Diiiirty Gran Fondo

So last night I bit the bullet and signed up for my first off road event - the Dirty Gran Fondo organised by Bill Hill Events. I am not leaping into anything too drastic! I am just doing the 35km loop instead of the 60km or the 90km.

Considering that I have just started to ride off road and my fitness is also not quiet there to manage 60 or 90km on fire trails, I will give this a go with my mountain bike and maybe next year, I will upgrade to the 60 or 90km or even ride the CX.

I am estimating that I will be finishing this the same time as the 90km racers (the ones who are racing it instead of doing it as a ride) - the fastest was a World Champ Paul Ven Der Ploeg in 3:21 over 90km.

There are a few things I need to sort out before the 10th May - get my bike fixed. My front suspensions are not functioning 100% - currently I have no suspension on my bike. If worse comes to the worse, I may have to take the CX bike.

There are big climbs so I will need to dig deep and spin my little legs out. Part of the 35km loop still goes through Kinglake National park, I don't know how I will fair with the descents but I will try my best to stay confident.

Mother's Day is on 11th May (the next day), I am travelling to Geelong to do the walk with my mum. She has never done anything like this before. She was originally working on this day (she is an aged care nurse) but decided to take a day off and do this walk with me.

Because I'm Happy!

I am in the middle of my holidays at the moment. I am calling it a holiday as (i) I am taking a break from work but more relevant (ii) I am taking a break from triathlon training. Don't get me wrong, I love the sport of triathlon and stepping outside of my comfort zone, after doing the Ironman race in March (for the 2nd time over 12 months), I really needed a break.

I have mentioned before in my last post, I am doing some non-triathlon-training specific bike riding over the month of April. In Australia, we have Easter holidays from Friday 18th through to Monday 21st, then I took 3 days of annual leave and then we have Friday 25th April as ANZAC day public holiday. In total, I am having 10 days off work/training! WINNING! This is the first time I have had a holiday since 2011 when I went travelling in Europe for 3 weeks.

Easter Friday 18th April
My partner works for Bicycle Superstore in Mentone and he organises shop rides from the store every Friday (rain, hail or shine) at 6:45am. I haven't joined this ride due to my swim session on a Friday morning. Due to the public holiday and the bike ride starting at 7:30am instead of the usual 6:45am, I decided it was time I joined this group for a ride and meet new people. The usual ride also loops back around St Kilda (where the BP is) but due to the public holiday, we rode to Port Melbourne and then had a break (breakfast) and then back to the shop.

The average speed on this ride was around 26-30km/hr. Even though we had a few beginners with us, we still had rolling turns.

In the afternoon, we went to the Harrison St velodrome to watch the DDCX (Dirty Deeds Cyclocross) prologue races. Neither of us raced that day but we still went to support. It was (once again) such a great event. Supported by a great cycling community, who are not so caught up with egos. I had friends who had never been to a CX race there and they had such a great time, was an eye opener to the other side of the cycling sphere.

Cyclocross Prologue - C Grade.

Saturday 19th April
This was the first of the latte rides which Tri Alliance has over the month of April. I was down as a coach for the morning. From last week, I noted that one of the girls in the squad needed some attention in riding. I didn't want to leave her behind (like last week) so I decided to ride with her and took the opportunity to teach her some cycling skills.

The ride started from West End Pavilion, up to Port Melbourne and then down to Rickets' Point. There was a faster group who would ride down to Mordialloc and then meeting us at Rickets for a coffee.

There was heavy rain but was isolated around Mordialloc and we (the slower group) missed it completely.

Easter Sunday 20th April
As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to get a MTB session before I ride with the Tri Alliance group on the 27th. Initially, I wanted to go out and do it by myself but my partner ended up coming with me which was a God-send as he taught me so much on the day.

Annie - My mountain bike

I ended up doing about 14km in total but as this is mountain biking and not just riding the fire trails, it took me nearly 2 hours to get through the course. My bike skills were still shaky. I can't do switchbacks on descents but am now able to ride them going uphills. I think it has to do with the speed of the bike. As I am riding uphill, the bike is nice and slow but you are still pedalling like crazy. Going downhill, I have no idea how to handle the bike. I guess it is hard to explain until you try it yourself.

I tried to be confident along the course so I did ride over some obstacles. There was one point on the course where I actually got myself over a set of logs. I guess I thought I had enough skills at hand, but I didn't end up getting myself over the next set of logs and went over the handlebars of the bike. My pubic bone met the head stem of the bike (hard) and I fell head first over the log. My body was tangled up and my partner had to help me out of the bike. Luckily no one was around to have witnessed it. It took a while for the pain to subside before I continued. This happened around 4km from the start and the fact that that I rode around 14km in total showed that I kept at it. It was definitely an out of comfort zone moment.

My confidence on the mountain bike definitely has increased since my last real mountain bike ride 2 years ago. I am still not 100% (not even close) but I am happy to do mountain biking again. To be honest, it was fun. All the bikers on the course are much nicer and everyone said hello. Even though I was out there for nearly 2 hours, it required plenty of mental alertness and I had to decide what to do around each path. Fingers crossed for the 27th April!

A photo of my riding up one of the switchback. 

Bruises on my left leg (day 6)

Easter Monday 21st April

As my body was a bit sorry and sore from my fall on Sunday, I decided to take it easy on the bike and rode the CX bike instead of the roadie. We decided to cruise around our area went on a little adventure. We first rode to Sandringham via the little side streets. After breakfast, we rode to Black Rock via Bluff Road (instead of Beach Road) and visited Le Knicks. The management of this famous shop close to the Black Rock clock tower has changed since late last year. Instead of stocking bargain bins of jerseys and pro-group gear, they are now stocking more quality clothing (than quantity). It was a nice change and more welcoming in my opinion. 

After chatting to the new owner for a bit, we then rode up Balcombe Rd to Watkins Bay coffee shop for another coffee break before we headed home via the side streets. 

Loved this day as we took in the sights of our neighbourhood, checked out the mansions, visited bike shops, ventured through parks, all done on our bikes (no lycra or Garmin in sight). 

Thursday 24th April

I spent my annual leave days with my parents in Geelong. I decided to take to the CX bike to Geelong as I planned on riding bike paths around my parent's place. 

The ride started around 9:30am. I initially rode around the freeway but the bike paths stopped so I decided to turn around and found some bike paths on either side of the Waurn Ponds creek. I rode this path all the way to Barwon river. Instead of riding the same path back, I decided to take different paths where I could and ventured around Deakin uni before heading back home. 

The ride was fantastic. The speed was around 12-18km/hr, relaxed and I took in the sights of the neighbourhood. I felt like a kid again, riding along the bike paths, no pressure of riding in a pack, no pressure of trying to cover certain distances of a program. 

Betty in front of the Barwon River

Swiggly map from Strava showing where I rode

ANZAC Day 25th April

This morning, I joined the Bicycle Superstore shop ride. We started at 8am to cater for people who would have joined any of the dawn services around Melbourne. We started from the shop and stopped at Port Melbourne for breakfast, then we returned to the shop again. Just shy of 50km for this morning. We noticed that even though we rode at 8am, it was still cold (7 degrees C). If you didn't have long fingered gloves, you were suffering. 

So far, I have been on bikes for 6 days out of the 8 with 2 more days remaining of my holiday. The next 2 days, I am planning on riding with the squad on Saturday (Latte Ride) to Mordi and will be returning to Lysterfield on Sunday for Sunday-Funday's mountain biking session. 

I have to say, this has been one of the best holidays I have had. We (my partner and I) didn't go anywhere exotic, we stayed at home, we spent time with each other and on our bikes. I also spent time with my family without the stress of fitting in training sessions. 

The break away from training has been great for my well being. I have enjoyed being outdoors and being on my bike(s) for the love of it. I am happy. XX

I have no bike skills!

Don't get me wrong, I can ride a bike, I can ride for more than 180km in one session...I have done that on several occasions training for and during the Ironman...but most of my riding is done in a straight line, on smooth bitumen with no switchbacks.

As part of my "no training" month of April, I thought I would dabble in a bit of non-triathlon specific riding - considering that I do own more than one bike and the A-race are over for the season. Lets face it, triathlon training and racing gives you little to no bike skills whatsoever.

Firstly, I spent time on my cyclocross bike. I wanted to do some re-mounting practice but the park was just filled with (off leash) dogs and people kicking the footy. I couldn't use the main park to do re-mounts so I just decided to ride off track the park, not only on the single tracks but over all terrains. I then rode along the dirt path all around the golf course before I headed home.

I discussed the Dirty Gran Fondo with my partner and he recommended that I ride the mountain bike rather than the cyclocross. So we decided to head back out on the park but ride the mountain bike instead.

I bought a 2nd hand mountain bike during August/September of last year. The frame is a Giant Arete but all the components (I mean everything) has been upgraded. I am not familiar with all the MTB components or lingo but from what my (mtb) people have told me, the price I paid for the bike was a super-duper bargain!

The gears and the braking of the mountain bike took some time to get use to as they behave very differently from the roadie and the CX. I got use to the bike after a few rides up and down some hills and over different terrains. I found it hard initially when the terrain was sandy but I got used to it after learning what needed to be done before I attempt the section - change gears early without losing momentum to one which I can pedal consistently and quick. I found a new level of confidence going over bumps but still hesitant about going down hill especially when it was sandy or filled with thistles or rocks. Why? Because I have no idea how to handle the bike down those conditions and also don't know what to actually do (am I making sense?). The fear of not knowing what will happen scares the bejesus out of me. My abilities got better towards the end of the day but I am hoping to practice some more before I take the bike out to Lysterfield on the 27th April with the Tri Alliance group...

Rain Rain...

The skies are so grey, it makes the day go by so much more slower (insert sad face, still at work).

Lucky for me, this is the month of April when I do pretty much F-all and not stress about the "training bank".

So what has been happening over the week? I did a 1.7km with the squad on Monday night. Even though it was only 1.7km, I didn't get home until 9:30pm. As much as I would love a sleep in on a Monday morning, I don't think the evening swim sessions will be sustainable for me.

I rode into work on the CX bike on Tuesday morning. Didn't look at the weather forecast much and the heavens opened up by mid morning which resulted in a train ride home in the afternoon, my first one in about 4 years! It hasn't stopped raining since Tuesday and so I really haven't done much riding. If it remains to be wet over the weekend, it would be ideal as I am planning on doing a few rides on the CX bike and practicing my skills (mainly in the mounting and carrying bike over barriers).

I decided not to go to do the 1000 steps this year as I want to do a few things around the house on Sunday.

Fingers crossed that the weather is OK for the Liv/Giant & Tri Alliance ladies ride on Saturday morning. I am looking forward to a casual ride to Mordialloc.

On a non-triathlon-training side of things, I have signed up to Kelly Brothers for my fresh fruit and vegetable delivery. At the moment I have signed up for a fortnightly delivery but I think we may have to do a weekly as we are absolutely loving the vegetables we have and the fact that I am planning my meals around the vegetables. Blown away by the amount of fruit and vegs that came in the box. There is about 3 layers of fruit and veg under what is shown on the photo below. For $45 a box, its a great buy!!

 

 

They say that with triathlon, your weakest discipline is what you "let go" first during recovery and what you "take up" last amongst the training schedule after your recovery period. This is very true in my world. Apart from the odd scoot when I crossed the road, I have not done any running/jogging of any kind. I am thinking a new pair of shoes will encourage me more? :)

 

A visit to the bikram room will be on the cards this weekend. I am looking forward to spending 90min in a hot and humid environment, stretching and sweating it out.

Recovery Week = Bruise Week

I have just had 2 weeks of recovery post Ironman and to be honest, I have really taken things very very very lightly.

Prior to the end of Daylight Savings (Sunday 6th April), it was pitch black even at 7:30am. I was going to commute into work on several occasions but that was out the window with last minute work commitments. I also wanted a few days of sleeping past 7:30am whilst I could....you know, before the crazy-o'clock alarm starts again. Sleeping hasn't been the best either, I am finding myself waking up several times with high heart rate and stressed.

Not only has my triathlon training on holidays, so has my eating. It started pretty much the day after my Ironman race where I had a maccas breakfast the day after. I was still craving the salt and the fried goodness of a couple of hash browns. One of my most notable holiday eating was last Friday where I had 4 hot jam donuts for dinner at the MCG when I watched the Hawks thrash the Dockers. I realised that night that I haven't had a jam donut in about 4 years!

General entries for Ironman Melbourne opened on 1st and 3rd April. A few people wanted to step up to the full Ironman distance from the squad. Each with their reasons on why they wanted to do it. As long as they realise what they are signing up to, not only what you have to get yourself through on the actual day but the months and months of training involved, they should be right.

On Saturday 5th, I had my first Cyclocross experience ever! I have had my CX bike (a Giant Brava SLR2 named Betty) since Dec of last year. I have only ridden it around the neighbourhood and used it to commute to work once. I didn't want to break it out on too much off road use as I didn't want to break myself prior to Ironman day. Boy oh boy, CX is hard work. The session started off with a warm up lap of Darebin park and that 3min ride contained more twists, turns and bike skills than I have ever had in the 33 years of my existence. We then worked on the first thing which was dismounting - I had this down pat as it is the same as a triathlon dismount (which I actually don't do myself). It was then dismount followed by carrying the bike over a barrier. Now I am really short (156cm) with disproportionally shorter legs and longer body and so carrying a bike above a barrier is actually hard work when the barrier is as high as my knees. It was hard for me to run and hop over the barriers whilst carrying my bike.

When we moved onto the re-mount part, this was where my whole confidence fell to pieces. My seat is high (as I use it more for commuting than for CX riding) and so when I have my inner thigh on the seat, I have a very sharp angle on my hips. I was instructed to jump onto the saddle but I am not moving fast enough (CX is all about grass, dirt and mud) that I fall onto the ground rather than gracefully onto the saddle. I fell over about 4 times that morning. I am doing so many things wrong. I am adamant on mastering this so I will need to adjust a few things on my bike - lower the saddle, remove drink cages, before I do more practising. The removal of drink cages is so that you are able to put your hands along the down-tube to carry your bike over your shoulders if you need to climb stairs or a muddy/sandy incline. We finished the day off work some cornering skills and then practiced mass starts. Lets just say, I am really bad at re-mounts, I am still cornering with a bit of hesitation and I don't have that eagerness to start the race off super fast (high heart rate - what what?!). The guys and gal from Dirty Deeds are super friendly and I am looking forward to the season.

Although I couldn't master the re-mount, I had a fun day and learnt heaps about the CX bike. I did enjoy riding around in the park and I will do more of it this weekend and over the holidays. With regards to racing - I am in two minds. The races does look fun (been spectating for about 3 years now) but I know that my skills are no where near what it takes to race. I know that I have the endurance but I do lack the speed and bike skills.

Photo Courtesy of Dirty Deeds

My body started to ached the next day from the multiple falls  and I am sporting some really awesome bruises but I am eager to do more riding. I rode the bike to the Mordialloc triathlon race on Sunday morning and rode home along the dirt path along the main Beach road.

I haven't done any running of any sorts since Ironman. I don't know when I will start. For now, I am going to attend a few swim sessions and doing more cycling for the month of April.