This time last year I would have said “back, be damned!” and headed out on the W&OD trail for a brisk 20 mile ride. But I’d like to think I am smarter than I was last year and so today I kept Ruby (my Specialized Ruby Elite) on the trainer. I also didn’t want to get out 10 miles only to re-injure myself and have to come back 10 miles!
Anyway, it was a 40 minute workout and I wore my heart monitor. Focusing on my BPM helped pass the time. I bounced between 160 bpm (easy for me to talk) and 180 bpm (body would start sweating, breathing increased and any talking was done in short sentences, legs would start to burn). I’m pretty happy with how I felt at the end – definitely could feel the effort but also that I could keep going. Again, this time last year I’d be trying to make my legs blow up, lol. Yeah, I am definitely smarter now. But not smart enough. As a result I always keep an eye out for articles/publications.
Here is a great article (I could answer “yes” to many of the beginning questions):
The Zone 3 Syndrome by Josh Horowitz
It probably applies to more than just cycling. Hope it helps bring clarity like it did for me!
And if you are just looking for information on heart rate training then here is some good information to start with:
Heart Rate Training Zones by USA Triathlon Coach Ken Johnson
Obviously I’ve had a lot of spare time today. It is only 10:30 in the morning and I’ve already made two blog entries. Yay for government holidays! 
