2008 TT Goals and Results

[SheFly]

This week was our first TT of the season. For April, the weather was quite pleasant, although a bit windy. I went out on the course to get a benchmark for the season, simply hoping not to embarass myself in the process .

I managed to finish the 9.75 mile loop in 25:42 - a minute faster than my first time last season! At times, I saw SLOW speeds on the loop in places where I KNOW I can go faster, so that will improve over time. I was pretty excited about the result.

As for goals? Last year I set a PR on the course - 23:56 (24.43 mph), becoming one of only 5 women to break 24 minutes. This year, I want to narrow that field by at least one, and see if I can get to 23:30 (the overall course record for women is 22:58 or 25.46 mph held by an Ironman winner). Here's hoping that the training/coaching and equipment improvements all pay off over the season!

SheFly

[SheFly]

Yesterday, the weather in New Enlgand was gorgeous - sunny, warm (temps here were in the 80s during the day ), and only a bit of wind (about 13 mph)- almost perfect TT conditions.

Unfortunately, after the racing I did on Sunday, my legs are still a little tired... I SHOULD have had a fast night, but the legs just felt like lead. I went out and had to do the whole loop based on RPE - my computer died on the way over, so I had no idea how fast I was riding. I just know how much it hurt .

I was surprised to discover that I finished 12 seconds faster than last week - 25:30. I know that I COULD have gone quite a lot fast with better legs, and I also had some saddle issues that caused me to have to shift more than once. It's still a good result for only the second race of the season though, and the trend is in the right direction!

SheFly

[LBTC]

Wow! SheFly, you are FAST!! I did my first ever time trial race last week - 13km (8 miles) in 28:10. There were about 16 racers. DH and I are the only ones not on TT or Tri bikes. I was last, but there was only one other girl, and she was about 2 minutes ahead of me.

This week it was cold and WINDY. Nearly everyone's time was slower than last week by around a minute. I did the course in 28:48, so I know I've gotten faster. 38 second penalty compared to everyone else is pretty good.

How long have you been doing TT? Do yu have a TT bike and gear? Do you always do the same course? How long is your series?

Our series started April 15 and runs through June 3. All of the races are on the same course which is an out and back, except May 6 and June 3 which are hill climbs. So far, I'm liking it, but have no intention of buying more equipment. (well, we did splurge on toe covers and that really helped!! ) I can make my bike better suited to time trialing easily by flipping the seat post around. I'm considering doing that for next week.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[SheFly]

Wow! SheFly, you are FAST!! I did my first ever time trial race last week - 13km (8 miles) in 28:10. There were about 16 racers. DH and I are the only ones not on TT or Tri bikes. I was last, but there was only one other girl, and she was about 2 minutes ahead of me.

This week it was cold and WINDY. Nearly everyone's time was slower than last week by around a minute. I did the course in 28:48, so I know I've gotten faster. 38 second penalty compared to everyone else is pretty good.

That's awesome! If everyone else was a minute slower and you were only 38 seconds, you are definitely improving!

How long have you been doing TT? Do yu have a TT bike and gear? Do you always do the same course? How long is your series?

I have been doing this TT series for the past 4 years. It is always on the same course, which is a 9.75 mile loop, with one good hill climb on the backside. I know this course and every bump on it like tha back of my hand .

Our series started last week, and runs through the first Weds of Sept. I typically do about 14 races during the season, either on my own bike or with DH on our tandem. I do have a TT-specific bike - aero bars, fancy Zipp wheels, helmet, skinsuit, shoe covers... But when I started, I just raced on my regular bike. As you get into this type of racing more and more, you will find the things that "buy" you time. The best aero investment is bars and a helmet.

This is my specialty, and it really helps for 'cross season too! i'm glad to hear that you are enjoying it - be sure to post your progress either in this thread or another!

SheFly

[Crankin]

Glad to see that you call the climb on Monument St. a "good hill...." I've been doing the loop backwards, the same direction as the TT. I find that I can climb that hill faster after warming up on Lowell Rd first. Not that I'm going to be doing any time trials soon.
What a great day for the TT! I thought about going to watch, but decided to go out to dinner and have a big glass of wine to get over my trauma of my 45 mile ride in the 85 degree heat that I really didn't expect. My speed is still slow, even for me, except when I'm drafting my husband. But I think I am a little jaded from hills around here. Went for a recovery ride this morning that involved Strawberry Hill, West St, 225, and up the steep side of my street. I guess most people would not call that recovery.

[RoadRaven]

39kph+ ????

You rock, girl

I've managed to climb up to 34kph for only one TT this year... and that is soooo much effort.

I'm kind've envious that your TTs are always on the same course. We have 8 courses that the club uses throughout the year... if we are lucky we might get to do the smae course twice in a year on the Saturday racing schedules...

Way to go, SheFly - ever a source of inspiration