I did it, I'm alive--aka the Spinervals Noobs thread/tips and tricks

[salsabike]

Just did the Uphill Grind for the first time! With some modifications to make it do-able for me. So here's what worked for me, using the advice of SK, Jobob, MP, etc.:

I did everything two gears up in the back, except on very rare occasions when I felt I could go back down one. And except for standing, when I usually have to go down one or two--just don't have the strength yet to control a standing spin in an easier gear.

And I can only stand for 10-15 seconds at a time so far.

It's a nice combination of some heavy gear pushing for a few minutes at a time, something I need to do more of; of high cadence spinning; of standing. It was fun. And SK is right--it keeps you entertained because it changes often.

[Velobambina]

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Keep at it. Soon you'll be standing and motoring up those Coach Troy hills.

[SadieKate]

Yeah! See, it's all about providing the entertainment while you finetune your own level of misery.

[jobob]

Wheee!

[maillotpois]

Yippee!!

You should all just TRY doing the MP current broken scapula version of Spinervals. Super fun. Here are the easy steps:

- tie a string around your chest which holds your left elbow in place, locked against your side. Your left forearm is free. Sort of.

- you may only use your left hand to balance while standing. Do no place any weight on the arm.

- stay in the large ring for the entire set as it is a PITA to shift the front gear with your right hand (see "tie a string around your chest", step one). Cross-chain early and often.

- Ignore anything said about cadence while standing and simply maintain control while praying you do not injure a lower limb.

- Swear a lot.

[SadieKate]

You forgot the post-exercise re-hydration step.

[salsabike]

Yeah! See, it's all about providing the entertainment while you finetune your own level of misery.

Yippee!!

You should all just TRY doing the MP current broken scapula version of Spinervals. Super fun. Here are the easy steps:

- tie a string around your chest which holds your left elbow in place, locked against your side. Your left forearm is free. Sort of.

- you may only use your left hand to balance while standing. Do no place any weight on the arm.

- stay in the large ring for the entire set as it is a PITA to shift the front gear with your right hand (see "tie a string around your chest", step one). Cross-chain early and often.

- Ignore anything said about cadence while standing and simply maintain control while praying you do not injure a lower limb.

- Swear a lot.

Jeez, this thread has ALREADY morphed into the "metaphor for life" thread. That was fast.

[maillotpois]

You forgot the post-exercise re-hydration step.

Oh - right. Must immediately re-hydrate with pain killing beverage.

[Starfish]

Jeez, this thread has ALREADY morphed into the "metaphor for life" thread. That was fast.

Wow, I need to read your autobiography!!

[salsabike]

- you may only use your left hand to balance while standing. Do no place any weight on the arm.

And furthermore: only if I've grown wings, first. Except the swearing part I can do now.

[Velobambina]

MP's final step is my personal favorite. Even better, think up new cuss words! People say that swearing gets you more angry but it actually makes me laugh at myself.

[SouthernBelle]

MP's final step is my personal favorite. Even better, think up new cuss words! People say that swearing gets you more angry but it actually makes me laugh at myself.

I'm gonna hafta remember the cuss word inventing.

Uphill Grind has improved my climbing. May do it tonight.

[Starfish]

I'm gonna hafta remember the cuss word inventing.

Maybe there's a suggestion for Coach Troy there, for the new Spinervals he produces?

[salsabike]

For the last couple of weeks, I have been doing Uphill Grind followed by the Technique part of 23.0 Time Saver.

Some of you know I am very susceptible to the "tunes going around in your head" thing, and often tunes I really don't like.

These days, every day I hear the music to Uphill Grind in my head at some point during the day. I find myself LIKING it. It makes me want to do Uphill Grind again. Can someone please tell me where I can get help for this?

Failing that, to the Spinervals noobs, I am just letting you know that this Uphill Grind (yes, still two gears up in the back much of the time; yes, still only standing for 15 seconds; but getting a little better at it every time) followed by Technique 23.0 is a really nice little workout. I like it a lot.

[Starfish]

How long is uphill grind?