Am I that unfit?

The last couple of spinning classes I've been to have been very hard work and I've got to the cool down bit in a pool of sweat and with a (just about) maxed out heart rate. I've then noticed that some who have finished look like they've been for nothing more than a gentle stroll round the shops!! I suppose that you get out of it what you want to put in though. I'm aiming to keep up the 3 sessions per week until mid April.

Last weeks training

Went quite well I think. 150 miles out on the road plus 2 spinning classes plus a couple of turbo-trainer sessions. Similar planned again this week.

I'm definitely starting to feel fitter and more prepared. The spinning classes help but do leave you in a pool of sweat after 45 minutes if you work hard. Off again tonight :-)

Route planning

So many options! I spent ages browsing LEJOG journals with route details - in particular, a really good one from Al Pewsey. I pored over road atlases. I downloaded the CTC end-to end pack. I got progressively confused and indecisive. The criteria for the route can be boiled down to:

1. Avoid main roads wherever possible.
2. Must be achievable in 9-10 days.
3. Er, thats it.

So, for the time being, I've plumped for the CTC B&B route which, albeit hilly (but then every option will be!!!) looks splendid and meets my extensive list of requirements. I'll plot the route on G-Maps or some such software when I get time and add it to the blog but suffice to say it is just over 1000 miles and sticks to minor roads and lanes for much of the time.



Have add a chat with Ade (riding partner for the trip) and agreed that it would be a good idea to not over-do the mileage on the first couple of days. Cornwall and Devon are hilly and it seems silly to risk over-use injuries early on in the trip. I've read of others who have fallen foul in this respect. So, the plan is to get a bit of a head start with 40-50 miles when we arrive down there on 'day zero' (29th April) and keep mileage down to 80 miles per day on day 1 and 2. In addition, we also have a 'spare' 10th day in case of problems etc. en route although the advance booking of B&B's might influence whether we do use it. It's really there in case of emergency anyway.

Sudocrem is my friend ...

Starting to rack a few miles up with the training now but an unfortunate side-effect is some saddle soreness between my thigh and nadgers! Have never really suffered with it before and have had to resort to sudocrem. Off to the gym for a spinning class this evening and so will be applying it liberally beforehand! I'm definitely taking some with me on the end to end ride.

I've also resolved to buy some new cycling shorts! The ones I've used recently are embarrasingly old and I'm placing the blame for all this unpleasantness squarely on them.

Sick of snow

Was planning to ride for a couple of hours this afternoon but the weather really deteriorated whilst I was walking the dog at lunchtime.  Hail and then heavy snow!  Decided not to risk slipping and falling so sat in front of the fire and did some work.  Wuss.  I will be making good use of the time during this crappy weather though.  Route planning starts this week!

Did make myself do another punishing 50 minutes on the turbo trainer this evening though.  Really hard work and ended up sweating like the proverbial pig.  All necessary though given my relatively poor fitness at the moment.  Time for a drink …

Back into training

No excuses now. Even the continuing horrible weather can be a good reason to not get some miles in as I've got the turbo trainer set up in the garage! An hour on it today and a few rides planned for later this week.

Face is healed.

And its been a good excuse not to shave for over 2 weeks!