Starting a new cycle

Its been a few weeks since I have blogged just been really busy with family, work, and riding. I just came off the Turkey Hill County Classic race in Lancaster Pa. It was actually my first race as a Cat 4. I feel I was ready physically and mentally, this was not what I would classify as an A race, it was just to keep up with competing and a day out with the kids. The kids had a blast, as for my race I had mechanical problems in two races but was able to finish the second.

Right now I am on day 3 of a Fat Loss Bootcamp http://www.cyclo-club.com/public/main.cfm that I am doing with my wife and her sister. My goal is to get below 180lbs but thats not the reason for the FLBC, I just want to prime my body to start training for another race that I have coming up June 6th. This race the Lake Auburn Road Race, in Auburn Maine was my first race ever, last year and I want to use it as a gauge, I finished 53 (not last :) ) as a CAT5 now as a CAT 4 I am in way better shape but the competition is just as tough if not tougher. My goal for this race is to finish in the top ten if not 1st. I have been learning alot this year about racing and have been working on my weaknesses. I have done ok in my races thus far but either make mental mistakes and go to hard to early or have had mechanical problems.

I am working on my training program for this as I write, I am considering combining both a speed and climbing program, both will build me in areas that could use work. I also need to consider keeping a sustained pace and keeping with the pack in accelerations. Anyhow I will have a program nailed down this week. It will include a good bit of strenght training the first half, and a healthy amount of core work up to two weeks before. Stronger core equals stronger performance on the bike.

Nurtrionally I am on track, I did ad a few pounds I was hovering around 184 but weighed in for the FLBC at 188, but I think it was lean weight cause I have added some muscle which is fine. I will be using more of a mix between a performance phase of eating and a maintenance phase as I get closer to the end of the month. My pre, in, and post ride fueling seems to be ok but I think it needs a tweaking but just not sure what. Well, thats why its called working on a program and needs to be flexable.

Gun

Harvey