When I first got a computer with a cadence function, my cadence was consistently between 74-77. The only time it went higher was when I didn't feel good and I was pedaling like crazy in a low gear to get "done." Last winter I did similar training as described above. During the summer, I noticed my average cadence is now in the low eighties on a more consistent basis. On the road, I tend to use the easiest gear possible for what ever terrain I'm in and now that easier gear is a higher one. However, like Knott, if I feel like I'm in the happy place while I'm riding, I really don't care what my cadence is!