Training Update

Back in the New Forest again last Monday. Cycled 50km but decided I would try and go as fast as possible. After all the long slow work I have been doing there wasn't much speed involved but I did my best. I just avoided the rain which is a bonus. Tuesday was very busy at Sports-Where so didn't get any training done. Wednesday went to the gym for some strength work on the bikes. I cranked the resistance up and feel more powerful already. Thursday swim, Friday swim, weekend back in Essex. Another week closer to Copenhagen and I'm a long way off where I would like to be. My aim is to stay consistent and I'm sure it will all come together in the end. On the upside I've got a few upgrades to my bike coming which I'm really excited about. I can't afford a proper time trial bike so I've decided to make my road one as good as it can be.

Rotec Cycles

Rotec Cycles of Shinfield, Berkshire have kindly agreed to support me throughout the 2010 season. Simon who runs the shop is a fantastic bloke and the service at Rotec Cycles is second to none. I'm very excited about this partnership and am looking forward to getting my bike in tip top condition for the season. Go to www.roteccyclesberkshire.com or visit the ebay shop at http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Rotec-Cycles

Chiltens Cyclosportive Watlington (07/03/10)

Have finally got round to putting the race report on here. The event was a 77 mile cycle around the chiltern hills and was very well organised. I wasn't sure what to expect as I have never done a cyclosportive before but there was a massive turn out and I had a really enjoyable time. I set off at 9am and for some unknown reason decided to wear fingerless gloves... big mistake. After a few miles the pain gave way to numbess and after riding for a while with ice on the road the sun came out and I could concentrate on cycling rather than freezing. It wasn't long before we were confronted with the first climb and I felt like giving up there and then, it was enourmous. The climbs were relentless but I actually began to enjoy them. by the end. On the flats I was frequently overtaken by large groups of cyclists but on the climbs I worked my way back up the field. This is definitely my strength probably due to the fact I only weigh about 58kg. My nutrition strategy just held out too so I just have to make a few tweeks and it should be sorted. I cannot explain how glad I was to see the finish after 6 hours of cycling. It was a great event and one that I am very pleased to have finished. It was excellent training for the Ironman and doing a cyclosportive is something I would definitely recommend to people not just for training but for a fun day out and a real challenge.

Cycle Training

On Monday I managed to get out for a long ride down in the New Forest. I used to live in Southampton and do all my training there but since I moved I've been strggling with busy roads and lots of junctions. There are very few cars in the New Forest and all the other cyclists say hello which makes a nice change. I got 85km in 3hr 30m before I decided to pack it in. Even this early in the season I would have expected to be faster but my legs felt very tired, perhaps from the long drive. Tuesday and Wednesday pulled off about 1500m in the pool. Now I'm having a little rest before a cyclo sportive in Watlington this sunday. 145km. Perhaps a bit too far considering my current cycling form. It should be great training and my aim is just to finish and to test out my nutrition. Fingers crossed it's going to work.