Just because you are fitter does not mean you are faster!

Can we talk about this kit?  Best kit EVER
Betty Designs #DES 

Jan 17, I rode Palomar as part of BiscayCoaching's Tri Camp, it was day 2 of camp, so I was holding back a bit.  I started off controlled and built into the ride. With other riders ahead of me, I could see I was reigning a few in and picked it up every 30 min.  I finished strong, feeling good, and with just the right effort.  

Palomar Mtn, South Grade, (Taco Shop to Summit Stop Sign)  https://www.strava.com/segments/24481470
11.58 miles
4,188 ft
7% grade
1:34:29
188 watts
HR: 154 

Today I wanted to break 1:30, and I did not really had a plan.  If my average power was 200 watts, I should be under 1:30.  So I started off much harder than last time, mistake #1.  I was at 210-215 for the first 15-20 minutes and had an inkling that was a bit much, so I dialed it back a bit.  I was making good time and feeling good for 30 minutes.  Redflag #1 my HR was high 160's, mind you the temp was 30 degrees warmer.   Around 35 min my legs were screaming at me, yo idiot slow down, feeling the work, so I dialed it back to 200w.  My HR was now 170 and climbing, I chugged 24 oz with 800mg of sodium and ate 200 calories. I can tell you this was not nearly as fun as in January.  I am sweating a river, the high was 95, and my legs are not operating.  At 1 hour, I realize breaking 1:30 is going to be tough, my HR is at 180, and my power is around 195, I keep pushing for 200 but am watching my average power slowly drop.  Guzzle more fluids and should have eaten more food, but 180bpm my stomach is revolting. I am now taking it .5 miles at a time.  The last new miles are the steepest, and I know breaking 1:30 is not happening, but I think I can still PR.  I stand and sit, stand, and sit and just want to survive.  I have one airpod in, and I am screaming at Siri, next song, next song as nothing is playing that helps.  I see the green signs and try to sprint, but alas, I limp across.   

1:32:19   (2:10 PR)
195 watts
HR 171

I had to bend over and recover, I was shattered and pissed.  

After I inhaled a cookie and finished another 24 oz, I was beginning to feel better!  400 calories much needed.  

I was psyched to see Les summit her first Palomar! 

Traffic was not bad for a Saturday and a holiday!  The observatory was closed, I think that had a lot to do with it.  And the store was closed.  NO Fritos!  I knew it was closed, wished I had brought some, nothing like salt/fat/carbs!


I am happy with the PR and am motivated to have another go! 

Sat Aug 1!  Round 2
Better pacing and maybe a bit more rest week of the "attempt." I am hoping to have a good crew out there that day; some going for the first time, some looking for a PR and some just out there because they want to suffer.

Moral of the blog...... You can be fit as fuck, but if you don't pace well, that fitness will never be realized!   Remember this when you race.  I  athletes who have high fitness, sometimes the best ever, overbike in a 70.3 OR overbike the first 1/2 of an Ironman and then blow up. Why, "I felt so great"  That is the idea, you are tapered and ready to race. You SHOULD feel great, you should be holding back, that is the strategy of long-distance racing.  And why with a Power Meter, this is no excuse!