Today was the first `hot' training day since last year. Though I rode in the morning the temp was 97F by the end of 30 miles.
30 Miles in the Arizona Desert
The plan was to do 60 miles, working on the `volume' criterion of my training model. But heat acclimatization is a physical and physiological process that is entirely unconcerned with the racer's `will to power.'
In the past I would push into the heat with the delusional mentality that `if it doesn't kill me it builds me.' I hate to succumb to the probable effect of age and experience: balanced and reasoned judgment. Sure, it's smart but ... I think I'm losing my ego identification with `recklessness' and `too-much-is-never-enough.' Disorienting (dammit!). Makes me feel grown up. I don't like that.
Me: "I'm a strong-willed stud able to get tougher when the going get's tough. I'll suffer through the danger of heat and build even more `studly' creds."
Heat: "Fine. You do what you do. And I'll do what I do. You lose. I win."
So I packed it in and called it a day.
Tomorrow I start at 6:00AM and the plan is to do 75 miles. Just as the heat is getting `too much' I'll be finished. Same with the subsequent two days.
Heat acclimatization. Takes careful and gentle patience. But the goal -- performance -- is worth it.
No comments:
Post a Comment