Quick Update

Just a quick review of my weekend and week so far.

Nothing of great significance to deliver I'm afraid, which in the "glass half full" category means I haven't damaged, snapped, strained, cramped, inflamed or crashed anything. And given the year I've had, that's a very good thing.

Sunday was a stellar ride with my crew which took in the sights of Mt Crosby. This is a great loop of about 85km with the first half of that passing over many undulations of about 4-8% slope but culminating in two short but serious bumps that we estimate to be in the order of 20%. Sure they are only 100m or so, but it’s a hard slog up them. Especially if you have nerve damage in one leg and can’t generate power from it. And….if you think a 11-23 cluster is ok. It was, right up until these twin peaks. Man, I struggled and only just made it over. After that, it was all pretty much smooth sailing. We had a nice gallop along the Warrego Hwy in a paceline holding 45+kph for about 10km which is always fun. The reason this put a smile on my face is the Mt Crosby ride is one I've avoided since returning to the road, as my damaged leg just wouldn't handle it, i.e. I would either not get over the damn bumps or struggle so much I'd need the sag wagon at some point. So completing this ride and staying in the middle of the pack is a milestone on my recovery I guess.

Other training includes a return to the pool. I’d be lying if I said there was no trepidation from the previous visit, but while some minor cramping occurred, I managed it better this time. Did a solid 1200m in one go, not to any time but a good rhythm, then 2 x 500m and a warm down. I’m happy with that for this point in time and I plan to go again today and do 100s and just alternate that pattern for a few weeks to build up distance.

Yesterday was a public holiday here so my cycle crew did a modified loop of 70km, again with some hills but no 20% bumps, so all was good. A bit tired though, so I kept the heroics to a minimum. I did get into a sprint finish with one of the group’s gun riders, using the second-wheel in the lead-out to slingshot and pull alongside him, but he heard me approaching (could have been all the gasping) and put the hammer down. I stayed seated for safety – the weak leg just won’t hold me under such conditions, while he stood and we both were giving it everything we had. We stayed locked side-by-side for a few moments nudging 60kph but I tired quickly and he pulled away. Great fun though. I did forget that straight after we had another long 10% climb to traverse and I paid for my sprint then.

I haven’t heard back from the foot people, but they said about a week so I’ll wait until tomorrow to call. I’m starting to think my timeframe for them is too short and perhaps I should start to consider a different target race for the comeback instead of Noosa Oly. The other premier race here in sun drenched South-East Queensland is the Mooloolaba Multisport Festival, but that’s at the end of the season in March, and I’m not waiting that long if the foot people can weave their magic.

Stay safe out there.

T-out