Tuesday - Jan 29, 2013 - No swim

Tuesday - January 29, 2013

I have today as a rest run day, or swim day.  As you know, swimming is my favorite exercise.  But, I was up late after riding the bike trainer and hit snooze today.  No run or swim today!

But, Monday night is our TV night, and I took the opportunity to hop on the bike trainer.  I started at 8:07pm last night and kept going until 9:35pm, so just about an hour and a half.  During the commercials I shifted to my hardest gear, got aero (leaning on forearms on handlebar pads), and cranked full speed/high cadence.  I was sweating like crazy and you could smell burning rubber.  Then, during the show, I would go to an easier gear and watch and cool down.  I did this on and off the entire time and had a decent workout.  I had to adjust the rider's tension three times so the last few commercial breaks in top gear were really taxing (runner's speak for 'tiring').  But, the speed sensor on my rear wheel feeds a Garmin bike sensor that feeds my old GPS watch (Forerunner 305), which was stolen last summer.  So I have no idea how far or fast I rode.  My current computer/speedometer only reads the front wheel, which was stationary the entire time.

This being my first ride on my bike in many months, my saddle area isn't used to riding and that is why I stopped.  I actually wanted to ride for 2 hours, but my saddle area was killing me.  I need to build up to more riding time, which just takes more riding time to get.  One and a half hours is probably my limit for now.  Even though I was cranking, there's no wind in my house or hills, so even the hardest gear after 3 adjustments isn't the end of the world for a 5 minute commercial break.  Another thing to keep in mind is the trainer kills rear bike tires (burning rubber).  So, I'll need a new tire before the season starts if I keep riding indoors, which I plan to do.  Also, riding from 8pm on makes you "AWAKE!" and I had trouble falling asleep.  I played Sudoku on my phone in bed from 10 to 11:30, before finally falling asleep.  Because of the importance of brick workouts, I'll probably move the bike to the basement and ride early mornings before I run so it doesn't wake the family up.  I was surprised that I wasn't more tired.  My legs wanted more.  In high gear, they'd burn and I just smiled and kept going.  It's amazing how running has made other parts of my exercise routine easier.  I feel like twice the athlete I was last year.