Today, I set out to break my time up Snake (a steep 1.5 mile climb up to Skyline Boulevard in Oakland). My first attempt was just last week and I really went for it from the start, but then lost steam at the top (shooting for under 10 minutes I barely made it in under 12:30 - Oyoyoy!).
Today I was determined to try a new strategy. I held back the reigns for the first half of the climb (up to Colton) and then really let loose on the last quarter mile (after Thornhill). This strategy paid off as I shaved 45 seconds off my original time (11:34). This made me particularly happy because I'm now barely hanging on to the tenth spot out of all the women who have climbed that segment on strava (woohoo!).
I'm already pumped about improving my time next week. Here are my ideas!
1. Climb with cleaner lines (cut corners smarter and make straight shots up the squiggles)
2. Use a nasal decongestant strip (an experienced cyclist recommended this to me for getting more oxygen into my bloodstream - still need to try it!)
3. Start attacking the hill from Shepard Canyon downhill (this is a little cheap as a tactic, but it will bring my average speed way up if I can get a running start into that first steep climb)
4. Sprint - slow to fast - sooner (Instead of gunning it and having to back off later, steadily build speed from Thornhill up to 15mph and then stand up to sprint all the way through Colton)
Ohhhh can't wait to do this again!
This blog is a chronicle of my life as a female athlete; the hardships, hurdles, and adventures... Here, I share personal bests and worsts with my biggest supporters (my husband, family, coaches, and friends) and pay homage to all the amazing female athletes who charged forward before me to sit boldly in seats usually reserved for men. Hard work works! Here's why:
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Snake
Labels:
august firesale,
bike,
bike routes,
breath,
cardio,
challenge,
climb,
conditioning,
cycling,
discipline,
dream,
hard work,
ride,
speed,
strava,
train,
training,
work hard
Location:
Oakland, CA, USA
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