Sandisfield & Beach Rock Combo

Today was a big day. With the IM getting close I needed mentally to knock down a huge ride. I've been trying to get after the big double for some time now and today I finally did it. I got out at 7 am and rode Sandisfield first. After running 309 hard yesterday my legs were hurting from the start and mentally I didn't think a Beach Rock follow up would be possible. Last year this ride was a huge milestone for me. It's got tons of climbing and it's just freakin brutal. Last year I was in it mentally but physically it was tough. Today I was there physically but struggling mentally. It would have been nice to have someone pushing but seeing the final result let me know I was pushing the whole time.

I was talking to myself all the way to the beast and then I just zoned out. I got through Sandisfield in exactly 3:30. Fueled up at Stratton Brook park, eight a few bites of a sandwich and seven minutes later I was back on the bike. I felt suprisingly good on the start of the Beach Rock loop and after getting up 309 I was back in a zoned out state. Before I knew it I was making the last climb into Hartland and on target to finish under 2:30. My fueling today was on target and I have to say the GU chew blocks are awesome when you're sick of packet after packet of GU. You could feel the extra kick they give you. Got back to Stratton Brook in 2:24. Last year this ride took me six hours and five minutes or so. This year I was under six hours (5:54) and feeling good. I even had enough in the tank at the end to push hard through the back roads leading to the park. The legs are cooked and this was a great weekend.

I'm happy to get this one in as a mental boost going into IMCDA. Mentally, this year has been the toughest. Last year I could deal with all the mental crap and push through the pain. This year I find myself wanting to be with my family much more than ever and hate being away from them for hours on end. With a little girl on the way, that's all that I've been thinking about and how I can help my wife through this last month and a half of pregnancy. Next weekend we have a two back to back days of classes on child birth. Getting this ride in today will put me at ease and allow me to focus on what's really important.

Summary:

Ride: 5:54 (Sandisfield/Beach Rock loop)

Avg HR: 142

Distance: 100+ miles of ridiculous climbing