Finding the chase and cutting to it

Now some DIY is out of the way, I am catching up on my blogging.

One of my dreams for 2019, apart from my son getting a university place, is to achieve two long distance cycle rides.

The first is 100 miles for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.  The Prudential Ride London, 3-4 August 2019, is that little bit further than the palace to palace this year, but as a type 1 diabetic, I would be a direct beneficiary not just in terms of getting fitter.

The second is the Palace to Palace run, and the 47mile ride I did in October.

Thought you were mad the first time back in 2017…

I do enjoy it.  I already know I can do 47 miles.

This is my training plan for the Prudential Ride.

1. November – January: 20 miles in the gym 2-3 times a week.
2. January – March: 30 miles in the gym 3 times a week, 10 miles in the gym once a week.
3. March – May: 1 x 45 mile ride outside over the weekend, with 20 miles 3 times a week in the gym.
4. May – June: 1 x 75 mile ride over the weekends (or during holidays) and gym work 3 times a week.
5. July: 2 x 80-90 mile rides, probably over weekends and gym work.  1x 100 mile ride.  A week off w/c 29th July, apart from one session of hill climbing.
6. 4th August: do the ride. Possible start at 05:45!!!

At this level, I need to ensure my diet supports the effort.  I am likely to lose girth and fat but actually put weight on, probably round my legs.

I need to guard against infection and injury.  It’s too far to do on a wing and a prayer.

I heard Sir Chris Hoy speak at IBM’s Think 2018 event and was impressed by the measures he took to ensure he kept physically healthy not just at peak fitness, things I just hadn’t considered.

One of the key learnings I had from this year’s palace to palace was that while my bike was perfect for training, I need something different for the day itself.  How do I achieve that?

Palace to Palace 2019

1. 3rd-4th August: achieved 100 mile run for Pru
2. w/c 5th August 2019, a week off to recover.
3. 12-18 August, 20 mile runs 3 times a week, mostly gym work.
4. 19-25 August, 30 mile runs, outdoors twice a week.
5. 26-1 September, hill training three days a week.
6. 2-8 September, 20 miles in the gym three times a week (aiming for 45 minutes) and then 1 x 40 mile ride
7. 9-15 September, 1 x 40 mile ride and three gym sessions of 20 miles.
8. 16-22 September, hill training 4 times a week.
9. 24-29 September, mix hill training, one long distance and swimming.
10. 30-event, week off.  Sleep keep muscles loose, get mind in focus.