I think the microloading concept really comes into its own on the more technical lifts, of which the squat is probably the hardest. So, although I hesitate giving advice to you, once you reach a load where the load starts to feel heavy, but your form is still good, that's where you really need to introduce microloading. Maintain the form, and start to increase the weight very slowly, like a pound to three pounds per week. Even just a pound a week adds up to 52 pounds in a year, and meanwhile, you've been honing your form the whole time. Anyway, that's how it's been working for me. I still have my goals, but the main thing is to practice good form during the workouts. The increases have become secondary. And the increases are still contingent on improving with structural balance. I used to feel a little silly doing bench presses well below my capacity, but now I appreciate more how they fit into the workout as a whole, and that feeling of integration you get towards the end.Although my 90kg squats are getting a bit heavy now?
Well I have been having some issue with my front wheel, I probably need to bring it in and get the wheels re-tensioned. However I have had about 5 flats in the last 60 days or so and I am starting to realize as a commuter bike its not really ideal. Changing flats in the winter rains sucks ass. The roads are pretty smooth, but there is enough city riding and bumps that I think is causing to much damage to the wheels, then add on my weight plus an additional 25lbs or so of gear and clothes probably not ideal from a weight standpoint either.
Yeah I was looking at the internal hubs actually, this one seems to be a pretty nice one, albeit expensive (1000EUR, more than the bike I purchased) http://www.rohloff.de/en/products/speedhub/, shimano has a 7 speed one that we have on a couple of the upright bikes. 100k kilometers without maintenance is pretty awesome. But that might be a little to expensive for me, I also like quick release wheels in case you have a flat on the road. The internal hubs are an absolute pain in the ass to get off when you need to replace your tube on the side of the road. Derailleur maintenance is as well, but at least I am used to that.
I ended up picking up this one, http://www.fahrrad.de/kona-sutra-se...=22_-1_36897_36899_37149_764106_0_Billiger.de I was going back and forth between the steel frame version and the aluminum one and decided I am not a big fan of the wobbliness of steel. Plus I'll probably never have the welding issues in a remote part of the world and the price was right. Not sure how I'll like the end of the handlebar shifters though. Mainly this one comes with wider tires 700x35 rather than the bike I have now is 700x25, that should solve most of the rough road issues. I will also be able to use sealant if I get the Dunlop valve tubes which should pretty much fix any flat I might get here, the presta valves are impossible form that perspective.
Drop downs are great here for the wind, but that's the only time I go into that position. I do like the neutral grip option, its a little more comfortable for me than long rides on my mountain bike.
I'll take a pic when I get it this weekend and let you know what I think.
That looks pretty sweet. I agree, the neutral grip is nice. That's why I put my handle grip ends on the inside of my brakes and shifters rather than on the ends of the handlebar, so that I could have a shoudler-width neutral grip when I'm cruising, but I can using the wider, pronated grip for braking, shifting, and for when I need more stability, like over a rough or icy road.
It was good to hear of some of the pitfalls of a road bike. I sometimes fantasize what it would be like to zip along on a lighter, faster bike, but you reminded me how nice it is to have something a bit more rugged. If and when I have some discretionary income again, I'll probably opt for getting an acoustic bass again, rather than a nice road bike. Besides, the heavier bike is better for fitness purposes, right? I'm envious though, of your aluminum frame.
Had a nice cold-weather trial ride the other day. Only a little adjustment from cold-weather running, mainly due to the greater windchill. I got some nice gloves instead of mittens, and bought some ski googles too, both clear for darker rides, and tinted for sunny. I'm also experimenting with different windproof tights. Other than that, it's the same gear. But my feet did get cold, and I see I just missed Sockwa's 50% off Black Friday sale. I'm thinking of picking up the G Hi model, with more thermal properties and a high top. I really like the barefoot or minimalist pedaling feel, so I'm going to try to avoid boots if I can find a way to keep my feet reasonable warm. Just ordered some sheepskin insoles.
Glad to hear the lifting is going well and that the shoulder is healing up. I don't recall giving you a time frame, but I'm glad it's working out. Ligaments/tendons can take a while.Great week of workouts, its nice to get in a full solid week. Shoulder was feeling strong so I upped the bench a bit, still felt pretty easy. I am glad the strength levels are getting back to what they were pre-injury although Lee's estimates of 8-12 months to completely recover was very accurate. Hopefully I can get a long run in tomorrow and next week a full week of bike commuting with the new machine.
I'm feeling like I'm due for a couple of months of good progress now, so it will be fun to compare notes, as always. Really, these interactive logs are great motivation, and instill a nice sense of obligation for those days when I really don't feel like it, even if you (and BA and Sid) turn out to be sophisticated, interactive exercise robots. (And what happened to BA by the way? Is he moving houses again?) I've also found the logs useful for going back and analyzing certain things, like learning how to manage my knee issues by looking at how certain things or combinations of things set it off or, conversely, may have alleviated it.
Anyway, took a nap yesterday instead of lifting, so I'm due for a session later today. Looking forward to testing out the DLs a bit more.