Hi Folks,
A number of us rode in the Wine Century 100K last Saturday, though we did not ride together. JUDI, KAREN, and TJ rode a solid tempo 15 mph average pace together for a solid paced effort. I didn’t see JIM G all day or after for the lunch – because he volunteered on ride day; volunteers all ride the course the next day! Sandy had to turn around after mile one because her e-battery at12%: setting up the charging process the night before wasn’t done correctly. She wisely returned to the start and rode the shorter 28M course with TOM, ElLIZABETH and ROBERT at 9 am – in “eco” mode.
I ended up riding with an old acquaintance from the 1980’s running days, BOB COOPER, a former top runner (2:22 marathoner) and journalist We had a delightful ride together but averaged just 13.2 mph; the aging process is kicking!. I could feel that in the legs because the severest hilly section was after 50 miles. I never did see the others, but it all worked out terrifically and I was quite satisfied with the ride! We rode under cloudy skies and cool temperatures; no chance of overheating!. After the ride the Santa Rosa Cycling Club puts on quite a lunch with their featured Paella dish, chicken pesto, and more options with drinks and cookies with ice cream for dessert! Another ride in the books!

5/5/26 TUESDAY. TEMPO run pieces at 10K pace effort level to acclimate your body run to at threshold level and simulate the non-stop running required in a race. Your effort should be at a high, but controlled aerobic effort; no race pace. After the warm-up mile:
8′ tempo (1′ easy run, abut not too slowly) – 10′ temp (1:30 easy – 6′ tempo, then run to finish . Stretch after.
5/6/26 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING CIRCUIT/MOBILITY/SWINGS/KB LIFTS/DEADLIFTS. 8 am at Warren’s gym. Get in your mobility warm-up and 50 swings prior to the Circuit.
Weighted Hip Thrusts
KB Standing KB Lateral Up and Over Rotations
R & L Single Leg Lifts over two KBells
Deficit KB Sumo Deadlifts
Incline Push-Ups
Wipers / Stepovers BB
Alt R/L KB X-Over Gorilla Rows
Left KB “Kick Stand Deadlifts
Right, KB “Kick Stand Deadlifts
KB Fwd- Back Plank Drag
DB Roman Salutes
X5 Slow Slant Board Squats
2 x 6 Heavy Swings
Waiters / Rack Carries
Finisher: 3-4 x 3 reps DEADLIFTS
TRAINING TIPS for LOADED CARRIES on your extra STRENGTH DAY SHORT WORKOUT:
5/7/26 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK at your local track so that you practice pacing most of the session at 5K effort. Some of the group meet in the dirt parking lot of the PE Complex for a warm-up run at 8 AM; then end up at the track. This week a “ Up & Down the Ladder” workout. After the the 6 x 30 meter pick-ups, skips, butt Kicks, Grapevine.
A gp: ( 2 x 200 (200))- 2 x 400 (on 2′ or 2:15) – 1 x 600 (200) – 1 x 600 (200) – 2 x 400 (on 2′ or 2:15) – 2 x 200 (200))
5/9/26 SATURDAY. HR/XT/MOBILITY/SPRINTS/SWINGS/KB LIFTS/DEADLIFTS. 9 AM in Lot “C” up in the GG Seminary parking lot where I’ll be setting up the exercise stations from 8:40 am on; you can park and get in your warm-up run. and mobility exercises prior to the start.
LMK if you will be joining in on the workout – soon:
SHORTER WORKOUT for at home and to get in your extra day of strength training:TRAINING TIPS and BENEFITS of LOADED CARRIES:
I have picked an extra simple and short strength training session for myself that focuses on walking under a weight load to build “Time Under Tension” (TUT): LOADED CARRIES. I want to see and feel the benefits from walking under tension and the benefits they bring. By focusing on just the three Carries, we can feel the changes throughout our body frame; I am certainly finding that to be true!
When I suggested that most of you could include another short session of strength training to build and maintain muscles mass as we age. One workout that takes a short time and is convenient to carry out at home is the LOADED CARRIES which consist of Farmer Carry, Rack Carry and Waiters Carry with a combination of kettlebells and dumbbells.it takes a modest investment to obtain kettlebells and dumbbells – they last a lifetime and can be passed down to your kids!
By staying with just these three Carries you can feel and see the physical improvement in your strength and fitness with the three carries. By sticking to just these three Carries you can evaluate the benefits of walking with time under tension ( TUT) on yourself; it is different than doing stationary lifting and yields more benefits; especially with core improvement.
THE PLAN: During the first two weeks or so you’ll will walk for forty seconds with a modest weight; later you’ll up it to one minute or longer for each Loaded Carry. I suggest lighter weights than we have you use during the Saturday workouts to give time for your body to adjust. You can vary the length of time you carry the weights from forty seconds to one and a half minutes. Going longer challenges grip strength; a measurement you’ll want to improve. Gradually extend the time period and/or the amount of weight used.
FARMER CARRY (use either KB or DB’s) that are a quarter of your bodyweight to see how your body responds ; there’s time later to up the weight. Eventually your goal will to carry half your bodyweight in each hand. Take time to acclimate; it will be interesting to see doing this Carry, how your legs, hand grip, traps and hips hold up and improve over several months. I’ve seen it affect my cycling in the positive direction. I do suggest gradually increasing the the kettlebell or dumbbell weights you use; the effort has a pronounced effect on your frame.
KETTLEBELL RACK CARRY: Also called a “bracing” lift/carry as it puts your entire torso under high tension. Focuses on the entire back from your belt line up to the upper shoulders and traps. You’l do a KB Double Clean to “rack the weight”; hold at chest level, hands close together and “brace ” the two kettlebells close to your chest and proceed with your walk. As I approach the end of the time period of the Rack Carry walk my breathing becomes more labored and holding the kettlebells more intense. Talk about a core challenge!
KB or DB WAITERS CARRY: Develops shoulder stability and strength safely bc you are holding the weights overhead in static position, so it’s quite safe. Single Arm Waiters carry: Hold one arm overhead with the KB hanging from your hand against the back of the wrist. Maintain a straight wrist in the same line as your fist; lockout the arm and carry the kettlebell in your shoulder socket. The other hand holds the KB in the down position; at the halfway through point, turn around, switch the arms and walk back to the start. Begin with a light KB; it’s more demanding than you think so many of us have done much arm work holding weights over head or doing the KB Clean & Press.
…..more to come…




























