It seems only fitting that I write this post on the day the Tour de France route is announced. It is especially exciting following along, knowing that I’ll be riding many of the same roads a few weeks later. The course looks imposing, with uphill time trials, two climbs up Alpe d’Huez in the same stage, and a Ventoux stage finish. It will definitely be a race for the climbers.
Looking at these routes, I also know that I have a long ways to go. Fortunately, my formal training began this week.
After feeling a little hip irritation over the last weekend, it has been surprisingly painless ever since. It is probably at around 80-90% now. Given the slow healing process thus far, I’m not expecting overnight recovery, but I am far closer to being done with this injury.
We approached this week cautiously, careful not to work too hard on the hip and suffer a setback. Normally we would have started with strength exercises, but Coach Bobby first wanted to make sure the hip could handle an easy training load. He scheduled some light riding for everyday this week.
Monday and Tuesday started with the trainer. To be honest, I sort of hate the trainer. I can put the most mindless popcorn movie on the TV, yet still feel bored when pushing the pedals. It is always uncomfortably warm in the house, and I get saddle sore extremely quickly. I was only able to manage 30 minutes the first two nights, although that was partly because I had other projects that occupied my time.
Tonight I am going to try to hang in there longer. I’ll be pleased with an hour of work.
Tomorrow I’ll be trying out a night ride. They call it a crit actually, but I’ll be riding easy, just working on getting some base miles. Maybe later in the year I can stretch the legs and do some speed work.
Friday will be a short ride; Saturday will be an organized metric century; Sunday will be another short ride in my backyard.
Assuming I am able to get through this week without any setbacks, I’ll start with weight training next week.
Here goes nothing …
SteepClimbs.com 
October 24th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Good luck, Aaron. Once I get back from Canada I guess I’ll have to start thinking about dusting off the dreaded trainer myself. Get TdF videos. They help me get through the pain.
October 24th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
That’s a good idea. I hear Spinerval videos are good too. Right now popcorn movies make for the best training experience.
October 24th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Speaking of all things French, I scored a sweet deal on a Peugeot at the local Goodwill. At only $25. this beauty looks barely ridden as it still has the original paper import sticker taped to the underside of the BB shell. I was just thinking about how wonderful it would be to ride some of the famed TDF route on a proper French-made bike. I’m thinking panniers, baguettes and Brie right about now…
Good luck…riding a trainer sucks hard! I’ve owned two and don’t ever hope to buy a third one. The good thing is, you’re in the South, so there is always year-round outdoor cycling to keep you sane.
October 24th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Did I ever tell you that my first bike was a Peugot? The next bike was a Centurion, and my dad adopted the Peugot. That was long, long ago, and they are probably in some landfill now. Great bikes. Would love to try Mitchell or something on my Centurion.
October 24th, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Good luck with the training program Aaron. The 8″ of snow has already forced me indoors. I’ve already started the strength training for Haute Route. Power training will commence in January. And yes, Spinervals are good video workouts.