I always knew training for an Ironman was a physical and mental challenge, I just didn’t realise how much I would learn and how much I would enjoy it.
Last weekend, the alarm went off around 5am and I set off to Bath to ride the Big 100 Miler. The route headed off towards Cheddar, which was brilliant. I had been told, ‘If you can ride up the Cheddar Hills (3 times) you will be fine at Ironman UK… so I awaited the climb with excitement. First point to note, climbing Cheddar and doing deadlifts on Thursday don’t mix!
I still felt really strong and loved the climb, it confirmed to me that I love hills! And my endurance is improving, but I do really lack speed on the bike (something to definitely improve on after the Ironman). Following Cheddar, the end of the ride was filled with many cheeky, sharp hills (and a lot of raindrops) and a run around the city for 45 minutess (much to the banter from the marshals). Sunday, a wet 3hrs 45min run and Monday a 3,200m swim. I now just need to put it all together on the same day (and a little bit)…
Big week 1 done, Big week 2 rolls on
I love this thought, ‘You have to get uncomfortable, to achieve something that really matters’. This is where I was this week, uncomfortable – but in a good way.
Most of the week had double sessions, followed by my second Big Weekend. Saturday was definitely my most challenging ride; I got stung by something nasty; a lorry pushed me into the ditch (quite happy not to be under it, so all good); chain locked twice on the hills (must learn bike mechanics in more depth); torrential down pour several times and hayfever!
But this list is written in a positive tone, as I still enjoyed it and being challenged is a good thing. Move onto Sunday, 6am and a comfortable two hour jog, followed by a chilly lake swim. It’s kind of refreshing and relaxing when it’s raining so hard, you can hear the raindrops whilst you swim. 3.5km of laps completed (focusing on being a streamlined, must look up a suitable fish to model!).
Some of my learning’s from these 2 weeks are:
- Where you think your boundary is, and where it actually is differs
- Getting uncomfortable, with consistent, quality training (and recovery) is a good thing
- There is always something that you can improve on, which is motivating
- Family & friends are invaluable support with a big goal, so make sure you get them involved. Plan a big thank you for them after.
According to my self devised training plan, this is the ‘end’ of the big volume. I now have 10 days of fine tuning, and 10 days of taper. I look forward to updating you with 7-10 days to go. In the meantime, make sure you write down your goals for July, and a clear plan of how you are going to make them happen.
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, I really appreciate it.
You can see my Bath Big Ride Route here.
