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Lauren Jacobsen Blog

The HUB @ Bicycle.net

2/17/08

I just finished base training about 3 weeks ago. And the crowning glory to my 4 months of effort was that fabulous flu that has been wreaking havoc on everyone.
Just as I was finishing up with about a 200% increase in my weights over last year, I was promptly forced into a lethargic, lox on a plate, sleep for a week and a half.
Makes a nice entry into race season, don’t you think?
Base was different this year. Sure, I did the long slow 4.5-hour rides through the rain, through the wind, and up mountains that I can only describe as never ending. But I also did a lot of 55/90. Up and down Benedict Canyon. 55 cadence up the road, 90 down the road, 90 up road, 90 down again. Wax on. Wax off.
Oh, did I mention the ride came “right” after the weight workout? Not the next day or later that day, but after the last weight hits the stack!
Oh, and did I mention those gym workouts involved my newest fashion accessory; a 40 lb. weighted vest.
Last year was so much easier!

I’m sure next year I will be like one of those strong man shows where I pull a semi strapped to my waist.
And if it’s up to my coach, it will be up and down Benedict Canyon.
But hey, it’s all gonna pay off, right? For me, time will tell.
Literally.

Lauren Jacobsen
AKA: “Turbo Chicken”