Time trial
This morning I did a time trial exercise in Central Park. My intstructions were to warm up (on the ride up there), then do two laps as fast as possible, leaving nothing in the tank, then cool down on the way home. It was cold this morning, so I put on all the cold-weather gear and got to it. On the ride up there, I could already tell that I didn’t feel like I did on Sunday. My legs felt heavy, and I was struggling to get my speed or cadence up. I think the wind was a factor, maybe I was still feeling the weekend’s workouts and also I didn’t sleep all that well last night. Regardless, I was out there to give it my best shot. I got to the Park, and started out. I was feeling better, but still could feel that I wasn’t cruising like I did on Saturday. Thankfully, the Park was considerably less crowded and even though cars are allowed in the Park on weekdays, there weren’t that many in there today, so I was able to keep my speed up without too much looking over my shoulder to make so I wasn’t going to get killed by a crazy taxi. I did the first loop in 17:15, which was better than 20mph, but I know I could have done better under different conditions. The second lap was slightly slower, 17:40, but still over 20mph. That speed is definitely respectable, given the hilly course. You do get some good downhills, but I think the uphills more than compensate! When I finished, I was done. I could have kept riding, but certainly not very fast. My cooldown ride home was nice.
My winter gear was perfect. It was probably in the low, low 40’s when I was out there and windy. Except a little cold in the toes and fingertips, I didn’t really feel it at all. My torso and legs were totally fine. I only wore a baselayer under my jacket, so if I do ride in colder conditions, I can layer there. I made good purchases.
Bike – December 18
Time: 1:23:01
Distance: 21.6
Average heart rate: 133
Course: West Side Highway to Central Park, 2 loops
Conditions: Cold, windy, clear