in and out of the zone

Cyclists often talk about being "in the zone". Being at one with the bike. It's not easy. Of course it's not easy.

But when everything clicks... The heart rate rises. The breathing is steady. The gears match the gradient...

On Friday I was in the zone. The end of a big training week. The day after a 45 min TT on Mt. Ogami. I smashed that time with my third climb of the mountain in 3 days.

Saturday and Sunday off. 430 am Monday morning. Fresh legs. A cool 20 degrees. Record breaking conditions!

Ogami Dake TT time. Nota lights. 3,2,1 Go!

I believe 30 to 60s into a climb you know if it's your day or not.

The HR is sluggish. 10 beats below expectations (should've drank that Red Bull?). The legs feel good. But can't find the cadence sweet spot. Can't keep focus....

Max effort. But I know I'm off the pace...

• Ogami Dake TT (17.8 km, 703 m climbing, 156/171 HR, 79 cadence, 23.3 kmph, 45:39 )

Unlike the Lemonheads, I don't get down about it. Spin home. Breakfast. Go again.

Ogami Dake part 2. This time the steep side. 33 degrees now.

First up is Komura Toge. Now the HR responds!

Drop down. Ogami Dake. 14 percent in the steepest places. In control. But it's a hard effort. Looking for shade. Legs on fire....

Two climbs of Ogami Dake. Off pace for the 1st effort. In the zone for the 2nd effort.

Saturday and Sunday: rest days

Monday's training: Road (120 km, 2,200 m climbing)