Sunday, April 05, 2009

THREE HOURS
That's how long I spun away on the trainer today. I amazed myself that I could stick it out for that long, but believe me, it was a minute by minute effort.
I had the choice to either spin along with my Hardcore spinnerval dvd or, better yet, catch up on trashy romance movies and the ER finale. The second choice won out.
It was the perfect day for staying in: cloudy, cold (35 degrees), with rain and snow threatening. Don talked about going out on the bikes, but after our frigid ride 2 weeks ago, I could not face that discomfort again, with the added factor of three hours in the cold.
I got up early enough to straighten up the house, make my quiche I use for my everyday breakfast when working out, and head out to do my weekly shopping, getting home by 12:30, with the plan to eat lunch, do some laundry, and get on the bike by 2:00. I actually got on by 2:30 and for the first part of the ride watched the Nora Roberts romance movie Midnight Bayou. I doubt I would have watched this otherwise, so it was a wise move earlier in the week to record it when I saw it on the listing. It held me captivated (LOL!) until the end, giving me a little over 1 hour of riding (for a 2 hour movie--that's how many commercials there are in something like this!). Next up on the playlist was the ER finale. That also kept my interest and I actually didn't stop riding until 2 hours 25 minutes when I ran out of water and needed to refuel. Then it was gutting it out for the next 35 minutes. Honestly, I don't know which was worse: one time when I ran 18 miles on a treadmill training for a marathon or today. I'm guessing it was the 18 miles, because at least today I wasn't crazed by the end, just glad to be done.
I can't help but wonder though if trainer time will equate to road time. When I did my half last summer, it was 4 weeks before the event before I was confident enough I could actually do something like that. I did all my biking outside. This time, most of it will be inside. Does time in the saddle equate?? Hopefully so, because next week it is 3.5 hours, and if luck is with me, it will be outside, and hopefully I can do a full or close 50 miles.
Right now, we're waiting to see if we get that 8-10 inches of snow as predicted or whether it will bypass our otherwise pathetic state. At least we have the MSU win in the final 4 to be hopeful about! Go State!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow. I knew you would find a way to make it happen. But still...Wow.

Marlene said...

That is a LONG time to be on the trainer. Way to get it done!

But you ran 18 miles on a treadmill?! I don't think you could pay me to do that!

A Plain Observer said...

I think inside will give you a good work out anyway. 3 hours inside or outside are incredible 3 HOURS!!! if nothing more, it helps the mind which is half the battle. I have done 12 miles on the treadmil, the thought of going longer sends me in a panic. Good job!

Sunshine said...

Most of the snow went south of us.. I think.. hope.. that is happening for you too.
Wishing you a good week.

Lily on the Road said...

You are amazing, way to go Vickie, that takes a tough mind to slog it out on the trainer and the treadmill!

Shannon said...

Good Job.

Christie said...

Nice job! I would have lost my mind. I hope the weather cooperates soon so you can get some rides in outside.

ShirleyPerly said...

Wow, 3 hours is AWESOME!!

I've always heard that a trainer ride is harder than riding outdoors because there's no coasting. But I have also heard of some people (no names mentioned!) forgetting to put any resistance on the wheel in which case it would probably have been easier. For me, the most difficult thing is staying focused mentally and sitting on my seat (it's much harder than when I'm outdoors probably because I don't move/change positions as much indoors).

IronLinae, PhD said...

3 hours on the trainer is hardcore, girl! Well done.

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

Thanks for visiting.
I have a lot of respect for "you all" that can spin for that period of time without going anywhere. I think I would give up the sport.
Keep up the good work.

Anne said...

Getting through a Nora Roberts movie? Now that's stamina! My butt's sore just thinking about three hours in the saddle like that. I'm duly impressed, Vickie.

jeanne said...

that's just insane! 3 hours on a trainer! arghhhhhh! if only i had your stamina ... or will power! well done!