A log of sorts.
I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now
Last week I went on and on about not being on my trainer. And then I made a goal and committed to reaching it. Week one has come and gone; here’s how it’s going.
Wednesday
A brief moment of inspiration that struck as I wrote the story led me to climb onto my bike, which is attached to the trainer in my basement. For Christmas, I received some wireless earbuds. So I used those to listen to some music.
At first, I decided I wouldn’t track the spin. But I realized it felt much easier than it should; because it wasn’t plugged in and connected to my phone. So I plugged it in, connected the phone and the resistance turned on. There it is, knew I wasn’t that strong.
I spun for a while, syncing my legs to the beat of the music. For a few songs, it was Rage Against the Machine. Fitting.
And then Oasis’ “Wonderwall” came on. Suddenly, all momentum vanished. The inspiration evaporated, just like the sweat beads that had only begun to form. No matter how much I love that line “I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now” … it couldn’t keep me on the trainer.
I went upstairs and took a quick shower.
Thursday
For whatever reason this is the day of the week that seems to be the busiest for me at my job. So I worked on this day. That was it.
Friday
I woke up early and went to the gym. Worked out my legs. Squats. Calf raises. More squats. I read about legs workouts that are supposed to develop more power for cyclists. Did those. And I felt sore for a couple days.
Saturday
Woke up and cleaned the house. Did a HIIT workout on the trainer. Felt good. Finished the day with a trip to Columbus with just me and the wife. Went to a really nice restaurant and turned my brain’s self-control switch to “OFF.”
Sunday
Switched that part of my brain back to “ON” slowly and recovered.
Monday
Another workout morning. Spent some time on the trainer, too. Later that night, played some basketball and got the heart rate way up there. Like, way up there. Slept hard; not enough.
Tuesday
Recovery day. Worked on the computer, a lot. Played with the kids. Went to bed.
Wednesday
Workout morning. Hopefully I’ve been to the gym by the time you read this.
I’m under no illusion you all find this interesting. It’s not; it’s boring. I don’t plan on writing one of these every week. Every so often, maybe. So thanks for obliging today. I’m hoping this little log helps keep me accountable and on the path toward achieving my goal.
By the way, do any of you have good recovery foods that you like to eat after an intense workout? I usually make a protein-powder based smoothie with berries and yogurt. Sometimes, though, I run out of time and don’t bother with making anything. Anyone have suggestions for good foods that are recovery related and can be eaten on the go?
Let me know in the comments section.
Hey Dillon, First let me say I'm hungry for Nelson's nutritious breakfast. Yummy! Continued stories about your log would be boring, but as a single article--I think it nicely illustrates the kind of real-life struggles many of us have with the discipline and logistics of training for endurance bike races. As for convenient post-ride recovery fuel, there is some scientific evidence that promptly ingesting carbs and protein in a 3:1 ratio is optimal. Carbs are needed to replenish muscle glycogen and protein is needed for muscle growth and repair. Hammer Nutrition makes a product called Recoverite that has that 3:1 ratio. Recoverite is a powdered drink mix. Just add water and chug it. So, very convenient, quick and easy. It does contain some Xylitol, which some folks may find objectionable. You may want to do your own digging on the pros and cons of that additive.
I like the log! I love that song, but definitely not a motivational song for working out haha
haha
I hd to figure out which music I could listen too, while working out, that wouldn't kill " the mood". Techno, upbeat pop.
I know you sweat alot ( like me), so Liquid IV for Hydration, banana, Clifton bars are solid after a real intense workout ,but can get expensive. Larry and Lonny ..? Has a good protein cookie at Gas stations; carbs, protein, not alot of sugar..filling.