Training for the "Jack and Back" has been pretty tough. There's been moments where everything seems to be going great and then you take two weeks off and the whole thing goes to s%&t. I know I should have not taken the two weeks off. I have no excuse for it. It was bad form and I am trying to not let it happen again. I somehow just lost focus of my goal. Which, seems to happen a lot. The two week lay-off really hurt my progress. I am still able to ride relatively far, but I just don't have that comfort that I had earlier when I was training. Last week I rode pretty much everyday in preparation for Team Walgreens 30 mile training ride. I freaked out all week about the ride, but I did pretty well. I did not make it the whole 30, due to a user malfunction on a hill. You really never want to slam your gear into the lowest gear, you want a little resistance to actually be able to push your pedals up hills. Once, I stopped on the middle of the hill, I figured I should turn back and head back to the cars. I was pretty tired on the return trip, but I pushed through and hit 26 miles. 4 miles short of the goal, but I will take it. One big positive was that I conquered the hill in front of Ravenwood High School. One the 1st training ride I resorted to walking up the hill on the trip out and back. On this ride I decided I can make it up and over. So, I dug deep and just kept my feet moving until I made it up that sucker on both trips. It was pretty freaking awesome. Now, I know I have to keep pushing everyday to get better.
Mike and I are heading out on an unofficial training ride this Saturday. We plan on riding from Thompson Station/Spring Hill to Nolensville and maybe/possibly we might ride back .The route is mapped out, I am nervous, and my biking shorts were delivered to the house. So, I have to break these things in tomorrow. Well, it should be a "fun" ride. Wish me luck, because I am going to need it..
