It's been 3 weeks since my last bike ride. Still not completely sure what caused my back issues (I'm thinking the most likely scenario is tight hamstrings), I've been reluctant to jump back on the bike until as much time as possible has passed to allow maximum healing. However, at a certain point you have to get back on the horse, as they say. It seemed to me that a week before the Webster Lake Tri would be a good time - 3 weeks of healing, and 1 week of testing out the cycling waters so that I feel comfortable that there won't be a re-flareup on race day.
So today after the swim, my friend Dave and I did the bike course. I was mostly interested in two things: one was the hills that are on the course, as I've read they are a bit tough; twp was how my lower back and hips would feel after being on the bike - would they seize up like they still do when I've been in my car seat for 30 minutes or more?
The hills on the course were definately something to not take lightly - but they also weren't anything that a little patience with a low gear couldn't handle. The mapmyride.com web site indicates that a portion of the route is about a 4% grade, but it certainly seems a bit steeper, at least comparing that hill to other hills I've gone up. Either way - it was a good experience to see what the hills were like, as well as to see what the course was like - especially because after a downhill section where you can easily get > 30 mph, there is a hard right hand turn that kind of sneaks up on you. Having knowledge of where that hill is is good information to have.
After the ride was over, my lower back felt a little bit stiff. It's hard to say how much of that is residual due to my recent back issues, vs just being on a bicycle that naturally tends to stiffen the lower back a bit. Either way, though - transitioning to the run shouldn't be a hurdle that cannot be overcome, although I may end up taking a little extra time. It's hard to say - because I'm still noticing daily improvements with my lower back. But now that I think of it - maybe a good strategy would be to lie on my back while removing the cycling shoes and putting on the running shoes. That way I get my 30 seconds or so of lying on my back while still being productive.
Total Distance: 11.83 miles
Total Time: 44:18
Avg HR: 147
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