XSS and FOCUS per the ATA
The beauty of this XSS goal comes when you’re fit and you know you don’t need too much, to stay on target. Xert FOCUS goal was set to 13:36, which is also fairly aerobic.
But I do love my mountain biking, especially climbing.
I put the spurs to the horse up to the First Bench, and then backed off all the way up Mahogany, just enjoying the solitude. Prior to the push, my FOCUS was at 13:30, and I was roughly at 36 points of XSS, but by the time I got to the area where the singletrack ends and the jeep trail connects to the main road on Peavine, I was already above my XSS goal. FOCUS was closer to 8:00.
I spent some time working on my descending position, and then began to realize that I may have a rear wheel problem – the pawls are sticking and my chain is losing tension up top. With that in mind, the rest of the ride was spent riding a Jeep trail. I did earn a solid score descending the Peavine DH Course, with a 2nd-fastest time ever.
XSS and FOCUS ended up in the 70’s and around 8:40, and looking at the Xert ATA, I remain on target, and the Xert Training Pacer is at 12 O’Clock.
Assessment.
Things feel good, 18 days in. Volume has seen some good growth, XSS continues to be achievable, and FOCUS remains aerobic more often than not. My FORM continues to stay steady, and the only hangup I’m dealing with is sleep. I’m suffering from quality and quantity of sleep. I’m going to try sleeping in a colder place, under some heavier blankets. Sominex is NOT a part of my plan, though I do take it now and then. Part of the sleep issue comes from stress at work; my UPS store is KILLING IT right now, and yet, with Covid protocols and obstinate clients, we have been lucky. An employee at another store of ours is under quarantine. We have had three employees undergo quarantine at that location, after testing positive.
I’m going to keep exercising, but I’m also going to listen to my body. I’ll take days off when I need to. XSS and FOCUS are great tools, but nothing can predict sleep, mood, and strain outside of the ride.
Thanks for reading!
