Rehab, Taper, and Riding Outside in November

    Record highs let me ride outside this Friday, which was a very, very pleasant change from the hours I've put in on the trainer in recent weeks. Don't get me wrong, I love the trainer. It's the best workout for the time you put in that you can get. You have minimal prep time, don't have to worry about cars, clothes, light, or weather, and there is no resting. No coasting or recovery on the downhills. That said, I don't know anyone that fell in love with riding bikes because the trainer is such a great way to spend your time. Everyone I know rides because they love to be outside, love the views, and like to go fast. Oh yeah, it also happens to be a great workout. Most of my friends thought I was nuts to ride inside two days a week during the spring and summer this year. None of them could ride with me outside yesterday, either. Apparently they have 'jobs' which 'pay' for things like 'rent' and 'food.' Suckers. So now they are stuck inside while I get to ride outside every-so-often. All things considered, I was really lucky to get out this Friday, as I'm about two weeks from race day and needed some time on the asphalt to remember how to ride a bike outside. It's been almost three weeks since I was last outside. That's kind of a while for me. No matter, did about 4hrs at an average wattage of 176 or so. Not as easy as I should have gone, as I hammered up some of the 7000ft of vertical harder than I should have, but still lots of fun and not so hard that it ruined my taper for IM AZ. Hopefully I can get outside next week as well!!!