Don't just train, TrainRight.

Yesterday I was freaked out by the surprise thunderstorms in Fremont, so I decided to stay inside for my workout. I took Kevin's advice and popped in the CTS training systems Time Trial workout DVD, set up the rollers and got a towel, grabbed the Cambiatta, and started the workout.
The first time I watched this video, I was eating dinner, which is probably not how it is intended to be used, but it seemed really boring, and Chris Carmichael's comments were less than inspiring, as he was just holding a clipboard while the other cyclists in the video worked hard. And it just seemed like someone telling you to "ride hard now" and then "rest". I didn't think I needed a video to tell me that.
But on the bike, actually turning the pedals, the video takes on a real role. Pedal stroke for stroke, it was very difficult to keep up with the workout, and I was winded by the second warmup sprint.
And then the workout started. Three long "PowerIntervals" which were just at or above the aerobic threshold, each lasting 4 minutes. The first one had me struggling after only 2 minutes, wishing I hadn't put in this video. But I stuck it out, listened to Chris's comments, which although were not the most inspiring ("I know it hurts"), still were better than what my own brain was telling me. ("stop now"). With 5 minutes of rest in between intervals, it gave me time to drink water, ttry to wipe the sweat off my glasses, and recover.
The second PowerInterval came around, and this time I did what the video said, which is to pick on something and concentrate on that only. So I chose cadence, and tried to keep it as high and smooth as possible. This actually worked, allowing me to block out thoughts of pain and suffering, and before I knew it the interval was coming to and end. I hadn't even noticed that the sweat was now dripping off my chin, and my glasses were sliding off of my face. During this rest phase, I tried to wipe off sweat with one hand, but was so tired and dizzy, My glasses slipped off, and while catching them, I ended up riding off the side of the rollers. Luckily, I was too tired to panic about it and managed to land both tires onto the ground, holding myself against the countertop nearby. A better result than this.
By the third interval, I was really in the zone. My legs were holding up well, and I was so focused that the 4 minutes flew by like nothing. This system really works! Kevin was right, and hopefully, I will be better off for trying it.
The three intervals were followed by alternating "SteadyState" intervals, which were less effort, but varied cadence while maintaining a constant heart rate. keeping it just below the aerobic threshold was much easier than going above it. It was a good end to the interval training, exercising the lactic acid transport systems... get it out of the legs.
So it seemed to be an effective tool, and I'd probably do this workout again, perhaps just with the sound, because while riding the rollers, I can never seem to ride straight and stay on them, without looking at the front wheel.
Cambiatta Data: 4 rides logged, each one minute long. One had heart rate data, another had some distance data, but only for a minute. Perhaps the transmitter batteries are weak and need to be changed, and the base unit is going to sleep because no signal is being received. I know my heart rate monitor transmitter strap needs a new battery, but the watch receives enough signal to tell me some data now and then. Anyways, I need to buy about 5 different watch batteries now for all the electronics on this bike, and I am determined to get some data from this little grey box.