I have always been slow. I don't mean I sat in the corner of the classroom wearing a conical hat with the letter 'D' on it. That happened remarkably rarely.
I mean slow when it comes to paddling, running or cycling. I always get there but usually after the people I was riding with.
Quite a few of our exploits ended up in newspaper or magazine articles, like the one on the left.
My camera saved me.
On long expeditions, when lagging behind, I'd spot an amazing shot and call the rest of the team back. While they rode the chosen section several times I pressed the shutterand got my breath back.
Of course, they quickly sussed my plan, but didn't risk missing the shot that made it into the magazines.
Otherwise, everyone will have packed up and gone home when I roll across the line. With my lights on.
The training programme is built around a
heart rate monitor. One session involves keeping below, but close to, my lactate threshold, which in my case means I must keep my heart rate between 144 and 147 bpm.
I don't know if you've tried it, but it is extraordinarily difficult to keep within such a narrow band.
The challenge is compounded by there being a natural lag between the body's exertion and the heart responding.
I've resorted to going harder, with a higher heart rate, just so it doesn't dip below 144. And going harder hurts!
So here's my question - how do you do it?
How do you keep within a narrow band, and does it become easier with practice?
I realise I could buy a Power Meter, on which there would be no lag. But that would be a toy too far.
Certainly for a rider with my lack of ability and modest ambitions.
