MAYBE IT'S NOT SUCH A HELMET SCRATCHER

THE FITNESS IS ON THE UP, we've been experimenting with new training, and we get out to test it on the group ride. Things go really well, we set some PRs, but...

... we're still scratching our heads.

'cuz that cat got us.

Again.

So it was for me today, and I got a clue as to why.

With several weeks of...

• hitting it hard for an hour
• verses my usual 2+ hour slog
• and a solid 3-4 hour adventure at tempo on Saturdays

... I could tell there's a hint of snap returning.

And after 38 minutes and 22 seconds of semi-vicious flat miles with the group...

... we finished with 20 minutes and 59 seconds of the Pain Cave segment.

Those seconds were important, because we're always trying to break an hour.

BBB and I each PR'd.

He clobbered me the last 1/4 mile,
putting 22 seconds on me,
finishing in 59:59.

I was...

• stoked for BBB
• downright envious
• hopeful I'd post an hour someday

... and left scratching my helmet.

Until BBB said our cool down would be climbing...

... one mile at 8%.

Suddenly it all made sense.

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