One word describes my motivation right now...

WORLDS

I'm trying to train smart and gain some final improvements as the 24 Hour Solo Mtn Bike World Championship approaches. It's just under 4 weeks away now, in Conyers, Georgia! I'm racing in the Professional category this year (last year I got 3rd in age group) and I don't want to be completely embarrassed ya know?

Fear of embarrassment is a great motivator.

After taking Wed the 6th off to make sure I completely recovered from the 74 mile run last weekend - I've started out this last phase of training pretty well:

Thurs: 40 road miles at heart rate level II
Fri: 87 road miles at hr level II
Sat: 20 road miles; morning intervals, afternoon hills, pre-dinner hills
Sun: 64 road miles at hr level II (great ride w/my buddy Cory Fraser -pictured)
Mon: 17 road miles easy

Why all the focus on hr level II? Well that is where my heart rate should be for the 24 hours I race in Georgia. This seems insanely low I know but this is endurance racing!

What is exciting is I've been feeling great during my training sessions (and hungry all the time). After each workout I am recovering extremely well too, with no muscle soreness or stiffness the next morning. I just get up and I'm ready to go again, feelin' groovey. I bet it's the recoverite from Hammer Nutrition.