Faster?

[jobob]

And now another question that just popped into my head: I'm not sure I've seen my "mountain goat idols" posting their speed info? Maybe you ladies avoid these discussions of "I go this fast" ???

Not a mountain goat idol by any means, but yes, I tend to avoid these discussions. I only posted on the other "how fast am I in relation to you?" thread to provide the link to our previous discussion in that regard, to caution all the new folks as to how discouraging and downright unpleasant this topic can become.

Those of you who regularly do climbs like Mimi's amazing ride last weekend: if 17-18 are "only" averages, do you have "miserable" average speeds too?

Um, not even close, and as maillotpois can attest, I have some mighty crummy days from time to time.

You're more than welcome to check out my journal on bikejournal.com (I'm jobob there as well) if you want to see what I'm talking about.

So reading through all these posts, I'm not sure if I'm encouraged, or discouraged.

That's why I avoid these discussions. Sure, it's an ego boost to some, but it can be very discouraging to others.

But that said, there are a lot of good stories and suggestions in this thread.

I'm really glad you're not discouraged, nafula. Give it time, be patient with yourself. You'll get stronger. Trust me.

For what it's worth, I do care about my own speed, but just in relation to me. That's why I keep a journal, to track my own progress. I'm really pleased with how my speed has improved over time. I've had to work at it, and I'm beginning to see the results. The reason why I'm caring about my speed at this point in time is that I'm training for a moderately hilly double century in October, and while I'm reasonably confident I can make the 18 hour cutoff time, I'd just as soon be able to finish it in less time than that.

[indysteel]

That's precisely why I avoid these discussions. Sure, it's an ego boost to some, but it can be very discouraging to others.

Having just read through that awful thread from last fall, I understand that average speed discussions can get ugly, especially when someone makes a horribly harsh and unfair comment about riders at a certain pace being slow. That comment was certainly neither helpful nor kind. However, the OP in this thread asked about getting faster, which in my mind, is a legitimate goal in cycling and one that warrants a discussion. Although average speeds have factored into the discussion, both I and others have repeatedly emphasized that comparing respective averages is less than helpful on a number of levels. The tone of the discussion has otherwise been, in my opinion, encouraging, helpful and positive. Not that you're pointing fingers, but I certainly didn't share my own experiences to get an ego boost.

The fact is that whether we're discussing average speeds, a race or ride report or climbing feet tallies, there's always a risk that someone will inadvertently end up feeling discouraged because they perceive that they don't measure up. While certain discussions more than others inherently invite such less-than-helpful comparisons, it's ultimately up to each of us to choose our inner cheerleader over our inner critic and to look to those we perceive as "better" in some way as a source of inspiration rather than a source of shame.

[maillotpois]

.... it's ultimately up to each of us to choose our inner cheerleader over our inner critic and to look to those we perceive as "better" in some way as a source of inspiration rather than a source of shame.

That is EXCELLENT. Very well said.

You're more than welcome to check out my journal on bikejournal.com (I'm jobob there as well) if you want to see what I'm talking about.

Ditto. (Except for the part about being jobob. I'm still maillotpois... )

[indysteel]

Maillotpois, I just read a few of your bikejournal entries. I love reading ride reports from other parts of the country, especially from CA, because the terrain is SO different from Indiana. At least in central Indiana, we've got nothing but flat country roads for most part. Doing a ride with even 5k of climbing is a challenge--in more ways than one. Given how flat it is, it's hard to get really pumped from a ride, which is another reason I think I focus on getting faster. As a friend of mine says, it's hard to give a "hell ya" after passing yet another cornfield.

Anyway, your rides look amazing. I would love--or at least I think I would--to live someplace that had some really good, long climbs. I just haven't been able to test myself in that way. Do you ever just want some flatlands? Can we trade for a summer?

K-

[maillotpois]

Anyone who has ridden with me knows I love the flats!! I am a big power rider who likes nothing more than flat roads or shallow rollers and a lot of speed. Sure, I'll trade you for a bit!!

My deal is long, sustained hills are my weak point, so I really try to do a lot of them. Sick.

[smilingcat]

thank you thank you and thank you to:
maillotpois, indysteel, eden and few others for saying it succinctly and to the point.

Now lets just get back to riding and enjoy the ride
Smilingcat

[Kano]

I've enjoyed this version of "speed"

It's been an interesting and informative series of posts -- pretty much all constructive! It appears to me that the answer to that original question of "is it riding, or is it special training to get faster" all boils down to my husband's favorite annoying answer to an either/or question:

YES

The more we ride, the stronger and faster we get, and the more we challenge ourselves when we ride, the stronger and ultimately faster we get!

(and I've decided that carrying around the extra me is making me so strong that I'm going to positively amaze myself someday when it's gone!)



Sarah -- l think I'm learning to be like you when it comes to those long sustained climbs. Can't do 'em well, so I'm torturing myself with them! And we don't want to call that "sick" -- that's just too danged negative. Let's see how "determined" fits instead?

Karen in Boise