■

Early morning training with O-vest plus Takagi-san and Nishizono-san. After meeting up at Oomaru Park, we started making our way towards Atsugi. I had no idea what the route was, so I just followed along. After making our way through the city, we dropped down to a river and got onto a mostly-flat road which followed the river. The pace picked up considerably at that point, and small groups started to form. Somehow I found myself at the front in a group of five or so, and we started to really move. I was having to pull through at 45 kph into a headwind, and that hurt. Plus, I didn't know where we were going so I didn't know how long I could keep it up before my legs would explode. Suddenly I was in a group with just Nishizono-san and a really strong guy from O-vest. They were both pulling through real hard, and it was all I could do to hang on. I managed to stay with them, but I had to miss a pull or two.

After a short rest break, we started making our way back north towards Tsukui. Since Tsukui is pretty close to Takao I knew I'd be able to find my way home. The road through the mountains was rolling, with some decent climbs, but I hung in and made it over the top close to the front of the group. Near Tsukui we stopped at a conbini and met up with Nakamura-san.

Although a little tired, I wanted to ride a bit more, so I convinced Takagi-san, Nishizono-san, and Nakamura-san to head over to Sagamiko with me. We went took my favorite loop through the hills on the south side of the lake, then dropped down to Route 20 and headed back towards Hachioji. I wanted to put in a decent effort over Otarumi, but Takagi-san stood up right from the bottom, and when I tried to follow him I could feel that it wasn't going to happen. Then Nishizono-san and Nakamura-san passed me and dropped me hard. I passed Takagi-san but eventually he went flying by me when I blew up about 1.5 kilos from the top. After that I just spun up and over the top, met up with everyone, and descended down and home. I was going to ride more, but it started snowing in Takao so I went home instead. It stopped a little bit later, so I hope those guys had a dry ride home.

I learned a lot about my condition today. I could manage to hold a fast pace on the flats, but I was slow to accelerate and my climbing was weak. Also, I faded a lot at the end of the ride. Right now, I just need to keep riding consistently and build up my endurance. Once I get some distance in my legs, then I'll start working on my climbing, acceleration, and speed.

Thanks for the fun ride today guys!

4:16, 130 km