T'is done

Last training session today, spin with Tony. I've just been reviewing my training profile which doesn't have the nice 45 degree line to a peak that I'd hoped for, largely due to the constraints imposed on training by Beth's Uni work (she's currently doing three 12 hour days per week, plus an hour travelling at each end, ouch! Cycling to Paris is a breeze by comparison) and also the DGB (Dreaded Gastro Bug) which wiped out my Bank holiday weekend.

Here's the summary and a profile of distance (with avg HR overlaid)for the last 12 weeks (click on the image to enlarge)

and calories burned per session:

You can clearly see the gap from the DGB and a disappointingly incoherent pattern which reflects the lifestyle of someone fitting training around life rather than vice versa (which I suspect is what Mark Cavendish and Lance Armstrong do). I'm pretty confident I've done enough but I think these graphs illustrate the challenge really of taking on this kind of 4 day ride. Its not that it can't be done, I'm sure anyone with enough time and enthusiasm could get there, its more about having the focus and desire to make it happen with the time and tools available. I know I'm not alone in struggling to train as often as I would like. I feel fitter than when I started LEJOG which gives me comfort. I am really looking forward to le depart now. Peaches, Mad Mackem and I got together with partners on Saturday to talk plans. I think we're all set. Talking of focus there's nearly £2500 in the sponsorship pot now which is all the motivation I need. That's £5 per kilometre. Thank you to everyone who has supported me (and Beth). Its not too late however http://www.justgiving.com/craigmorrisfsid

Boys keep swinging

A funny few days. Gym Wednesday, Thursday nothing, but cycled to work, Friday 50km in the rain (& got soaked despite the new Rain Face jacket), Saturday declined another wet ride and did a big session in the gym instead.

Friday's stats:
Duration 01:44:29
Calories 1251 kcal
Distance49.8 km
Average HR 139 bpm
Maximum HR 164 bpm

Friday evening was quite bright when I set off. I didn't really have a plan but avoided Warwick town centre traffic thinking it would be busy at 6pm, so I went up Rouncil lane, then turned towards Pinley Green, not a road I follow much. This took me all the way out to Lowsonford where the rain started (22hours later as I type, it's still falling). I got a bit lost around Preston Bagot and started heading back on myself. By the time I'd realised my mistake I'd done 30km so thought I'd just head back the way I came as my feet were already soaked and cold and the Race Face shower proof was soaked through (looks great though!). So back into Lowsonford but returned through Shrewley to add some variety. 50km by the time I got home in 1:44, which given the weather and the fact that it's Warwick Council resurface the roads with loose grit season which is a) lethal to cyclists because it piles up into loose banks b) dangerous because cars kick it up and c) horrid to ride on because of its rolling resistance, I was pretty pleased with.

Saturday was forecast heavy rain all day, so having tested myself Friday evening, the planned 100km with Peaches and Ed was ditched in favour of a heavy gym session (3000m row, 12 minutes; 30 minutes bike reps; weights and stretches):
Duration 00:57:53
Calories 682 kcal
Average HR 138 bpm
Maximum HR 163 bpm

I can feel the aches as I type. 10 days to go and no real plans for much more training now. I'll try and get to spin on Monday and that's pretty much it until the off. Excitement rises.

Hold on to your friends

A quick bloglette to say thank you to everyone at the The Vale pub in Coventry who took part in the pub quizzes organised by Rich King, to raise £150 for FSID. Many thanks to you all, if anyone reading this is around Nod Rise please pop in and have a pint with the regulars and say hello from me. If anyone else wants to follow their lead you can do so here: http://www.justgiving.com/craigmorrisfsid




This time in two weeks, I should be well in to Kent on the way to Dover, wish me luck!

king of pain

The indigenous English wildlife was out in force on Sunday. Ed and I passed a field full of Llamas (Alpacas? is there a difference?) in rural Warwickshire. Another glorious day, perfect for cycling, even the strong breeze (which taunted us whichever way we went) couldn't dampen my spirits. Another 40km logged over a reasonably hilly route.

Monday I went to spin for the first time in a month, but 4 days back on the bike after 11 days off took its toll and there wasn't much left in my legs. My efforts seem paltry after reading Mick Rogers' tweet: "This years Giro has been the fastest in it's 100 year history. So far we have 3439 km @ at average of 40.1 km/h. First time ever over 40km/h"
and that was before the final day's time trial!

Race face

25km Thursday, 25km over same route Friday (5 minutes slower with Half Mile) and 40km Saturday have got me well and truly back in the saddle. Hopefully I'll get another 40km in today in the sunshine. Yesterday i was due to ride with Peaches and Half Mile, but some confusion meant we got separated about 200m into the ride. I ended up going solo, but that worked out OK because I was able to go at my own pace. I was pleased with 82 minutes in stunning sunshine.

I also finally got a refund from Winstanley's, after a call to trading standards and a threatening letter. They were very ungracious, but you live and learn. I won't buy from them again and if you're reading this I would advise you to avoid them. I got lucky and bought a Race Face jacket from reliable old Chainreactioncycles handily reduced to £31 (). The zip's better and I already have a Race Face jacket that I've been very pleased with, which I use every day for commuting. Should've stuck with what I know.

@last

At last I felt up to moving. It felt great to be out on the bike again. I'm not 100% still, but managed a respectable hour. Now to pick up where I left off before le depart on 17th June.

Duration 00:56:15
Calories 660 kcal
Distance 25.2 km
Average HR 138 bpm
Maximum HR 159 bpm

Gastric enteritis

It seems I have Gastric enteritis. There's a lot about apparently. 10 days now without training. With less than 3 weeks to go, that's quite worrying. Every day I think, tomorrow, I'll get out. But I'm not eating so I have no energy and would probably set myself back if I tried.