Training Log Archive: SherB

Really well set 2.5hr score event, on generally flat roads around Brenchley in Kent. Dave made the best map board for me too, by modifying a mobile phone handlebar mount - it was fantastic with full 360 degree rotation so I was all set! Really pushed hard from the start, but the constant wind meant I started to flag a little after the first hour - exacerbated by not taking enough food with me. Couldn't find one 20pt control (I later found out that it was hidden inside a hedge that I was standing next to, bc there was nothing else to hang it on), & then in the last 30 to 40 minutes I just fell off a cliff physically & mentally, making loads of route choice errors and struggling to spot controls on the road. So I came back to the finish a bit early. I chose a really crappy route and probably should have gone a different way to get more points but I absolutely loved it today. I loved the intensity of the race and having to think the whole way, unlike my usual rides where the Garmin just bleeps at me when I go the wrong way!

Was a bit unsure about going for a run as I thought I could feel my calf when I was doing tuck jumps the other day, but I decided to give it a go and at worst, have to stop and walk back. The calf was ok - I thought I felt a couple of slight something's about halfway, but nothing significant. Was pretty slow for the first 6km through the woods though because they are really overgrown and my legs are now covered in a rash again. But finished strong doing 5:15 for the 2nd last km & 4:54 for the last km - good stuff :-)

Unsociably hot weather today, added to very sore glutes from yesterday meant I decided on Nippy 30 as it's the quickest ride. But of course I also decided to go for a pb. Pushed fairly hard after the first 10mins, really only easing up on the downhills, and even managed to push up one hill on Pilgrims Way outside Shoreham at speed in the big chain ring :-) Definitely felt stronger today than the shity few days I had last week, and very happy to do a pb by over a minute :-)

Spent all day doing full home spring clean ahead of a series of guests arriving from tonight & continuing for a week. It's still bloody boiling which I HATE (it's why I live in England and not Australia), so housework was made even less pleasant by the temp. Finally cooled down about 6pm, so did a good dynamic warmup then did the Dirty Dozen, which is 4 sets of 12 reps of each: 1) Fwd Lunge; 2) Pushups; 3) Squats; 4) Back raises; 5) 8kg left leg squats, touching KB to the ground; 6) squat jumps; 7) Mtn climbers; 8) Reverse lunges; 9) 8kg right leg squats, touching KB to the ground; 10) duck walk; 11) 8kg KB swing around my body; 12) tuck jumps. 2mins rest after the set. Good tough session which I'll feel tmrw I'm sure.

Oh boy, what a ride!!! "Discovered" a private road up to Limpsfield Chart today, affectionately called the Col du Trevereux - open to walkers & cyclists, and gradients up to 16%!!! (It's actually Trevereux Hill) So incorporated that after doing the Col du Skelly, then climbed up Puddleduck lane to join Toys Hill just at the steep bit. But Puddleduck was the worst - it had a gradient of 19% at one stage - very proud to have done all the climbs today in the saddle too - DD says that's how you get strong :-)

It's too hot for June. Oh, which reminds me, we rode across some old tarmac that was melting it was so hot - our wheels sunk & left tyre tracks - who would have thought that would happen in England??!!