November 1, 2015
Wowser, two months have passed already. I guess I have made some decent progress this month both on and off the road.
Lets see how I got on with this months aims:
Ride a 80 miler
I actually rode two of these, one of which wasn’t intentional! If you’ve not read it already, have a read of my wild goose chase. I basically got lost in Manchester with no food, it was a real bummer (pun intended).
Learn the different types of foods, write about them and, of course, eat them properly!
YES! I have been really researching this and I have wrote two posts, one on fats and the other on carbs, with my final piece on protein coming in the next few weeks. I have drastically changed what I’m eating and the changes in my day-to-day energy and performance have been noticeable.
Book the flights & Enquire about RV
YES! I’ve paid for the flight for myself and Robert (driver, cook, first aid and massager). Was a massive relief when I finally had this done! I also had my first form of corporate sponsorship from the very generous EDWIN, you can read more about that here.
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
Yes I did this and the list was as long as my arm. There are lots of things that I WANT, but I don’t really need. For example this month I purchased a navigation system and a video camera for my bike. I don’t really need them but they’ve certainly made my training experience more enjoyable. The RV and flights were the most important things and they’re now sorted.
I really, really like the look of this KTM bike as my companion for America but I will have to see how the funds go.
Speaking of funds, the price of the flights and RV was just short of 6 thousand, all of which will be paid for out of my own pocket. With many more things still to pay for, I’m actively looking for corporate sponsorship. If anyone has any leads whatsoever please let me know. I don’t mind whatsoever paying for the ride, – I think it’s a great investment – however the event is well suited to be used as marketing for many businesses and organisations (kill two birds with one stone and all that).
Overall it’s going well, I’m making progress in my training and I’ve raised just short of £700. The biggest problem I’ve faced is my lower back. The pain after 3/4 hours is uncomfortable to say the least and last weeks 77 mile was pretty bad. I’m currently seeing a osteopath and my trainer has adjusted my training schedule to account for this annoying pain.
The conclusion is that my body is struggling with the new demands that are expected of it. I’ve swapped a pub stool for a saddle and circling my legs thousands of times so I’m obviously going to have some problems. Training sensibly and time are my biggest assets here, it should (fingers crossed) get better….eventually.
Off the road I’m doing ok. It’s really demanding having to focus on food and training all the time but I’m slowly falling into a routine. Preparation is something I have had to improve on, it is incredibly annoying arriving home after training absolutely shattered and having nothing in the fridge. Thankfully I learnt from that lesson quickly!
I’ve not had a drink yet and I’m in two minds whether to get hammered at a Halloween party tomorrow night (I wrote this post on Friday 30th). I’m very much an all or nothing person and my view is that if I’m going and only having a “few” I might as well not drink at all.
Admittedly I’m being a bit anal about this no-drinking stuff and it has affected my social life. But I don’t want to be cycling the Rockies tired in 10 months time thinking, “I wish I wouldn’t have done that”.
For example, on Sunday I’m measuring my heart rate on some hill efforts. In turn my trainer reads these stats and builds my plan around them. I doubt I’m going to perform very well after getting smashed the previous day. Decisions, all of which are made with the ride in the back of my mind.
So aim’s for November? It’s getting tougher, there’s no point me setting physical ones as my trainer dictates what I do, so only a few for this month!
- Set out solid list of ideas for fundraising next year, what month they can be in and what I hope to achieve from each
- Set up a YouTube account and create a video with my new camera
- Keep my stretching exercises going and partake in the yoga classes at work.
Thanks for reading!
Shane x
P.s I can’t wait for xmas.
