Steamed Kiev

After today's session I thought I would try Club Lime's steam room. My legs were a little smashed and I was feeling the hurt towards the end of today's ride. Actually the hurt was a good feeling, I can usually tell when I'm ready for a 24 hour and I get the legs where they feel like they can just keep it going even if they do hurt ;), it is a good sign. But I've only just got myself back to a good level (after the setbacks) and there is still a long way to go to be pushing it too hard.
So it was my first time in the cooker and I have to say I suffered. I felt OK but within a few minutes my heart rate was up over 140 I was dripping sweat, and lying with my legs elevated was making my toes feel like they were on fire. I held in there for another 5 minutes till I went for some cool air. It is not one thing that takes it out of you just it all put together. I did this a 2 more times till I thought I heard an oven timer go off. I took me a few minutes till my skin went back to a normal color and I started to feel good again, it really made me feel like I had a fever.

So why do it?

Eliminate toxins
Rejuvenate and hydrate the skin
Boost the immune system
Enhance the respiratory system
Relieve stress and relax muscles
And hopefully increase red blood cells

I also had the feel good feeling you get after a hard session. So for less than 30 minutes of time there are plenty of benefits to be had. Plus it is something slightly different to jumping in the spa and squirting myself with massage jets :).

So overall things have been slowly coming back together and really been enjoying the riding. Did a solid session with Jase and Gary over a week ago now but it definitely pushed me to my limits and the fun factor was right up there. Another solid session with Clayton over the weekend pushing hard through the whole ride.

Plus a new bike a Giant XTC 29er the new 2011 model that has already seen about 15 hours in just over a week, but more on that later. Still deciding what I will ride for this weekend at the single track mind 7 hour at stromlo, I'm hoping to either have my new freehub arrive for the powertap (which is now setup for the 29er), or my new saddles, I don't expect they will be here by then though.

A little trivia for you

What mountain am I standing on?

Click on it pic to make it larger

Put your answer in the comments :)

I headed out for my ride today, and the plan was to take it easy on a nice flat ride. I did that yesterday on my first ride back after 2 weeks off. But I left home and decided that I needed some mental satisfaction and thought I would give this climb a go, and that I'd limit my HR and power. I had done it once before and loved it, so it was about time I had another crack at it. I only just kept my HR below threshold but power went over a little in places (even in the granny) but it was all good. A nice solid hour or so climbing and I was at the top for the weather to change. The wind picked up the temperature dropped 10 degrees (well so it seemed) and I was on my way back down.

It was good to be back this weekend,  I tried a new Spesh phenom saddle and it seemed really good, hopefully after a little settle in a long ride will make my decision on if it is a go'er.

Now bring on the nice riding weather!