Onwards & Upwards

Big volume was the name of the game this weekend, and based on the way my quads are feeling tonight, I'd say the weekend was a success. As I haven't focused specifically on any bike work in several weeks, I wanted to jump start the next block of training with some quality miles in the hills. Phase I of my season is now officially over, and Phase II has commenced which means that intensities soar, extended efforts become the norm, and extra recovery time is observed. All with the aim for coming into peak form by mid-August.

Yesterday's ride was truly phenomenal - over 75 miles of rolling terrain in completely uncharted territory. Long roads by the water, big climbs through the farm lands and twisting rollers down into the valleys. The only downside was the weather. What was supposed to be a 30% chance of light showers turned out to be a 99.9% chance that "If you're riding a bike, plan on being soaked in unrelenting down pours". Thank you Weather on the Nines. But with a little bit of enduring will, and a lot of mp3's, the day turned out to be just what I wanted. Things were capped off just right by meeting up with Brent for the last part of my ride (after circumnavigating the Cooley Bridge), followed by a tag-team devouring spree at my favorite post-ride place of eats.

Other noteworthy events from the weekend included Liz wrapping up her last major spring-time event at work and my good friend Timmy Bingham's birthday back in Syracuse. Both Tim and his wife, Sue, are lighting the roads on fire this summer and will be seen competing at the Empire State Games later this season. As for Liz and me, well, we're both taking Monday off from work to do nothing more than relax. Who doesn't love summer?

Now get out there and enjoy it.