Tales from the trail...ramblings of an xterra wannabe

[Starfish]

I am starting to realize that this type of structured training is a big picture thing. It is easy to get bogged down in the day to day milestones and forget about the big picture until you have a bit of progress, however small it may be.

So true. I am just coming back to training after many months off, stress-related weight gain, and disappointment with my plunge off the exercise wagon. Last week was my first recovery week after only 3 weeks of being back in training. Today I felt horrible on my way to the pool. Discouraged, stressed from some life circumstances. Then, today, I got in a good couple thousand yards (more than double the yardage of my week #3) and was able to keep my HR down in my low endurance range, which was my goal for the workout today.

My thought was, I guess this periodization and recovery-week thing works! Now of course, my perspective on the day is much brighter.

[Tri Girl]

Way to go RNRGirl!!!! Sounds like you're "back in the saddle" and livin' large. Great job out there!!!! You should be extra excited that you were not only hanging with the fast boys, but that you were passing them up those hills! Woo hoo!!! I agree with the others- don't downplay your superior biking skills- you've got game so pat yourself on the back!!!!

I've wanted to try an XTerra (and am planning on an off-road du this summer), but am worried about passing on singletrack. Is it pretty difficult- and what is the etiquette? Sorry- I guess I just hijacked your thread, huh?

[rocknrollgirl]

Hi Trigirl,

It is almost impossible to pass on singletack. The general rule of thumb is that you have to wait until you see an opening.

If I am coming up on someone from a distance, I give a shout on yer left or right to let them know that I am there. People that are expereinced will ease over as much as possible to try to give you an opening. Inexperience people will usually panic and stop, usually in the middle of a hill.


If I am being pass, I do my best to get over, but often the dude has to wait. I am NOT pulling over during a race.

Usually everyone is really nice about it. Last year I had two guys that did everything they could to not let me by. They did not want to get passes by a girl.

Just an observation. By the time you get to the bike, everyone should be spaced out pretty well.

Have you raced a mt bike before?