Huge Workout - Good Day

Today I got out with Max for one of his big workouts. All I was told was to bring 10-12 gels and four bottles and be prepared for a lot of climbing. A lot of climbing was an understatement. I've never climbed so much, so steep, ever. At about 2 hours in, there was one climb that I got tunnel vision on and nearly puked. Max said it's pretty much like the Beast down at St. Croix.

Somehow I got to the top and as soon as I got my vision back I hear Max say, "keep going, I'm going to do it again." I thought I was hearing things. There are no words to describe this only that the man is an animal and I now know what it takes to get to that next level. It's impressive to witness. And I think he was in the saddle for nearly all of the climb. Sick. After Max made his second lap and caught me again we hit 2-3 more steeps that had me sucking air and grunting. After a downhill that could literally kill you we cruised in on mainly rollers that still tested the legs after all the climbing. I need to drink more on the bike. It didn't help that I launched a bottle somewhere along the way and with all the climbing taking all your focus it's hard to remember to take in liquid.

After 3.5 hours and 60+ miles we rolled in and transitioned to a 30 minute run. I was pretty pleased how the legs responded and kept a steady pace with the HR around the high 150s into the 160s. We hit the turnaround and about 3/4 of the way done I started to get the body buzz. Not taking in enough liquid started to hit and thank god we were nearing the end. At the finish I doubled over to catch my breath, congratulate myself for completing such a killer workout, probably the most difficult ever. All in all a crazy day. I look back now and am amazed I was able to pull myself through and have a steady run to wrap it up. The whole ride all I wanted was to keep Max in my sights and not get dropped and have him come scoop me up. I succeeded for the most part, until he pulled a legendary move and rode one of the steepest hills I have ever seen twice. I'm thinking I'll recount this workout again for quite sometime when I'm racing or if I am just not feeling confident.

Summary:

Bike: 3.5 hours

Distance: 60+ miles (tons of climbing 6,000 feet)

Avg HR: 148

Run:

Time: 30 mins

Avg HR: 153

Nutrition: 6 gels, 3.5 bottles (gatorade endurance and water)