Training Log Archive: glewis

Took a chance on Mark Montague's "Mock AR," basically a long training course he designed from satellite images in and around the Bethlehem, PA area. This was the first bike. Unsurprisingly, ran into a few issues with private property, so I had to add a number of miles to get where I intended legally. Actually got permission from one compliant owner to ride 75 meters through a dirt road to avoid a 10k ride around. Good bit of climbing but all on roads. Hotter than expected, so I was pretty zapped.

First trek of the workout. The trail map was pretty inaccurate, so I had to take a mental image of a few signs in the park and use those. I got turned around a few times but was able to manage. Skipped a few "points" to avoid what was clearly a miss mapped trail section near the original private property.

Second bike, started on roads with steep climbs, transitioned to 15k of rail trails and finished at Lehigh with more steep climbs, super technical MTB and some sketchy roads. A lot of time spent staring at the maps to keep myself on route. Ended up bailing on a decent chunk of trails up on South Mountain because of their quality. After the next trek, I realized that the trails I skipped were all more rideable than those I rode.

Second trek section. Started just as darkness fell. Once I got the lay of the land on South Mountain it was navigationally smooth, just a few junctions that didn't line up. Massive leg cramps cut this a slight bit short.

Ride back to the car to finish. I misread some contours and had expected some climbing, but it was almost all downhill. Some issues with small map details. The crazy leg cramps, hotter than expected afternoon temps and running out of water and food made me decide to call it quits and head home. Fun idea for training and good workout!

Run at Cheslen. Kept it conservative for the still-recovering legs. Felt smooth, if not strong, throughout.

Slippery ride at Harmony Hill. Trails were wet and light rain fell throughout. Tough to get much grip on rocks and roots. Legs and lungs felt good.

Easy run at Cheslen with Tim G. Both of us were hoping for something slow and light, so we went easy on the elevation and pace. Felt great after the run, which was a nice feeling.