Jonathan Yeates

Let the REAL training begin

With just under 10 weeks to go the challenge is getting closer and the serious / specific training will begin.

Like building a house taking on any endurance challenges requires firm foundations. Therefore up to this point, I have concentrated on building my aerobic base. Since 1 November, I moved away from my normal marathon running programme to a more cycling specific plan. This has meant a steady increase of training which means, since Jan 1, I have averaged 7hr 20 mins on the bike or 214km per week. Sounds a lot - and it is - but considering my commute to the office takes approx.90mins, I have been able to conduct the training relatively* easily around work and family.

However, looking ahead to the next 9 weeks. The training will change to more specific, longer rides that train the body, mind and gut (this is very much a nutritional challenge as it is physical) to cope with 14 hours of steady work. The furthest I have ever ridden in a single event is 160km. So this challenge will see me double this effort in one day and will require several training rides that exceeds my PB distance.

So over the next 8 weeks I will look to do a least a metric century once a week (100km), a handful of 100 milers and at least one 200km ride. The first long ride of the block is this Sunday where I will take on 150km with my fellow M2L riders from North London.
I will let you know how I get on next week.