The training plan is changing a little. Originally, I was going to have three mini peaks. One for Fair Hill in April, one for GCC in July, and one for a key cyclocross race in October.
Then I was going to ease back and have a rest week right after the current peak. After that, I would have begun to increase the length of the workouts, while decreasing the intensity (like what I did during the winter). I would build up for a month or so, and then begin switching back over to the intense stuff. The intensity would reach a high point for July, and I'd hit my second peak, just in time for GCC.
Well, Mike said it's kind of early in the season to be scaling back already. He said, "I think we can keep you in this peak for some time."
I'm happy with that. I feel like it took so long to get to this point, that I'd hate to ease up now.
"I think as you continue to race, you're just going to keep getting stronger," Mike said.
I'll take that!
So, this weekend, I have my first ever endurance race. I'm doing the 4 hour race at Iron Hill in Delaware. It's a fun, non-technical course. The laps are only about six miles, so I'll never be far from the pits. If I break my chain and have to walk out of the woods, no big deal.
Mike and I discussed strategy for the race. He gave me advice about what to carry with me, and how to lighten up the bike.
There are 13 women (including myself) signed up for the Endurance Women's class. It's an open class, so they range from all ability levels. I think I might do pretty well! I will just keep going for as many laps as I can, until the cutoff time. I'll work to get in one last lap before the timer counts down. I can't wait to see how I do. I'm also so curious about endurance racing. If I like this, I will do more events. Later this season, I'll look for a longer race too… maybe a 60 or 75 miler.
