800 hours in 1 year is a decent jump for me compared to last year, however I think I should be able to handle it given my previous years of training for Race Across America and other super long distances.
Adam and Lance are on the same schedule as me. Without their help riding 20+ hr weeks during base would be completely impossible. Long rides on Saturday mornings starting at 4am would be miserable but instead it is an epic adventure when you have 2 other guys to ride with... so much fun! I feel much stronger this year doing my base miles compared to last year.
Keys to doing 20+ hour weeks:
- Nutrition: When riding over 4hrs. Probars and Cerasport keep me going and Barmitts keep my hands from falling off in the cold weather.
- Commuting: I don't think it would be possible to fit in that many hours if I was not also commuting to work on most days per week.
- Training partners: Joe Friel says it is best to train alone, at your own pace, but mentally that is impossible. Luckily Adam, Lance, and I are all about the same speed or at least it is close enough.
Base is fun but I can't wait to be over with it and back to racing again! Racing is what it is all about. The first race next year is Monster Cross, that will be a C level race for me. I am looking forward to seeing the 2013 NUE schedule to find out when my real races are.
