OOOOUCH!

I got up this morning - "self," I say, "let's do a different course on the computrainer this morning."

"Good Idea" I reply.

"What course?"

"I saw one called 'World Championships - it looked interesting."

"ok"

Off I go to the computrainer. I get warmed up, recalibrate, etc. Load the course, 3,2,1, GO! Off we go. Hey, I didn't notice that this was uphill right from the get-go. Oh well, it's not bad, just 1-2%.

Look at that hill in front - it looks steeper than anything I've tried on the computrainer so far.

I hit the hill, it gradually increases, topping out at 10%. Wow, that was tough! Nice downhill now. Hey! This is fun, downhill at 13%!

Hmmmm, that didn't last all that long - HOLY COW! Average speed is only 26km/hr! - and that's AFTER the downhill!

Oh, oh - I see a little bit steeper climb.

I'm watching the little bike guy on the profile inch (more like millimeter) his way up the hill - then I start laughing - the rear wheel of the guy is hanging out in space, as the grade is too steep for both wheels to show on it. 13% climb there - whew!

Downhill at 15% again, I hit 73km/hr, but I'm spun out at 134rpm.

EEEEERRRRCH! Okay, it wasn't wheels squeeling, but the wall I hit in front of me stopped me so fast I might as well have been locking the brakes up! For the next 2km I climb at 15%. 6-8km/hr is all I manage for some of it. I can't seem to generate any power! (230-250watts) - I glance at my HR - oh, that explains it, 183. That's only 95% of my max. I crest and try to pick speed up as I go. Down we go again.... not for as long, but it sure is enjoyable. Then 5 or 6km on a false-flat.

The last climb - coming at km #29. Grade creeps up to that magic 15% again - 2 more km of this! I'm no longer trying to go fast, I'm in pure survival mode. Once my pace guy even stops to wait for me. (AGGGHHHH!) Finally I crest and begin the final descent down to the finish.

I try and get my HR back to 95% of max - it takes a while. Meanwhile I'm picking speed up again. Hmmmm, I think, maybe I can take my pacer dude at the line - it's a downhill run all the way to the finish.

With 200 m to go I stand and hammer past my pacer. He lets me go by and then picks up the pace significantly to close the gap. Wheel sucker! He starts to come around, I kick up one more gear and sprint for all I'm worth. I glance at the wattage output - 450watts! Wow, where'd that come from! I've gotta sit, I'm getting close to spun out. I hit the line 2 lengths in front of the pacer. Yeah!!

I go to get off the bike. I can't. I can't walk. I can't stand. I'm having trouble unclipping. Would love something to drink - can't get up the stairs for more water. I'm cooked. I hurt everywhere.

What a GREAT machine!!!

Quick update

I haven't been able to do anything for the last week - I'm up in Fort McMurray, and things have been busy enough up here that I haven't even been able to get to the gymn - last night I didn't get done until after 10pm.

I fly home tomorrow - looking forward to being back home for a few days (just a week) before my next tour up here.