Over the last week it hasn't been uncommon to see me donning some sporting attire in and around Bristol as I've knocked off 3 runs and rides between 'revision' and Dexter sessions. On Sunday I headed over to Blaise Castle with Duncan and John (both post sub-16min 5ks!!) on a particularly hilly and off road route! It's safe to say that revision was low on my priorities after arriving back in a sweaty, exhausted heap and struggling to stay awake for the rest of the day. Hills are Hard. Yesterday was sport free, but only because I was waiting for the big one... Dun dun duh! Hold on to your horses 'cause you're in for a bumpy ride! At least that's what Mads could have told me before we set off on our Bath epic. Just take a look at the profile... | "Allez, Allez!" |
I nailed my first strava KOM on a hill, and it was pretty tough indeed (avg 6.4%). Previously I've only held records for running or flat bike sections. I got the encouragement I needed from Mads and zoomed off with form in the legs that Wiggo would be jealous of right now. All of a sudden it seems as though hills are not the formidable enemy they once were. (This may be redefined by some soul crushing climbs in the Alps).
We stopped for some soothing, ice cold drinks in Bath and I even had a "cured ham and mozarella panini"... I know! The pretentious 'snacky' lunch was to shortly bite be in the bum as we approached the next climb of the day, up to the University of Bath. "Allez, Allez!" I hear Mads shout, so off I sprint up the hill with panini and water sloshing around in my stomach. 30 seconds later, sort of out of sight of the my ever competitive ride partner, I developed a food stich and dropped it down as low as she goes and just spun all the way to the top. Maintaining some dignity by not actually being caught on the way up. In hind sight, I was daft to even think about sprinting up a 1.7km, 8.5% avg climb. I hadn't realised quite how long a ride it would be and as the sun started to take its toll; I started dreaming of the crunchy grapes I'd bought earlier and the strawberries and ice cream awaiting my return. Life is good when you've got something to look forward to. As a bonus, I definitely enhanced my burn/tan lines so that now I have glove lines... shudder. | Home made chocolate chip cookies and Carte D'or Ice cream (not up to Mads' standards, but it tastes so much better when you've earnt it) |
"Digital EPO" - the mere idea is blasphemous! It's a desecration of Strava and all that it stands for. We will no longer be timing our efforts based on segments or pushing for those last 20 seconds at the end of a ride to beat your previous time... Oh no. Times are changing. Because why bother trying when you can just boost your speed by 10% in a few simple clicks. I'm disgusted by the idea and the principles behind it.
If there was a march against Digital EPO I would join it (only if there are free cookies. I love the cookies.)
It is only 36 hours until I finish my exams for my second year of University, AND there's a rumour that Mads is bringing Ben & Jerry's to the pasta party to celebrate and indulge ourselves before THE epic ride to finish the year.
BJs just make life complete.