My turbovember story....

Like many others I took up @davemorts challenge to turbo every day in November for at least 30 mins.  Sounds a piece of cake right? Well not exactly because as well as the 30 minute minimum there are three longer 45 : 20 brick sessions, three 90 minute sessions and one bottom numbing 120 minute one.  Again, for most regular cyclists this is not that hard a challenge but hang on a minute, here's what I forgot to factor.

 

Firstly, I already have a training plan that requires me to swim, bike, run twice a week.  Add in a couple of PT sessions and you quickly start to find adding in the 30 mins a day without getting up early doors or getting on late a bit tricky to fit in.

 

Secondly, I have a busy job as I run my own business, it's not  a 9-5 with a lunch hour, like many I work long hours. I am often at events before or after work and I do a fair bit of travelling to see clients so getting home after 8.30pm on a school night is a fairly regular occurrence.

 

Thirdly, I am the wrong side of 40 and I need my sleep!

 

But all of that aside I have not shirked the task. I have been true to myself and consistently put in the time. In doing so I have learned....

 

• I am able to sustain cycling at a much faster cadence than I used to, for far longer
• That I am actually ridiculously stubborn (I probably knew that) and follow the turbo videos to the letter so that I would rather die than not finish off the efforts or a session - I have started so I will finish
• I quite like (but not love) my turbo as a wind down leg spinner after a tough session or a stressful day
• Watching male cyclists bottoms on a screen can be quite motivating during a long session
• I can drink a cup of team, eat a biscuit and file my nails while warming up (multitasking)
• I can even master a phone call as long as the caller does not mind some heavy breathing
• I do not have enough cycling kit or pairs of matching socks ever (washing machine on overdrive)
• I really need to paint the pain cave (utility room) and sort out the cobwebs on the ceiling
• I have welcomed the turbo on days when the weather has been windy and wet
• There is quite a nice bit of friendly, motivational camaraderie on twitter among fellow turbovember peeps.

So while I have been known to moan on a fairly regular, sometimes daily basis "I have still to do my sodding turbo session" overall it's been a good experience.

 

All in all I covered 1,459 mins during turbovember . My legs are in better shape and I am maintaining bike fitness that I would probably have dropped otherwise. 

 

Thanks to Jason and all the other people who made it happen, and to those at the top of the league table I doff my virtual cycling helmet to and to everyone else, a nice big virtual pat on the back and a slice of cake.

 

See you next year (maybe)

 

Lx

 

 

 

Finding time and inspiration to train

I am frequently asked how I find time to maintain a regular training regime in amongst my busy working week.   I am not unusual in this respect, plenty people do what I do, the phrase ‘if you want something done then ask a busy person’ probably applies.  But while it is about clever time management, it is also more about choices.  I choose to get up early two or three mornings a week and get a run or workout in well before the working day begins.  I choose to go training after work while others choose the sofa or the pub.  But what motivates me to make that choice comes down to the goals I am trying to achieve.  There are always common underlying goals of mine which are usually to get faster, stronger, fitter, and invariably lighter but there is also a deep sense of doing something for me that makes me feel happy inside.  However, I am not really talking about finding my inner chi (although exercise absolutely contributes to my personal wellbeing), I mean more about feeling inspired.  

Inspiration comes in all shapes and forms – currently I find mine comes from reading about other people’s experiences, usually fairly ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats as opposed to professional athletes.  There are lots of books, online forums and blogs written by people that chronicle a personal journey to completing a challenge and I am fascinated by these stories.  While they are all very personal to that person there is usually something that I recognise and empathise with and plenty to inspire me. 

Last week, I was recently part of the judging panel for the Bath Chronicle Sports Awards.  These entries were so hard to judge, so many incredible achievements and very personal, inspirational stories.  The Sports Awards absolutely inspire me and highlight that everyone has the ability to achieve beyond expectation if they truly want to.    Whatever your goal, no matter how small or trivial you may think it to be, it is by its very nature a goal and therefore one to get off that sofa and go for.  Good luck!

 

This blog was first published in the Bath Chronicle

Being prepared is key to winter training

Training during the autumn and winter months is one of my favourite times of year.   While it’s colder, damp and generally unpredictable for me there is nothing nicer than being out and about running or cycling enjoying the fresh air and the changing seasons.   The key to enjoying the chiller days, particularly on the bike, is to make sure you are well prepared wearing the right kit.    

When cycling I find that you know you have it right when you are sweating before you even get out of the house.  Layering is the key.  By layering up, you can strip down a bit if you get too hot.  Find clothes that will fold away to nothing and fit in your back pocket.   I have a lightweight windcheater which rolls down into the palm of my hand.   Tops that have removal arms are also really worth the investment.  I did spend a lot on a Gore outer layer jacket that has removal arms and I have not regretted it, although in hindsight white was perhaps a bit of a mistake given I only wear it in the winter and getting mud spray off the back can be a bit of a bother!  I own a cycling jacket but I have only worn it once, it is too heavy and hot for me but I know plenty of people who prepare that to a tight fitting outer jacket.  It is certainly personal preference and maybe the fact that I often don’t feel the cold as much as others.

Arm warmers are my favourite things, it means you can still wear your short sleeved cycling tops and adjust while on the move.  I have various sets but in colder months a pair of merino wool ones are so nice to wear, really cosy and comfortable and for some reason you don’t seem to sweat in them.

I also always cycle with a neckerchief.  It is such a handy piece of kit as you can pull it up to cover your chin or further still to cover your mouth and nose when it is very chilly and it also keeps your neck warm.  Tons on the market, very cheap and really handy. I don’t use a cap under my helmet but plenty people do, so I guess they are useful too.

Toes and fingers are the bits that tend to bother cyclists more than core warmth.   I address that by wearing a pair of normal ankle socks and then knee high (yes I know) socks on top.   Sealskinz are my brand of sock choice.   They are pretty expensive and I only own one pair but they work well.  When I bought mine they did not do ladies specific sizing that may have changed but a small man size fit my size 6.5 feet.    I also have a pair of overshoes which help to keep your feet dry as well as toasty.  My top tip is remember to put them on before you put your shoes on. 

You should probably think about leg warmers or full length bib tights but I tend to get overly hot in full length tights so don’t own a pair and I have not found a pair of leg warmers yet that don’t make my legs look like a pair of fat overstuffed sausages. So when it’s cold I choose to add a pair of tights under my bib shorts, just standard ladies 70 or 90 denier tights under everything.  It is not necessarily something I have seen anyone else do but it works for me.  They don’t rub or chaff and they dry out quickly when caught in a shower.  Believe me I have ridden miles like this and never had a problem.

So to the fingers… Gloves, in my experience the more you spend on a pair does not equally equate with the better they are, in fact sometimes the opposite.  I have a pair of really tight fitting gloves that I have used for years, which are a pain to get on and off but they seem to work.  Although when it is particularly chilly I have seen me wear an old pair of oversized woollen gloves over the top, which makes changing gear a bit interesting but just give me an extra layer.  When it’s less cold in springtime a pair of thin running gloves with fingerless cycling gloves over the top are a good option.

Finally, incorporate some bright kit when out and about on dull days and put your lights on.  Being seen can save your life.   Above all get out there, enjoy the season and don’t let the rain dampen your spirits or put you off your training stride.  Have fun!

 This blog was first published on Total Guide to Bath