2009

Looking back on 2009, it is interesting to summarize my training and look ahead to 2010 with some goals in mind. First off, here is plot where you can see the average time of 3 different routes, compared with total mileage for each month.



January is a bit misleading, because I spent most of that month on a trainer and that time isn't counted. I also didn't include the mileage on my cross bike in the fall and winter because I didn't use a computer on that bike. Still, some interesting trends.

May was definitely my breakthrough month, for the first time I could hang with a pack and not get dropped before the end. Until my second Grattan race, I had popped off the back of every Cat 5 crit, RR, and training race I had entered. My first field finish (11th) at the second Grattan race wasn't a huge result, but it was immensely satisfying.

The trend of getting faster was a big factor that kept me going throughout the year. Sure, some days my legs were just dead, but I could tell that I was definitely getting stronger. I think it is really incredible how the human body responds to these training stresses, getting stronger and fitter through adaptation.

6 Hills and Flint Hill are each about 20 miles long, Bougher Hill is a very hilly 40 miles.

Total miles for 2009 is 3,150. That is approximately the same as Los Angeles, CA to Bangor, ME.



While some days did feel like I was just getting on the bike to train, most days I really looked forward to getting on the bike and going for a ride. Especially riding cyclocross, what an awesome sport, that is just a blast. I'm already looking forward to next season.

The highlights of biking in 2009 include the Tour of Mt Nebo, that will be a definite for the 2010 calendar. Also, the PA State Championship. Despite finishing dead last, spending 30 miles in the winning break before my legs gave out was a lot of fun. I hadn't even biked more then 50 miles in one go before that day, so 60 miles of racing was a bit beyond me at that point.

My first century wasn't was hard as I thought it might be. The support from Lehigh Wheelmen was great and as long as I had food, I felt like I could keep pedaling. The Delaware Water Gap was beautiful. I ended up doing the ride solo, for as much as I enjoy team training, and group rides, a nice long ride in solitude is very relaxing.

So now the idea is to prepare for 2010. As much as I enjoy competition, I also really like training in the off-season because the focus is just on riding for the sake of riding. And, until I get through the qualifer exams in January, biking will be my much needed source of stress relief and sanity.

The biggest change for 2010 will be joining a team, I'll be riding with Lamprey Systems. Also on the calendar, Tour of the Battenkill!

Marten