Disappointing PR
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,286
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1096 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Disappointing PR
Have you ever checked your Strava report and been disappointed to discover you got a PR on a segment?
Well, today I went out for a rather perfunctory ride. I didn't expect to see anyone I knew on the road since most of my riding mates are doing a big event tomorrow (which I'm skipping due to a flight in the afternoon), and I was rather late getting out - nearly lunch time before I even started. Just riding along at a moderate pace, and about half way through the ride was State Line hill.
I had zero intention of attacking it, but there were four or five people scattered ahead of me who I figured I could pass, so I did. Even as much as climbing is my thing, it was work, of course, and as I approached the top, I figured since I had done a little work so far, I should make sure to keep going strong over the top to the end of the segment, so I could maybe get a decent time out of it. Once over the top I was more spent than I intended to be, and was happy to take a breather waiting for the light to change at the bottom, but I didn't think I'd done particularly well; I'd been feeling quite lazy all day. I figured maybe 3:15, 3:20
Well, get home to check the results and: wait, what's this? A PR? On State Line, of all places?! - 2:54?! Really it was only one or two seconds' improvement, and only 6th best time of the day. I should have been happy, right? But no, I was disappointed. If I'd known I could have gotten a PR today, I would have tried harder, and could have done even better! If I'd tried really hard instead of just kinda hard... just five seconds faster and I coulda jumped 45 places in the race club leaderboard instead of just 18!
Of course, considering it seriously I realize that it was only possible because I did not try so hard. Although I started ramping up speed a little sooner than I might have if I really wanted to attack the crest, because I didn't push too hard too early, I had the energy to stay efficient to the end - kinda like I was inadvertently smart. Maybe.
Well, today I went out for a rather perfunctory ride. I didn't expect to see anyone I knew on the road since most of my riding mates are doing a big event tomorrow (which I'm skipping due to a flight in the afternoon), and I was rather late getting out - nearly lunch time before I even started. Just riding along at a moderate pace, and about half way through the ride was State Line hill.
I had zero intention of attacking it, but there were four or five people scattered ahead of me who I figured I could pass, so I did. Even as much as climbing is my thing, it was work, of course, and as I approached the top, I figured since I had done a little work so far, I should make sure to keep going strong over the top to the end of the segment, so I could maybe get a decent time out of it. Once over the top I was more spent than I intended to be, and was happy to take a breather waiting for the light to change at the bottom, but I didn't think I'd done particularly well; I'd been feeling quite lazy all day. I figured maybe 3:15, 3:20
Well, get home to check the results and: wait, what's this? A PR? On State Line, of all places?! - 2:54?! Really it was only one or two seconds' improvement, and only 6th best time of the day. I should have been happy, right? But no, I was disappointed. If I'd known I could have gotten a PR today, I would have tried harder, and could have done even better! If I'd tried really hard instead of just kinda hard... just five seconds faster and I coulda jumped 45 places in the race club leaderboard instead of just 18!
Of course, considering it seriously I realize that it was only possible because I did not try so hard. Although I started ramping up speed a little sooner than I might have if I really wanted to attack the crest, because I didn't push too hard too early, I had the energy to stay efficient to the end - kinda like I was inadvertently smart. Maybe.
Last edited by kbarch; 05-20-17 at 08:05 PM.
#2
Super WW
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NY (state)
Posts: 669
Bikes: A really light one and a really heavy one.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 43 Times
in
15 Posts
To each their own, but I could care less about my PR's and where I rank on the strava **** list. I use it to keep track of my mileage and compare month to month etc.
What really disappoints me are the idiots who put segments of MUT's and Rail Trails on there and then go out on a Saturday morning and almost mow everyone down (including my kids who I'm riding with) to get their precious PR's and KOM's.
Wow, so much anger. Time for bed.
What really disappoints me are the idiots who put segments of MUT's and Rail Trails on there and then go out on a Saturday morning and almost mow everyone down (including my kids who I'm riding with) to get their precious PR's and KOM's.
Wow, so much anger. Time for bed.
Last edited by cb400bill; 05-21-17 at 07:49 PM. Reason: Bypassing forum censor
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,286
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1096 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
To each their own, but I could care less about my PR's and where I rank on the strava **** list. I use it to keep track of my mileage and compare month to month etc.
What really disappoints me are the idiots who put segments of MUT's and Rail Trails on there and then go out on a Saturday morning and almost mow everyone down (including my kids who I'm riding with) to get their precious PR's and KOM's.
Wow, so much anger. Time for bed.
What really disappoints me are the idiots who put segments of MUT's and Rail Trails on there and then go out on a Saturday morning and almost mow everyone down (including my kids who I'm riding with) to get their precious PR's and KOM's.
Wow, so much anger. Time for bed.
Sorry to hear about your experiences on your local park paths or whatever, but I think Strava has its proper place, and it's not the MUP. Not saying I have it all figured out, but I have found it genuinely rewards interest, and started this thread to sort of see what others may have learned from it.
Last edited by cb400bill; 05-21-17 at 07:50 PM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 192
Bikes: Spooky Mulholland
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
12 Posts
unless its a kom place in the top 10 i rarely look at PR let alone be disappointed, maybe because i know in the next day or further in the week I will be hitting the same segment again. Basically just use it as a mark. Not sure why you would be mad when you even started saying it was a easy ride for you. Are you saying you wont be back there to do a effort and get another PR??
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 120
Bikes: Fuji Cross 2.0 LE
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 58 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
PR is "personal record," KOM is "King of the mountain" which originated in racing (even flat segments in Strava use it to indicate who is the #1 fastest person over that segment) and Strava is the most popular cycling website/app that acts like a social media & training tool. Think of it as a helpful Facebook for cyclists and runners.
#7
Farmer tan
To each their own, but I could care less about my PR's and where I rank on the strava sh-t list. I use it to keep track of my mileage and compare month to month etc.
What really disappoints me are the idiots who put segments of MUT's and Rail Trails on there and then go out on a Saturday morning and almost mow everyone down (including my kids who I'm riding with) to get their precious PR's and KOM's.
Wow, so much anger. Time for bed.
What really disappoints me are the idiots who put segments of MUT's and Rail Trails on there and then go out on a Saturday morning and almost mow everyone down (including my kids who I'm riding with) to get their precious PR's and KOM's.
Wow, so much anger. Time for bed.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,286
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1096 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
unless its a kom place in the top 10 i rarely look at PR let alone be disappointed, maybe because i know in the next day or further in the week I will be hitting the same segment again. Basically just use it as a mark. Not sure why you would be mad when you even started saying it was a easy ride for you. Are you saying you wont be back there to do a effort and get another PR??
This is the ironic thing. Some people think that Strava, with its leader board features and such is just for people who think results and "winning" are the only things that matter. But I'm not one of those people. Sure, I get a warm and fuzzy when I "win" or achieve something, but if there wasn't some kind of corresponding desire and effort that went into getting it, it kind of makes me question whether desire and effort even matter. That was my first thought, but in the end I realized that knowledge is the key. Even if I get stronger, I won't be able to do my best until I know what I'm doing. I still have a lot to learn, even on a hill I've climbed nearly 100 times.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,569
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18557 Post(s)
Liked 15,963 Times
in
7,500 Posts
PR is "personal record," KOM is "King of the mountain" which originated in racing (even flat segments in Strava use it to indicate who is the #1 fastest person over that segment) and Strava is the most popular cycling website/app that acts like a social media & training tool. Think of it as a helpful Facebook for cyclists and runners.
#10
Interocitor Command
Congrats on the new PR! Now you'll have to try to beat it.
Seems like a lot of people on this forum have something prickly shoved right up their bum.
Seems like a lot of people on this forum have something prickly shoved right up their bum.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,876
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 524 Post(s)
Liked 688 Times
in
402 Posts
Much like golf, I just don't get virtually racing against myself and others online. I do love the looks I get from guys when I respond no when they ask if I'm on Strava. But whatever floats your boat (don't get me started on kayakers) or propels your bike in this case I guess.
#12
Senior Member
I set segment goals in Strava. One of these resulted in a disappointing 17:02 PR I a couple of weeks ago, 2 seconds short of my goal. It was good motivation.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 120
Bikes: Fuji Cross 2.0 LE
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 58 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#14
Non omnino gravis
To all of the unfunny individuals that like to denigrate anyone who enjoys analyzing performance metrics, or otherwise look down their collective noses at Strava users, y'all need to be a little more refelective. I personally prefer the trimmed-down concision of the Quakers on this one, and the "three gates" or "three sieves" of speech: before you see fit to post on someone's thread, ask yourself,
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?
I mean sure, this would drop the BF post total by probably 70%, but still an admirable goal, I think.
And to the OP, yeah, I've been there. I'll come back from one of my weekend recovery jaunts-- like, 90 minutes of pure Z1, and find a PR on a segment. How slow was I going before?!? The other side of the coin is knowing that a favored segment is approaching, making a light or getting that just-right gust of wind, feeling like you absolutely crushed it... and missing your 3rd best time by like 5-6 seconds.
I have a few 20-25 mile routes I've done so many times, seeing even a 3rd place is highly unusual. Did a lap route totaling 105 miles last week... 3 PRs.
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?
I mean sure, this would drop the BF post total by probably 70%, but still an admirable goal, I think.
And to the OP, yeah, I've been there. I'll come back from one of my weekend recovery jaunts-- like, 90 minutes of pure Z1, and find a PR on a segment. How slow was I going before?!? The other side of the coin is knowing that a favored segment is approaching, making a light or getting that just-right gust of wind, feeling like you absolutely crushed it... and missing your 3rd best time by like 5-6 seconds.
I have a few 20-25 mile routes I've done so many times, seeing even a 3rd place is highly unusual. Did a lap route totaling 105 miles last week... 3 PRs.
#17
Senior Member
The past few weeks I have managed to set a few disappointing PRs on all slightly downhill segments (nothing that I'd typically attack but occassionally have at least used a good draft off passing traffic or a decent tailwind to move along at a good pace). Given that I am just getting back into riding some decent mileage I am inclined to believe I am only setting these PRs thanks to my slightly lower and longer position on my new bike (and possibly the better tires and more aero wheels are contributing). It's disappointing because in terms of sheer effort on the bike this new-found speed is all free meaning I have been handicapping myself for quite a while.
I am looking forward to hopefully setting some new PRs on some more challenging segments that have PRs going back to 2013 when I was riding a lot more (pre-self employment and second kid). I will need to get myself back into decent shape to do that but the new position and equipment should make it possible to actually beat my old times finally. I am thinking of one segment in particular which starts off slightly downhill before transitioning to uphill. Carrying more speed into the uphill portion could help me shave a few seconds.
I am looking forward to hopefully setting some new PRs on some more challenging segments that have PRs going back to 2013 when I was riding a lot more (pre-self employment and second kid). I will need to get myself back into decent shape to do that but the new position and equipment should make it possible to actually beat my old times finally. I am thinking of one segment in particular which starts off slightly downhill before transitioning to uphill. Carrying more speed into the uphill portion could help me shave a few seconds.
#18
Farmer tan
The truly disappointing PRs are when you forgot to turn off the GPS on the drive home...
#19
Fax Transport Specialist
Wind speed and direction has a huge effect on some of the segments near me. This spring seems to be very windy, too. Perhaps you had a helping hand on that effort?
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Posts: 6,681
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
no strava/PR/PB stuff for me, i just try to run down everybody that's going my way and take a selfie with them in the background when i go past. they look great on my refrigerator door(s) in the garage.
loads of fun.
loads of fun.
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,286
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1096 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
For what it's worth, a little update.
Yesterday for the first time in a while I get in a pre-work ride. Midway is the turn onto 9W for a ride up State Line. I was uncertain whether I even wanted to go that way to begin with, but figured since I was there, I might as well. Felt kind of uncertain as I got underway, too, but felt that going a bit faster wasn't going to hurt, either. As I got going I kept telling myself: don't struggle, keep it in the big ring but just don't do anything that would make you go slower, pace yourself. Don't fight, just work. Wouldn't you know: new PR of 2:48. What's most encouraging is that I did it solo from a slow start.... Can't wait to try again.
Yesterday for the first time in a while I get in a pre-work ride. Midway is the turn onto 9W for a ride up State Line. I was uncertain whether I even wanted to go that way to begin with, but figured since I was there, I might as well. Felt kind of uncertain as I got underway, too, but felt that going a bit faster wasn't going to hurt, either. As I got going I kept telling myself: don't struggle, keep it in the big ring but just don't do anything that would make you go slower, pace yourself. Don't fight, just work. Wouldn't you know: new PR of 2:48. What's most encouraging is that I did it solo from a slow start.... Can't wait to try again.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 120
Bikes: Fuji Cross 2.0 LE
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 58 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For what it's worth, a little update.
Yesterday for the first time in a while I get in a pre-work ride. Midway is the turn onto 9W for a ride up State Line. I was uncertain whether I even wanted to go that way to begin with, but figured since I was there, I might as well. Felt kind of uncertain as I got underway, too, but felt that going a bit faster wasn't going to hurt, either. As I got going I kept telling myself: don't struggle, keep it in the big ring but just don't do anything that would make you go slower, pace yourself. Don't fight, just work. Wouldn't you know: new PR of 2:48. What's most encouraging is that I did it solo from a slow start.... Can't wait to try again.
Yesterday for the first time in a while I get in a pre-work ride. Midway is the turn onto 9W for a ride up State Line. I was uncertain whether I even wanted to go that way to begin with, but figured since I was there, I might as well. Felt kind of uncertain as I got underway, too, but felt that going a bit faster wasn't going to hurt, either. As I got going I kept telling myself: don't struggle, keep it in the big ring but just don't do anything that would make you go slower, pace yourself. Don't fight, just work. Wouldn't you know: new PR of 2:48. What's most encouraging is that I did it solo from a slow start.... Can't wait to try again.
#24
Senior Member
The only PR's I care about are 9%+ desolate mountain road climbs where although not 100%,
1. the PR actually means I've tried harder (backed up by power data) and not that i drafted behind a car or had backwind (although it helps it's far less than flat roads)
2. there's little to no car traffic so it's far less dangerous
1. the PR actually means I've tried harder (backed up by power data) and not that i drafted behind a car or had backwind (although it helps it's far less than flat roads)
2. there's little to no car traffic so it's far less dangerous
#25
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
A PR on a segment where you are not really trying could indicate increased fitness.
If that is the case them it might be time to retest lactic threshold and reevaluate heart rate zones, or test whatever it is that guys who use power test.
-Tim-
If that is the case them it might be time to retest lactic threshold and reevaluate heart rate zones, or test whatever it is that guys who use power test.
-Tim-