Targets

As we approach Christmas and the shortest day of the year my thoughts are turning to the targets I need to put in place over the next three months to make sure I am fit enough at the end of March to take on this epic ride in May.

I want my base fitness to be there by the end of March otherwise I risk overtraining in the weeks leading up to the ride and that puts you into prime territory for injuries which is the last thing I want. The 4-6 weeks before the ride should be all about clocking up some miles and the last two weeks should be about maintaining that fitness/distance capacity.

What is left of December can still be my random, turbo/cycle/swim when I can, which is pretty much what I have been doing. I have lost half a stone on my random training cycle but I now need to look at some specific targets. Both in terms of distances cycled and weight loss......after Christmas dinner that is :)

I need to be capable of doing 80 miles in a day, and then getting back on the bike and doing it again the next day. Oh that is going to hurt!

So I am breaking each day down into 20 mile rides. 20 miles and a break. 20 miles then lunch, 20 miles and a break, 20 miles and done for the day, repeat the following day. It does not sound so bad when you are doing 20 miles at a time :)

Time to look for some good 20 mile and 40 mile rides from home. The 20 miles I can do already, I know I can. I've done 20  miles on the mountain bike, down Middlewood way and back. Now I have to train to do it twice...and then three times.....and then four times.... The turbo trainer is great for helping with the fitness and conditioning and if the weather is too bad to get out much in Jan I need to start doubling and trebling the turbo sessions too. One in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening to replicate those 20 mile rides.

Over Christmas I want to get a 40 mile ride under my belt. By end Jan up to 50 miles, end Feb 60 miles, end March 80 miles.