TT=Lungs on fire!

[Jon]

So last night I went up to a small local Time Trial that I stumbled upon through a posting on our intranet at work.  I didn't know anyone there or the course, but I did know that TT's = suffering, and I'm always game for that! (unlike some people around here - tee hee   
So there were both a 15 and 20km distance  (out and back route).  3 guys on mountain bikes opted for the 15, and me and 5 or 6 other roadies were game for the 20.  I got there a bit early and was able to ride out on the first 4 or so Km's, which were rolling terrain, and then in the distance I could see a nice long climb, so I figured this was gonna be tough.  Well, being the new guy, they sent me off just after the 15km guys, so I had all the usual roadies following me (most of which raced together on the OCA circuit).  So off we went in 30sec intervals, and of course I felt like I had the biggest target on my back and was playing the role of new-fringe-triathlete-dangling-carrot guy, quite well 

It didn't take too long before my legs and lungs were pumping good, and the burn was setting in.  I spun through the first 4 km pretty smooth, and then as suspected as I rolled into the climb, the fire in the lungs set in for the rest of the ride!  Whenever I do intensity stuff, it seems I often get a tin-like taste in my mouth, that almost has a hint of blood flavour (nice eh?). Anyone else get this or am I just lucky!?  The lungs seem to begin this purging, and its like any mucus that could possibly be produced, is needing to be spat out to 'clear the engine' (and being that this was my first dose of intensity in a looooong time, I recon there was lots of junk to clean out!).  Anyways, I get to the turn around, and see that I still have a bit of a gap, but things are bunching up behind me.  Time to bury the head, and get home.  4km to go, and I get to taste supper for the second time - nice, I must be doing this right.  On to the home stretch and I know that someone is closing.  We rip hard home, and with 25m to go, 2 guys roll up and go by me.  I cross the lines and my legs feel pretty good, but my lungs are completely on fire!  It seemed to take about about an hour before the burning went away, and today my lungs still feel 'different' (hopefully cleaner and more efficient, right? ;)  Obviously 2 guys finished ahead of my time... I have no idea where everyone else ended up, as I had to get home and help with bedtime for the kiddos.  I was pretty happy with the ride though, as I managed to dose my effort pretty well throughout the ride.  Plus, I'm certain every guy lined up behind me was hoping to roll past the 'new guy' as we rode, and only 2 managed that.  I rode it in 31:56... so I've set a goal of breaking 30 minutes on this route at some point (like next year, when I have more than 4 weeks riding in my legs!)
 
Anyways, I just thought I would share the little adventure and give you guys a read.  If you have never TT'd, you ought too - it is an awesome way to suffer!  Seriously, you can go as hard as you can, and unlike running, your joints don't feel any different the next day... plus riding a bike fast is just fun!!

Have a good day,
Jon

[Craig]

The metallic taste and feeling you describe is probably the result of the fine air quality out your way.

[Newt]

G'day Jon,

The only time TT is fun is after they are over. :)

That is blood you are tasting, I have tasted that frequently during hard efforts.

The lungs are a bit damaged, from the effort that's why they feel different. Kind of like exercise tears down muscle so it builds back stronger. And the intercostal muscle around the ribs usually are sore from the intense breathing.

I liken a short TT like blowing the carbon out of an engine. "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger"

Peace
Peter

[Jon]

@ Craig - Good one, but unfortunately that feeling has accompanied me most anywhere, including Trenton, where I've suffered on the treadmill and computrainer, enjoying that same great taste.

@ Peter - Thanks for the feedback.  That's always what I've suspected, but you articulated it much better!   

[Jeff]

I also get the tin and bloody taste at hard efforts, great time for 20k Jon.  Much easier on Sunday!!!!

[tire guy]

I also have suffered like that....but in my case it was from trying to force down the last moon pie 

[Slipstream]

Curious as to where this TT was and if there are more planned for the coming weeks.  I'm always looking for new ways to torture myself on the bike. 

Chris
 

[Jon]

Hey Chris,

I am an out-of-towner, so it was just north of Oshawa (Simcoe St/Shirley Rd.).  I agree though, that there should be some TT's thrown into the Big Ring fun!  Miserly loves company, and I'd love to know my good friends a suffering with me! 

Cheers,
Jon

[Newt]

I've rode the Cobourg weekly timetrials in the past but I can't get out there Tuesday nights anymore.

They are actually doing the yearly 50km TT (on the "flat terrain" past my place) tomorrow. (Aug 28th)

http://www.cobourgcyclingclub.com/

Peace
Peter

[Slipstream]

Thanks Jon & Peter,

I already ride with the Cobourg club, looking for that "edge" to better my times.  I'll be out on the 50K TT tomorrow which should be interesting as winds are forecast to be between 30-50Kph as the tropical storm rolls up the East coast.   It's open to any OCA member if anyone else wishes to ride.  Cost is only 5 bucks.  Stages from the Castleton Public school (Hwy 25 North of Colbourne).  Ride starts at 10.

Cheers,

Chris  

[Newt]

You'll like that TT Chris, especially the County rd#29 section, which runs by my place. Though there is a long flatish section between Morganston and Castleton but it can be a real dog if you are going against the wind.
Good luck. Push hard enough you'll get your name on the trophy, and get to keep it on the mantle until next year.

Peace
Peter

[Slipstream]

Had a great run.  The Trophy is coming to Brighton!  Ran the course in 1Hr 23 with an average speed was 35.8Km/Hr.  Had so much fun I rode a second lap just for kicks!  Winds were interesting, although the ZIPP wheels handled them well.  The gusts coming through the gaps in the trees on 29 were especially note-worthy!

Absolutely beautiful area to ride.  Very few cars, great pavement & terrain.  It's no wonder you're as fast as you are with that in your back-yard!

Cheers,

Chris

[Jeff]

Congrats Chris!!

[Newt]

Way to go Chris, if you are interested in joining in on our rides out this way you are more than welcome. I have a whole network of interesting loops I can show ya. Just ask Homer, he's been tagging along a bit this season.

Peace
Peter

[Sandy]

Congrats Chris!!