I owe it to Steve to be in the best physical shape possible for the challenge. Also I want to be able to enjoy this ride and not risk my health in the process so work done in the next 5 months will be vital.
To put things into perspective I used to be a 400/800m runner so 443 miles is well out of my comfort zone.I can't afford to waste my time in the Gym or on the Bike so I am working with my friend and Personal Trainer, Gary ( http://www.physicalwellbeing.co.uk/ ). With his knowledge, physiological testing and structured training coupled with my time on the bike we should be able to get this 55 year old body into shape.
At present Gary is working on my Strength, Leg Power and Fuel (thats food and drink to us mere mortals !!) That's some heavy weights in the Gym twice a week. At the weekend I used to do a decent pace "leisure ride" with no particular structure or route. Anything from 20 - 50 miles. Never did back to back rides on consecutive rides so despite the miserable weather I have started a more structured approach to work on my endurance. Saturday - Brisk 90 - 120 min ride at 17-18 mph average and Sunday a longer 3 - 4 hr ride at 14 - 15 mph average. I'll keep this going for about 12 weeks to end of March ramping up the mileage on the Sunday to 100 miles then change the Saturday ride to more intensive intervals 30 secs flat out with 30secs recovery - 4 - 6 times and some reps up hills.
So far its been going well but just this week I had a difficult weights session on Thursday and after my Sunday 50 miler I felt unwell and have gone down with a fever so having to rest a few days. my first "test" on the bike will be the Surrey Rambler - a 76 mile timed ride with 1200 metres of climbing. I'll let you know how I get on - I'd like to get under 5hrs.
The picture is just me showing off - sorry about that. I'm not holding the traffic up, I've just overtaken them !!
All the best and if you are inspired to get the bike out and work the heart and lungs a bit, let me know - I can give you a few tips to stay injury free and fuel well. Don't be put off - my first ride was 4 miles and I was knackered !!
Chris
