Training Log Archive: Dooby

Sliabh Luachra CC Sportive 2018

New route this year, and no easier. Probably nicer i'd say, still got plenty of climbing but roads mostly ok, worst road was the last 15km on the N72.

Fast start and no real let up. Just about managed to hang onto the front group for 99% of the spin, but got dropped near the finish, I blame Leigh for losing the wheel and once lost i'd not enough to get back on.

There was no sun today, felt weird not to see the sun, but to have clouds instead. Meant things were cool on the bike but once warmed up it was grand.

Decent gluten free grub at the food stop, sandwiches, buns and scones. Could have stayed there eating.

Second half of the spin got no easier, although the pace on the climb up from Millstreet to Mushera wasn't as fast as last year. Did lose people near the top. Usual fast descent then, which wasn't easy in the wind.

The pace really ramped up now. I actually took a turn on the front before the Sandpit, felt i'd better contribute something, but once on the N72 I started to struggle. Lost the wheel at one point and fought hard to get back on. Was pleased to get back on and stuck at the back. Working hard.

Before Cullen a young fella 3 in the line in front of me dropped off so the guy behind him slowed to give him a push, and the guy behind him then touched his wheel and went tumbling. I managed to find some space to the side so avoided the chap crashing. I believe he's ok. Nothing worse than the sound of carbon hitting tarmac.

That meant i'd to close a gap again. Then maybe 5km from Rathmore Leigh dropped the wheel so lot of effort put in to no avail. Didn't catch up, so did the last 5km on my own at what was still a good enough pace. Not easy into the headwind.

Legs tired afterwards. They haven't recovered from running on Friday, still a bit tired, and could feel them after the first climb, they improved after that.

Nice temperature on the bike, felt cool when moving, last night was tough at home with the heat. So enjoyed it being a small bit cooler at this hour of the morning.

Legs a small bit tired after running last night. Was thinking I shouldn’t be pushing too hard today with the sportive tomorrow, but sure it’s all training! Think there was a tailwind going up to Molls as the climb in felt easier than normal. Happy enough with the time.

Coming down was into a headwind and was suffering a bit tiredness wise near the end.

Ice cubes I put in my water bottle didn’t last too long but probably made the drink more palatable.

Decided I’d make a decision on what to do this evening when I got home from work. Run it was. Haven’t run since the Shamrock but felt getting one or 2 in before the holidays will help as I’ll probably be running for the week.

It as warm, as in really warm, but shade from the trees was helpful.

Legs felt ok I think. No pain. So a bonus. Will roll them out later.

Hot evening on the bike. Got it back after being serviced, a few new bits, and a few things tightened. I need to oil the rear dérailleur, reason being I don't use the small ring too often!

Moving nicely but could feel the heat in my throat in the 2nd half of the spin. Not something i'd be too used to in Killarney.

Bit more tired today, a couple of nights of interrupted sleep, must be the heat...

Out messing around Upper Torc on my brothers bike. The flat parts were ok, as were the climbs, mostly, but some of the downhills I would have had issues with. Just not confident on a MTB. Fun though.

And it was a hot evening. Tar on the road melting!

Started the day feeling tired but feeling better this evening. No harm in the rest after some distance on the bike.

Went with Mary to get Erik’s 1st vaccinations done this morning, not a pleasant experience to spectate at, hopefully he’ll have less of a fear of needles that I do!

Scorchio.

Small bit tired this morning. Didn’t cramp after yesterday, that was an unexpected bonus.

Must drop bike into be serviced today as some comments yesterday on the noise it was making! Will use my brothers bike in the meantime.

Monday - Bike
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Bike
Thursday - Bike (maybe race)
Friday - Bike
Saturday - Bike
Sunday - Tour de Sliabh Luachra

Muckross

Had to check HR average to determine intensity, don’t have HR on my cycle screen on the forerunner. Some parts felt tougher than others.

Fun spin although got a bit hairy when I met a bus load of Germans walking against me on the parkrun back straight.

Went up to Upper Torc and around the tracks to get to Mangerton. I’d no issues with the tracks anyway.