The last big training day of a 3 week phase: 5 1/2 hrs. and 90 miles of mountains.
I actually felt wonderful throughout the day, even though during the first half hour or so, I was loathing the ride. The kind of moments...you know the kind. Ones which conjure up all sorts of worrisome delusions; cramps, bonking (complete glycogen depletion or hitting the wall) and the possibility of wrecking during a descent. None of these things happened and usually never do. I emphasize "usually".
A ride of this type really tests levels of fortitude and also genuinely allows the mind to wander in places it normally wouldn't. This is how it is for me anyway. Thoughts like clouds tumbling through the wind, slowly passing by. Sublime and very much a dream state of sorts. The imagination, projections and the recounting of experiences play out more slowly. Similar to a perfected meditation. From what my guide tells me of meditation practice (yes, I do meditate, although somewhat sporadically), thoughts should be observed while allowing the breath to pass naturally with no attachment to them. This is by no means an easy task while practicing sitting meditation. On occasion, I'll find myself laughing at how ludicrously difficult the task can be. However, while on the bike and surpassing high levels of fatigue, it is quite the pleasant experience and seemingly easier than ever. I actually practice breathing techniques while riding, especially so during the difficult climbs, monitoring the heart rate all the while. This helps to control energy expenditure by maintaining a lower heart rate during high levels of power output, inevitably decreasing the amount of glycogen used. This is what most endurance athletes strive to achieve.
Try this:
When going into the climb, maintain a steady drawing breath that's very controlled, focusing on heart rate. As the heart rate starts to increase, really begin to focus on the breathing pattern and try to maintain a steady breath rate. Deep and deliberate, but not too fast. There will be a difference in the spiking of your heart rate during intense, steady power efforts, if these patterns are consistently monitored. Focusing in such a way will teach the body to be more efficient in using oxygen as an energy source. It may even allow you to become more in tune and attentive to your thought patterns while you’re at it (that is, if you wish to be).
I was practicing the above technique on each of the climbs profiled below. It made for a much more enjoyable experience, yet still painful.
The picture shows us approaching the inevitable; the distance and the altitude of the climb.
"A further sign of health is that we don't become undone by fear and trembling, but we take it as a message that it's time to stop struggling and look directly at what's threatening us."
Pema Chodron
Breathe through it friends.
