One thousand minutes to BASE

Monday, November 11 2024 - Sunday, January 19 2025

(note the bike in this rendering)

THE ART OF THIS CHALLENGE

In commemoration of the Gemini mission 60 years ago we dedicate our BASE training period of 2024-2025 to NASA'S base at Cape Kennedy. The BASE training period focusses on time spent in Zone 2 (ergo the Gemini or number 2 significance). From The Mercury 7 and Gemini to the Apollo missions, NASA scientists and staff got around on bikes, the most efficient mode of human transportation (still).

BASE TRAINING

The benefits of BASE training, exercising in Zone 2 are profound. Both your cardiovascular and nuromuscular systems will be improved. BASE training is really important!!

(look it up yourself)

(how the Z2 display looks extracted from the graph displaying Zone distribution)

This (above) is what I'll be looking for in your Strava/Garmin files

YOUR MISSION

LOG IN A TOTAL OF 1000 MINUTES IN ZONE 2

(It works out to 100 minutes/week in Zone 2 for 10 weeks)

Here's what you have to do:

1. Send me an e-mail requesting entry (youngstraining@gmail.com)

2. Include a mailing address (unless you'll see me in person sometime January 2025)

3. Allow me to follow you on Strava or Connect Garmin (If we're not already connected)

4. Establish what your Zone 2 is (heart-rate or power are both acceptable metrics)

5. Ride/train and upload your metrics/data (note your time in Zone 2)

6. All forms of riding are acceptable (road, off road, track, indoor trainer, etc.)

7. All forms of exercises or sports are acceptable (e.g. running, swimming, skiing etc.)

8. Reach a total of 1000 minutes in Zone 2 before midnight January 19, 2025

   Note: If you post a session and don't have either your hrm (heart rate monitor) or power meter collecting/reporting; I will still estimate your Zone 2 based on speed vs terrain vs other metrics.

   
   
   
   

Here's what I will do:

1. Go online several times/week and record your posted times in Zone 2

2. Keep a running spreadsheet of your progress

3. Note when you reach 1000 minutes in Zone 2

4. Alert you to your achievement!

5. Send/or give you a valuable prize

   
   
   
   
   
   

Tips to benefit the most from BASE training (more to come):

1. Keep your rpms +70

2. Reduce sugar in your diet

3. (hate to say "don't" but) Don't get lured into riding too hard on hills or in groups

   
   

   

   (above during a ride I did yesterday - tryin' to keep the needle in the green)