Another great Saturday!

**FitnessPhotos** · July 10th, 2006, 02:33 PM

40 miles in 2:17:26, averaging 17.62 miles per hour. Still one 5 mile hill section kicking my butt, but I really enjoyed the ride. I broke last weeks ride time and set a new record (beating last weeks time by 6 and a half minutes) and even beating my "theoretical best time in 2005" by two minutes.

I think I'm starting to reach my peak, though; my body mass is going to work against me from here out. I train with weights 5 days a week for 45-60 minutes a day and have always had broad shoulders and a big upper body. I considered changing some equipment, like new wheels and such; but I don't see how wheels or even a carbon frame is going to change my times alot when I weigh in at 240! It seems like something is going to have to give - either I'm a bodybuilder or an athlete. Finding the balance will be my struggle for the rest of this year.

**JoeBAR** · July 10th, 2006, 08:03 PM

I know how you feel. I got into this fitness palava around christmas 2005. Started to make my jogs longer... and longer, and I lost a fair bit of fat. Then I started weights as well, to help.... To stop disappearing sort of

Now I still want to be able to run, but I really love weights, I eat like a horse and my body mass is back to what it was around christmas, with 5% bodyfat less, of course. I came to the point a few weeks back, scratching my head...

Am I gonna make it to a marathon? I'd really want to, but my knees won't carry me for 5 hours-ish @ 195lbs+. For the last 2 months, all I can run is 2hrs30min, and there's no way I'll make 26 miles fit in this time... So, I could say the decision has been made for me. I carry on with the weights, and I'll see about the marathon if I can gently coax my knees into carrying me for longer. I still need to experiment with new shoes for a start.

Good luck in finding your own personal best combination of distance/speed riding, and weight lifting workout.

**pigperson** · July 10th, 2006, 10:35 PM

FP;

Wow, your doing great!!

Well depending on how long your climb time is, lighter wheels can help a lot, sometimes even lighter tires will do the trick. Your rolling weight will decrease allowing you to sprint and climb a bit easier. Plus if you get aero/semi-aero rims that can help with rides that head directly into the wind. What wheels and tires are you running now?

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Joebar;

What about starting with a half-marathon first? You may have already done so by the sounds of it though. If not that may be something to consider as a stepping stone to bigger, longer miles. In anycase running 2hr 30mins straight is pretty cool, keep it up!

**JoeBAR** · July 11th, 2006, 02:08 AM

The 2hrs30min mark that kills my knee atm is about 15.5 miles. I've ran up to 16.5 miles, before my slow weight increase has stopped me at 2.30. Maybe I just need to run more often, I tend to leave it for every other weekend

**FitnessPhotos** · July 12th, 2006, 08:52 PM

I'm digging these Spinergy Stealth PBO 700c carbon wheels; I just wonder about my weight and wheels like these.

Right now I have what came on the bike when I bought it. Alex ALX 295, alloy double wall rim. I did upgrade the tires to Continental 4 season Grand Prix series because I had a couple flats on my original tires.

**pigperson** · July 13th, 2006, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitnessPhotos

I'm digging these Spinergy Stealth PBO 700c carbon wheels; I just wonder about my weight and wheels like these.

FP, I'm not sure what the weight limit is on those wheels, they are nice though. You may take a look at the "Hurricane" wheelset from American Classic -- lighter than the Spinergys and designed for some powerful riders, even in cyclocross conditions. Here's a link:

http://www.amclassic.com/Wheels_Hurricane.html

Claimed weight for both wheels;

Spinergy PBO -- 1620g
AM Hurricanes -- 1545g

Alex wheels are ok, but yes do upgrade, it'll make a difference.

**FitnessPhotos** · July 13th, 2006, 09:53 AM

I've been offered a new set of the wheels from the seller for $630 plus shipping; these wheels MSRP is $1100. I might take them up on it.

The next thing on my list might be a carbon frame...

**FitnessPhotos** · July 13th, 2006, 01:06 PM

Okay, bicyclechemistry.com has offered to sell me the wheels at the price I bid. Woo hoo!

**FitnessPhotos** · July 13th, 2006, 01:54 PM

Okay, I caved. I've got the fever, I guess.

A new carbon frame is on order as well.

I'll be really excited to see if this has any effect on my times!

**pigperson** · July 13th, 2006, 04:07 PM

If nothing else, the ride quality will be better. The Roubaix is slighty different in the geometry, giving more comfort without sacrificing in performance...good choice!

**FitnessPhotos** · July 15th, 2006, 08:56 PM

Crap ride today - hot, humid, buggy and sprinkling. I went 25 and stopped. But there is a reason for everything, I suppose, I was home a little early and the postman came up to ring my bell - I had to sign for my new frame! Woo hoo!

I couldn't believe it was in there - the box weighed nothing! I thought I had been taken until I opened it up and there it was - that darn thing weighs as much as my socks! lol

Just waiting on the wheels, which I hope will be here on Monday.

Pictures to follow!

**pigperson** · July 15th, 2006, 09:51 PM

hehe!! Yes please post pics of completed bike