Tats' Training Blog

It's been a difficult last 6 weeks or so I'll probably be echoing Kev's phrase 'inconsistent'!!!  A lot on at work and plenty to do at home has left little time for that quality type training over consecutive days - you know, the type of training you need to do before you tackle a 1000 mile epic!!!!!  Behind the drag curve would probably be close to the mark.

The various Bank Holidays and Royal Weddings in Apr did allow me to get out and nail at least a few decent miles, well up to about 50 a day anyway.  I'm working on the premise that if I've only got the time to fit in a 50 or 60-miler, then I'll try and smash it as fast as possible with the view that come the ride, I won't be pushing that fast!!  So the logic goes apparently......

A lot of my cycling in the last 6-9 months has been time-trial based training with an ultra-triathlete mate.  Lots of grinding the big gear and staying on the drops type of nonsense.  Good for speed on the flat - rubbish for progress on the hills.  Having previously been a bit of an animal on the hills, I've turned into a proper mincer - dropping into the lowest ring possible and hanging on the chinstrap.  I've even contemplated replacing my 53/39 with a compact - surely I can't be this useless overnight?  Maybe the subtle addition of a granny ring on the cassette will go unnoticed.....??

I've been trying to divide my time between running and cycling over the last 6 months, which could be viewed as a partial fail, particularly if you are training for a cycling event!  I'm now not taking part in the planned running event, so for the last 3 weeks, it's bike. bike, bike.  About time.  Looking forward to the Richmond Cyclosportives at the end of the month, although I'm not looking forward to the 5 Dale route - some very cheeky climbs in there for sure.  Must show greater enthusiasm to get up and over Fleet Moss.  No really...

Good training last night in bunch of 6 of us including the Stn Cdr, who was out to smash some miles into his new machine.  Dunc was clearly on a mission, staying on the front and tapping out a serious tempo from the off - don't think we'll be riding at that pace for 100 miles a day.  Well I hope not!  Plenty of headwind on the turn for home which was tedious, but good training all the same.  Another 35 miles into the legs, although it was mainly on the flat.

The hills beckon over the weekend - I'll be shelling out a 100-miler on Sat hopefully, then perhaps a gently 30-40 on the Sun.  Tan Hill really needs a visit from me, or I may even 'recce' the route of the 5 Dale sportive and get to know the pain early.  I've been working up with the High5 products we've bought.  Really liking the Zero electrolyte and the 4:1 energy drink.  I've had to work hard on getting used to the protein recovery shakes, but I'm sure the body will be fully familiar by the time we roll out of the gate!!!

Right - I'm off to get that other vital component - sleep.  I can't recommend it enough.  Particularly as I've not had enough sleep, probably haven't had the correct diet so far and definitely haven't met the training mileage I'd set as a target pre event. Time to deploy stiff upper lip and drive on..................