My training for Unbound Gravel

Wakeup-7:30

Weight-

I've been having trouble sleeping lately, could be from Covid related stress. I don't know. Decided that I would go to the gym and get a workout in. Warmed up on the treadmill for a mile, them did some leg work. I did some deadlifts today for the 1st time. I plan on keeping up my Tuesday and  Thursday's gym session. I feel like Rocky.

My training for UNBOUND Gravel-Week 20 Day 2

This is my first blog entry since starting my journey to become a better cyclist. I originally started back in October I signed up for trainer Road started off with their Sweet Spot base building program low volume Sweet Spot bass one sweet spot base 2.

My original equipment was a dumb Trainer and a stages left crank power meter. My initial FTP test with that equipment was 146. Six weeks later I retested and was surprised to see that my FTP had increased to162.I started the sweet spot base 2 with this new FTP. Six weeks later I retest it and to my surprise my FTP was actually lower it was 154. That was sort of demoralizing, But I decided to suck up my pride and based my training on this new FTP. Six weeks later I retested again using their ramp test. My FTP was still lower. This time it was 144. 

Granted somethings have changed such as I was using a direct Drive trainer as opposed to my dumb trainer. That was the main source of my power. I also had ordered a direct drive trainer the Tacx Neo2T. So my new FTP was based on using my new equipment.

Today I had my first true work out after my FTP test and it was tough. I’ve decided to change some things in my training and in my lifestyle. Such as incorporating more body weight strength training such as squats and planks. Incorporating more movement into my day. I have 14 weeks until my unbound Gravel event where I have pledge to ride 200 miles. I must trust the process and that following the program that I’ve signed up for on trainer Road will allow me to successfully complete my event.

Taking time to smell the roses

"A picture's meaning can express ten thousand words"

Photos from today's ride-

Going with the flow

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." – Lao-Tzu

Yeah that's going with the flow. I knew that today would be my first challenge. My son is getting married today. 'Bout time, but that's another story. See the thing about weddings is that there is always a lot of food and cake. Did I say cake? That has always been a challenge, how do I eat healthy when at a social event or on a date.

I decided that I would count my victories instead of hiccups in my plan. I know that may sound a bit selfish after all this day should be about him and it is. Control those things that I can and go with the flow otherwise.

I stayed true to my 2 main goals that I had set for myself

• keep on schedule with my running program and 
• Limit the amount of sweets that I eat. I told you that I love sweets

Going to do that no matter what. So this morning before it got too hot, I ran. Got a cat call along the way, said my legs looked sexy. It was from a couple of my friends who were on their way to bike. I'm really glad that I did run. I love getting out once I leave my front door.

Started my day off with my meal plan for today. Now that part of my routine will change at the wedding, but I will do my best to eat clean.

My plan is to enjoy the rest of the day confident that I will flow just like water.

   

Starting Fresh

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"-. Unknown

I made a change in my eating habits in 2014. I decided that I would become vegan. Not because of any cruelty to animal issues, it was purely selfish. I watched this documentary called Forks over Knives on Netflix. I bet I watched it at least 5 times and it talked about a link between consuming animal proteins and cancer. 

Several people that were dear to me had died from cancer. My wife, my Father, my paternal grandmother, my favorite uncle, so this documentary affected me to my core. In addition to that, I had recently gone through divorce. I was overweight and just wanted a change in my life. I knew life was more than this. I deserved better for myself. Now these motivations were not conscious at this time, but were building up in the depth of my being.

I came across an article on a site that I was browsing that was talking about a detox. So I decided to give it a try. I began a 10 day detox. No intended results other than just to feel better at the end. I was bloated and just didn't fell right. I was exercising fairly regularly but I knew my diet was the limiting factor. After I finished the detox, I said to myself," now that I’ve detoxed why not try eating a vegan palate". So I did.

I saw amazing results very quickly. The most notable was my weight loss. I went from about 240 pounds to 205 pounds very quickly without even trying. I ran my 1st half marathon and was floating on a cloud.

Fast forward to today. I slacked on my diet. I love chocolate and sweets and as a result I've gained about 14 pounds in 2 years. I've decided to recommit myself to a vegan diet with the following goals in mind-

• Lose weight- my goal is to weight 190 lbs. I have not weighed that since I was probably in my teens.
• get my waist size to a 36
• gain muscle mass
• To show others that no matter what age it is possible to do what I am doing. 
• Also to show that it is possible to live healthy without breaking the bank.

I know that in order to do this I need to make some changes in how I do things, hence the title-

• I need to journal. I am using Spark people to record my meals. I am using Strava to record my physical activity. This was I hold myself accountable.
• It is imperative that I eat whole foods as much as possible.
• I need to plan. Plan my meals, my week, my day, etc. But not become inflexible.
• I have to cook my meals

The main thing I want to do is to learn new things, meet new people and enjoy the journey. Not to look so much at the end goal, but have fun in the process.