Century

After several weeks of building up to it, I finally did my first ever cycling century in almost 30 degree heat.
By doing it I have learnt a couple of things and compounded a couple of others..
Let's start with the compounded items.... Firstly 'slower is faster'!!! After going out a bit fast in places I really felt it in the 40-50 mile marks, but after some lunch I pulled it back together.
Secondly.... No matter what people tell you mountain bike are more comfortable than road bikes over long distances.

So onto what learnt....
1. I can do it, I did a century in 6 hours in the saddle, 7 hours total.
2. If I can do 100 miles in 7 hours I can sure as hell do 220miles + in 24hours with the correct fuelling and rest strategy.
3. If I can do it so can you 😁

1st countdown.

Less than 7 days now to the first event of my season. Moore and shores at dalby forest, last year I did the mini massif in roughly 5.25hrs including stops. I hope to complete in 4.5hrs but let's see.
I tried a new set up this weekend with a lowered carbon bar being one mod, it did leave my shoulders sore. I've raised it up 5mm so I hope that help some. I will probably try it out mid week.
I'm more apprehensive about the taper week than the ride but let's see how the week progresses.

On track....nearly

After the weekends pair of 3hr rides I have struggled a little. The energy depletion has made the will to do other things harder. I planned on a morning and evening session on the trainer but only got my 'must do' evening session in, rest day today and I will try for two on Thursday.

Last week

Last week was a bit of a grey week. Not quite black and not quite normal.
I found it difficult to do day to day things but managed to put in a full week.
This week has been better with a slow rise again. I've got back to level, done a few good turbo sessions & figured my plan for getting to that 24hr ride fitness both physically and mentally.

FTP functional threshold power test

I did a functional threshold power test last night. Apparatus from being hard it has given me a nice little boost and more will to achieve my goals.
I just have to keep riding the crest of the wave and catching it if it starts to break as I have had a couple of days where I have been getting the bi-polar spending urge.

Its been a long time stranger

As the title says, it's been a long time. Nearly five years, over those years it's been pretty up and down, divorce, meeting someone new, starting a new life, the drag of finding the right meds.
I can't say that everything is amazing, that would be a lie, but as my only downer is work it's all pretty good.
I still struggle to get out of bed during the week and also expressing my feelings and talking about what is going on in my head. I have fallen lucky with my new partner (she is great) and I also have a very supportive doctor who after several years has helped get me on a good mix of meds.
I have been getting out on my bike more and more, leading to over the last couple of years taking part in a few off road sportives. My times have been getting better along with my fitness.
Next year my goal is to complete the Rad am Ring 24hr MTB race in Germany. I'm currently working on the weight loss and fitness and will step it up a gear after Christmas.
See you soon 😁