Ode to the Tempo Ride

Wow. With the whole turning 40 (years old that is), the family, and those pesky jobs it has been a while since I wrote something. Those of you that e-mailed me and got no response, I apologize. Here is, at least for now, the latest installment.

The tempo ride. It is what is on my mind. Although I had a great conversation with a friend about over-training and generally about hours logged, that is not on my mind. Maybe I'll have some ideas about that in the near future.

This morning was a tempo ride. Ben has been fighting some kind of upper respiratory/coughing/yucky feeling illness. So, he was not available. Steve S. was going to make it, but (to make matters worse) I had to ride a little earlier than originally scheduled to allow for the boss to get to an appointment. So, out the door I went. Solo on the TT bike.

I'll give you the Garmin link in a second, but I want to explain a few thing about what I call a tempo ride.

First, like all my rides on the TT bike, I start with my shoes clipped into the pedals just like I would coming out of T1. This allows me to practice my transitions several times a week so on race day it is old hat.

Second, when I say "tempo" that mean (to me at least) "try NOT to go slow". It not a full out hammer, but it is right around your race pace. Now, I didn't wear an aero helmet or put on the fancy race wheels. After all, this is just another training ride.

Third, looking at the computer is a no-no. As when I race, I cover the speedo with Duck Brand Duct Tape (shameless plug) and have Mr. Garmin only displaying the time of day. With no way of knowing heart rate or speed I am able to really focus on my perceived effort.

Forth, and finally, it was a very well known route. I used ye old (sticking with the Old English motif) Jesus Route. I'm not sure how many times I have ridden it, but it has been a training staple of mine for at least three years now. By the way, it is called the Jesus route due to all the religious gathering places along the way. Don't e-mail me about the route's name. No disrespect is intended. The name came to me while riding and has stuck.

Anyhow, to the data.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34617813

Some things to note: Mr. Cateye and Mr. Garmin agree. So, the data is pretty good. I did get stopped by some traffic signals at some very inopportune times. But, other than that, my pace was pretty consistent throughout. This is evident by the few peak above and below the average pace on the timing graph.

So, there you have it. My tempo ride this morning. So, to all you e-mailing me for more information on my training: look at the data, study the data, and then go out and get your own data this one is mine and probably should not affect you much if at all.

And, may I make a suggestion? Rather than e-mailing wanting more blog entries, come live the life with us. Drop any of us an e-mail to find out when we are riding next and come to join us. I don't bite at all, Ben only bites a little, and the rest will only bite as hard you you want to be bitten.

Seriously, come join us.