Ironman Training Bike Thoughts And Paleo Does Make Me Crave Salads – That’s Good, You Are What You Eat

As I was riding my Guru on the trainer today I thought, “Boy, this is quite a bike – think I’ll blog about it as there are lots of pointers in this one photo.“

Hi folks, welcome!

Getting the right bike gear and the right food are critical for endurance athletes, especially older endurance athletes.

As I spend more time riding my Guru on the CompuTrainer, I get to reflect on life and sometimes I reflect on things in front of me, one being my bike, built by Victor of Bicycle Lab.

Here are some valuable cycling pointers that come to mind:

1. Your bike must fit – this is the most important aspect of cycling. If you are uncomfortable, how can you focus on your cycling skills, and then the follow up marathon becomes a death march?
   

   Practice fixing flats, it will pay off one day.

2. Mirror – I consider a mirror essential, as death can come from behind in the form of a car, truck, or even another bike.
3. DiNotte Lighting – this was one of the best safety investments that I’ve made.
4. Split saddle that fits you – a poorly fitting saddle can actually be pretty dangerous, so make sure you find a split saddle that fits your sit bones.
5. Puncture resistant tires – for me the reassurance that a flat is unlikely is worth that extra little bit of weight.
6. Speedplay pedals – plenty of float, which can be important if you have any knee damage or other alignment issues.
7. Torque wrench – set for carbon fiber, as you don’t want to destroy your frame.
8. Plenty of things to fix flats if you do have them – I tend to do overkill on this, but I don’t carry a spare tire anymore, at least, after much mocking from my friends.

I guess the rest is optional, apart from your helmet and clothing appropriate for the weather, and then after a long ride what is better than eating.

I added a few sardines as I like them, plus bleu cheese dressing, my favorite – nice and fatty.

Salad Addiction – thanks to Mark Sisson:

I went over to a low-carb (Paleo-like) diet a while ago, and as predicted by Mark Sisson I developed an overwhelming desire to eat salads from time to time. My body seems to know when I need a salad, and it is usually a big salad. That’s what Mark said, too. How odd.

I highly recommend a low carb, and thus high fat, diet for your health and vigor – works for me, anyway.

-k @FitOldDog