September 30, 2015
Well that’s gone fast, it seems like yesterday when I announced the ride. They say time goes fast when you’re having fun and that’s certainly the case here.
Each month I’m setting myself a few achievable tasks to ensure I’m on track. Lets see how I got on with September’s tasks…
Complete a 60 mile ride
Yep. I actually did a few 60 milers and my maximum distance was 70 miles, which took me 4h 25mins.
Get in touch with a cycling coach
Yep. I’ve got a coach and I’ve gone back to basics, building my muscles up in the gym until I’m stronger for the road. You can read about that here.
Learn what foods are healthy and how to make them
Hmmm. My diet has improved massively but it’s still not perfect. I’ve not had any junk food and I’m eating well but I still need to know more about what each type of food does and when I should be eating it. One of the most difficult challanges has been cutting my food portions down and eating smaller meals spread out over the day. I’m going to write about this at some point next month.
Sign at least 25 friends and family up to donate £10 a month for the next year
25 people would have raised around £3750 with gift aid, a significant percent of the desired total. However this was hard, people have things to pay for and can’t afford – or want – to part with money as easily as I do. I think I’ve seriously underestimated how challenging it might be to raise the 10k. I’ve actioned this by expanding my list of fundraising ideas ready for next year when the ride is closer.
Overall this first month has been bit of an eyeopener both the training and the organising. My biggest worry is nothing is actually booked yet, mainly because the flights aren’t available for another couple of weeks.
I knew that the marketing would do well initially then fade out until September approaches next year. I’ve milked it as much as I can, obtaining around 600 followers on social media. My aim is to keep them entertained with my training stories and preparation for the ride in the hope that they will stay interested and spread the word. I’m planning to post some new photos and videos and I’m blogging on a regular basis.
I’m happy with my training. I’m feeling good and I’ve not had a drink or takeaway since the 1st September. I’m down to 75kg, a weight I havn’t touched in years. I feel quite relieved that I’ve got a trainer, that has taken a lot of pressure off me. He has assured me if I follow his plan I will be in peak condition fit for the ride. Of course it’s not going to be easy but I’m 100% dedicated to the cause.
Not that I mind, but the ride is massively time consuming. I will never mock the training of an athlete or the role of an event organiser ever again. My life has been turned on its head and, although I was always busy before, I am ultra busy now. If I’m not cycling I’m gyming or cooking or writing emails, blogging, contacting businesses, networking on forums or just absolutely shattered. Of course this is on top of my normal life and everything I cram into that too. I definitely won’t lose focus of what I’m doing though!
So, my aims for November…
- Ride an 80 miler
- Learn (properly this time) the different types of foods, write about them and, of course, eat them properly!
- Book the flights
- Enquire about RV, potentially pay deposit
- Take note of all the equipment I require and want, how much they will cost, see what’s realistic and account for them with a saving plan
Thanks for reading
Shane x
