Weekend warrior report - Who suffers the most?

After being abandoned to my own devises by the CCCP members this weekend, I decided to go on one of my old favourite c40 mile runs and put the garmin on. An attack on a couple of the strava segments I knew existed was part of the plan. I felt good and was convinced I was going to kick ass.

First came the Straight Mile - a stretch of road somewhat more than a mile but flat as a pancake. We normally have a bit of a gallop between a couple of signposts when we are out as a group, but today I was going to endure the full length 'On the rivet". After a gut busting effort which saw me narrowly miss a parked car that came up on me while I concentrated on keeping a bit to much 'aero', and a bit of an embarrassing problem when  my phone had slipped down my lycra bib shorts, i was convinced I had at least done a personal best, if not made KOM.

Couple of miles recovery and I hit the bottom of Poplar Lane hill, a short steep climb that I have never broken 2 minutes on. (2.02 PB) I've tried it in a high gear, I've done it in a low one, I just cannot get the optimum cadence, power required or the fat off my ass to reach my goal. This time was going to be different, I was intent on pushing my red zone to the limit.

Needless to say neither of my primary objectives were achieved, the proof of the pudding was staring me in the face from my computer screen after downloading the stats. I consoled myself with the fact I'm still up there near the top in my age group, but resigned myself to never breaking the 2 minute barrier.

This got me thinking about levels of suffering; that all important requirement to be successful at cycling. I bust my ass getting up that hill. Me, the stereotypical MAMIL (middle aged man in Lycra) must suffer more when compared to professional roadies who are trained for such a thing.

Think about it, it's harder for me to get up there than a grande tour rider scaling mont ventoux. I've got more to carry, inferior equipment, lower VO2 max, higher resting heart rate, older legs and sometimes a hangover. He's got support cars, latest in bike technology and a team around him to shelter behind. He does it everyday, he should be good at it! I've  got a bloody full time job to do and of course there's my social obligations.

It's all relative, so don't give me any post stage drivel about suffering 'mr skinny arsed carbon fibre pasta boy" you don't know the meaning of the word.
I was just saying....