Winds were blowing like normal. About 10-20 steady, with a few gusts. I knew already that cracking an hour would be tough.

Started out pretty well, naturally going out hard the first minute until things settled down. I was trying to hold 270 watts on the way out, but saw that slipping slowly. I got the false sense of security that my speed was adequate as I was maintaining above 23 mph into the cross headwinds, but should have known that would only mean the tailwind would not help as much as I thought.

After about 7 miles, I finally felt settled in, but I should have pushed harder. My wattage was dropping below 260, but again I was feeling okay with my speed. Made the turnaround averaging 23.2 (257 watts)...just where I wanted to be speed wise. But that's when I realized the cross tailwind wouldn't be helping the whole way. Some parts were easy to hold 28+, but others took a lot of effort to hold 25-26 because of the wind.

Slowly watched my average speed climd...23.3, 23.6, 24.0. It was at this point with 9 miles left that I had to up my average speed .1 mph per mile. Doable if I could hold 27.5...but there were just certain pockets where the cross tailwind turned into a cross, and I knew with 2 miles left, it wasn't going to happen as thats where the roads get a little rough.

I tried so hard to will myself...to push harder...but I got that lead feeling in my legs again where they just wouldn't respond. I can push through much better when I have the lactic acid feeling, because that's just pain.

Crossed the finish at 1:00:30. Somewhat disappointed, but I know I could have cracked an hour with fair winds, or a little better...but I'll stop the excuses right there. Penn Henderson rode 54:01 after biking 2:13 at Honu, so there really is no excuse.

Either way, I held 253 watts overall. Which means my power didn't drop off that much on the second half, and if I was able to hold 260, I would have gotten under an hour. I can't complain about my improvements in bike fitness either. Going to need to tweak my position a little as well as I think I can get a lot lower. I'm almost too comfortable in my current position...and find myself pulling my upper body down on the bars.

Also surprised by my HR. I freaked out when it was holding over 180, as I averaged 180 for a 22 minute uphill TT that I felt I did really well in back in April.

Not sure...maybe could have focused more on recovery during the week. Ride harder.