One month to go... Has the training hit the plan??
At the end of May, I had created the high level training plan and was getting started on it.. more details are here.... but essentially it is building time/miles
June:
Ride Distances per week: 87 ; 115 ; 36 ; 21 (Race Week) ; Total = 259
Longest Ride = 54 miles
Run Distances per week: 10 ; 10 ; 13.5 ; 5.5 (Race Week) ; Total = 39
Longest Run = 10 miles
Other sessions (Swim/Gym) = 8
July:
Ride Distances per week: 102 ; 95 ; 63 ; 80 ; Total = 340
Longest Ride = 69 miles
Run Distances per week: 17 ; 23 ; 26 ; 11 ; Total = 77
Longest Run = 10 miles
Other sessions:
In July, 3-4 times a week I was do my training rides on the air assault bike - a static, fixed gear bike that is good for building ride strength. At the end of each session (30 mins) I go for an 800m run to practice the transition and I've also added in a fake kayak.
The reason is to try and replicate the uncomfortable sitting position of a kayak and to try and get as ready as I can for the real thing.
I sit on the floor with my knees slightly bent and have my feet in front of me against a heavy box. I then "kayak" with either a bar or a plastic pole, 50 seconds on and then 10 rest for 10 minutes.
Kayaking in the race is the most painful thing I think I've ever down.. a killer on the hip flexors that puts me in pain almost immediately, and no position seems to ease it off.
I started off with a 5kg bar.. and quickly realised that was way too heavy.. so for the first few weeks I've been working with a 2.5kg bar and a plastic pole, slowly building more minutes with the pole..
What hasn't gone so well..
1. Diet..
Trying to be good, but I'm a real sucker for cakes and sweet things and being so busy the temptation for takeaways and eating out at the weekends means my progress hasn't been as good. I've lost some weight, but not enough...
2. Tired...
Whether this is just age, or just a reflection of trying to do to much, I'm constantly tired.
I'm working full time, trying to do a load of work at home, keep on top of the website, and also say hello to my partner, family and friends...
But enough wallowing...
I'm lucky to be living in a beautiful part of the country, with some of the classic south down chalk hills close by and I can go out for long rides with enough hills to replicate the C2C route.
I need to continue through August with the training plan, and I'll be as ready as I can be to smash it....
Have I done enough...? I don't think I've ever gone to a race thinking I have.
Have I given myself a chance...? Yes I think so. I could be derailed by injury, mechanical or a crash but I'm giving myself a chance which is all I can ask for!
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Coming up in the next month..
Challenges: Race to The Stones Training Blog
Articles/Blogs: Finding the right exercise for you
