in the 150s. I finished the ride at 161 average watts and a moving time of 6:57. I stopped at all 7 rest stations, fueled my body, and rested for 5-10 minutes before pressing onwards. Scores and scores of other riders passed me, usually on the hills. My body is not made for climbing, or if it was, it was a long time ago. Anyways, I had two unexpected mechanicals. I’ve never had a chain slip off while riding, but it happened twice today. I was able to get it back on myself without having to call the SAG wagon and got back to the grind. My legs are still screaming many hours later as I write this, but I’m so elated that I was able to achieve my goal for this event. The 6700 feet of elevation were brutal, but I know that with my continued TR workouts, my subsequent century events this summer will feel much easier.
It never hurts to tell somebody how much you appreciate them. So I’m telling you and hopefully it brings a smile to your face and it helps you to have a good day. Thanks again to you all for your content, training advice, and the wonderful software that I’m a firm advocate for.
Link to my post in the Where Did You Ride Outside Today thread.