Training Blog

This is my training blog that details how I am getting on training for a cycle ride from my home in the West Midlands to Brixham, South Devon which is scheduled in June 2009. I am doing this to raise money for Rowcroft Hospice who cared for my mother who passed away in April 2008 due to Motor Neurone Disease.

Enjoy the read....I had not been on a bike since I was a teenager and this is a whole new world to me, however I am determined to succeed, for my Mum and for the personal challenge.

Training

Tonight I got back on the bike. With little under 3 weeks until I cycle from home to south devon I knew I had to do some training and fast.

Tonight was the first time I had been for a proper cycle since October 2008!! Wow...I was worried about several things. Anyway I set off with no plan, no cycle computer (battery is dead) and no expectations. I honestly thought I would do a few miles and them come back hence why I took no water!

I however was positively surprised. I felt good, my road awareness was good, speed was OK and it felt like I had never been off the bike. In fact I really enjoyed riding and remembered how good it feels after a day at work to clear my head with a cycle. The thought of getting on the bike was far worse than actually doing it.

In the end I did 11 miles in about 45mins. No loads but a great start.

Positives:
No back or knee pain
Energy levels were good
My bike still works
I enjoyed it

Negatives:
I still think I am going to struggle with hills.
I got a fly in my mouth!
My bum hurts, need saddle time!

Things I have forgotten:
Always wear sunglasses, my eyes were watering and the bugs were everywhere
Always take some water
How bumpy the roads are.

Anyway, I am working away tomorrow but should be home by 4:30pm so I plan to go for a 20 mile ride tomorrow. Then I am playing football on Thursday. I will cycle to work and back on Friday, Saturday I am playing football and I am in work so no cycling, however on Sunday it is a 35 - 40 mile ride!

I have to find what distance I start to hurt and then push on from there. If 30 - 40 miles is my bench mark then am happy with this. Next week I will cycle into work as much as I can and then I hope to go for a 5o mile followed by a 70 mile ride the following weekend. Hopefully this will be enough for my adventure to Brixham. I will then rest for a few day before doing a few small Cycles in the week leading up to my trip.

Watch this space!

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