Finishing Off The First 1,000 Miles Of 2018

Today's adventure, counterclockwise.

Much later into this year than I had hoped, I am finding some consistency in my training. April was a disaster: just 8 rides for a total of 271 miles. That left me 181 miles short of last year’s pace. And last year’s pace was nothing special. It’s not uncommon for me to complete my first 1,000 miles before May. But I amassed 144 miles during the week of April 23-29 and another 171 miles last week. In both distance and time—more than 10.5 hours in the saddle—last week was my highest volume of training so far this year.

With no races scheduled this month, my biggest goals are to drop a few pounds and to surpass my oldest monthly mileage record. I rode 750 miles in May 2009. I wouldn’t call 751 “low-hanging fruit,” but it’s achievable. Usually I am mountain biking by now, and maybe even racing. Not this year. What I want and what I need are in perfect sync: long road and rec trail rides. And this week is off to a good start: 33 miles today takes me to 1,000 miles, year-to-date. That’s 9 days later than last year, but not bad historically:

2018-05-07
2017-04-28
2016-04-24
2015-04-11
2014-05-08
2013-05-13
2012-04-14
2011-05-16
2010-04-29
2009-05-12
2008-05-22
2007-05-28
2006-06-14
2005-06-22
2004-09-04

I often describe the 1,000-mile mark as the point in the season at which I “switch on” and start riding with a little more style and a little less desperation. I felt good today. You’ve heard it before: I ride better as I ride more.