Several days ago Allen Turner commented on my Strava post something like "do you ever have a week below 200 miles." I replied, off the top of my head, that while I have that as a goal, I've only reached it three time in the last 15 years. Well, I really couldn't let that pass without researching my answer. I have a spread sheet (3 actually) going back to 2008. But first some background.
When I started racing Senior Games in 2005 I determined I would have good fitness if I rode 800 miles per month. And I broke that down into two days long, two medium at pace, and two days of drills which would not be a lot of miles. That gives me four days off and two or three extra days to make it to 800. I didn't have a coach, I didn't hit my goals. I only had a plan that needed adjusting. It's not like I was unsuccessful. I refer you to my post of xxxxx. Well, I can't find it. Here's a summary: I've been in 183 races, finished first in 59 (32%), second in 51 (28%), third in 35 (19%). So I've finished on the podium in 79% of my races.
Back on topic. Not counting my cycling vacations (Katy Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway (3 times), Natchez Trace, Paul Bunyan Trail among others), I've only done nine 200 mile weeks since 2008. I came close four other times. Most of my months are in the 400-500 mile range.
Feb 19-25, 2009, 212.2 miles
May 10-18 2009, 205.3 miles
May 17-23, 2013, 220.7 miles
May 1-7, 2016, 201.1 miles
May 12-18, 2016, 212.8 miles (a very good month!)
Nov 4-10, 2017, 294.9 miles
Jun 6-13 2024, 233.6 miles
Jun 23-29, 2024, 200.5 miles (another good month)
Feb 1-6 2025, 216.6 miles
Let me tell you how to up your mileage: ride with friends. Scheduled rides with friends will get you out and about when you might otherwise stay home. Like there is no way would I get battered by the wind like we had today and Tuesday unless I was with a group. And some strong rider who would let me draft. Plus, ride at a pace you enjoy. My definition of "enjoy" might be different from yours. I don't advocate coming home from a ride exhausted, but that's me most of the time. Also, I now describe my cycling goals as "fluid." If you follow me on Strava, you will see in the coming months more days devoted to Drills. These days are weather-dependent, so will change if I can't get in a good workout.
And thanks, Allen, for recognizing my rides. I know we don't always acknowledge Strava postings, but we do at least a cursory review of all of them.
