May 1, 2016
Can’t believe how fast it has gone. Eight months since I started, WOW!
Aims for last month
If all goes well I’m riding my first 100 this month at the Lionheart Sportive on the 17th representing my chosen cancer charity CLIC Sargent. If I complete that with no problems I will feel much more confident. #nervous
I did it! You can read more about it here. This was a huge milestone for me.
I don’t really have many aims this month other than train hard. I need a break from the stress of organising and worrying about everything before it really gets hectic, April is the month for that!
It’s been a nice relaxing month and I’ve just been focusing on my cycling. It has most certainly been the most productive month since I started. My cycling is really starting to pick up now and I’m currently managing blocks of consecutive 4 hours Fri-Sun. This hourly figure will continue to increase in the remaining four months until I hit my target of 8-9 hours. I focus on hours instead of miles as the important thing is ensuring I can do the hours in the saddle regardless of the weather, terrain or my condition.
This has been a really big month for me and I’m feeling much more positive than I have been for the past few months. I know I can cycle 100 miles and my endurance levels are increasing by the week. My legs are fairly tired post rides but I’m recovering well to go again the next day.
Although I’m now used to it, it’s a bit mental riding for so long each day. It takes some real planning and getting used to. I have to think like 5 hours ahead each time I ride. Have I got enough food? What’s the weather like? Is my clothing suitable? What route am I taking? Will i be back for the rugby? Ha. I have made a few mistakes such going too far out (or high up where it’s freezing) without checking the forecast and not taking enough food and no money. You get used to it and thankfully in America I will have a support team, which will make life easier. I can’t really do much on a weekend these days as I’m riding for half the day and then refueling/resting ready for the next. It really takes it out of you, and the more you do post-ride the harder it will be the next day.
On a side note the weather has been ridiculous! Bit of sun and warmth would be nice going forwards!
Aims for May
Of course it goes without saying that I need to keep training hard but here are some additional aims, a pretty calm month again until it gets really hectic in the last two.
- I need to get the banner for the RV designed and printed
- I need to make some inquiries about insurance over in America
- I need to find someone who can spend some time explaining the mechanics of the bike and how to fix/replace stuff. I can then possess the knowledge – in addition to recording it for reference – should anything go wrong.
