Specifically, the Great Cycle Challenge (Please read more and donate Here, if you'd like).
So what next?
A plan seems wise...
Just last month I decided to take my cycling just a little more seriously, and stick to a training plan. The ride I was preparing for at the time was the Bonne Bay Loop, and a specific long climb. The training plan I chose was the "15 Minute Climb", and promised to give me a shot at my best segment effort after four weeks of strict training.
The ride didn't actually happen for me (whoops) but I did learn discipline regarding preparation and early mornings; Laying kit out the night before so getting ready isn't tough, as well as getting enough sleep the night before. Things along those lines.
I also quit beer for a spell... but more on this at another time.
Looking ahead, I figure it's time to make a plan. Something I can strictly adhere to in order to give myself the best chances at cycling 1000km in one month, while still maintaining a social life and doing well at work.
Other people do it all the time, sure!
The Math.
I have 31 days to ride the distance. In those 31 Days I actually have four full weeks, which is nice to plan around.
Leading into week one I have what I'm calling three bonus days, to get started and get my legs moving. I do of course have the next week for prep as well, but plan on using this time to rest and get on an early morning schedule so when the riding starts, I'm used to it.
Thursday and Friday the 1st and 2nd I'll shoot for at least 50km between the two days. On the third I'll shoot for another 50, getting me 100km to start things off.
Sunday the 4th I'll be participating in a Sprockids training camp, so while there will be some riding I can't account for how much. So this could be a rest day, depending on time. We'll see.
If Sunday isn't an official rest day, Monday will be. Here is where I'll start my weekly schedules.
Mondays will start the week with rest days. From then on, I'm on a weekly schedule... and here's what I think it looks like.
Mondays and Fridays will become weekdays, leaving three days a week and then weekends to get in 225km / week.
The goal is to get 25kms on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I have a good loop to provide this distance in my pre-work morning hours.
On weekends, I have the arduous task of squeezing in 150kms between two days, however I see fit to do so. The easiest breakdown will be 75km / day on weekends, but it might be more fun to shake it up and play with the distances and goals.
The Conclusion.
So, hypothetically.
Sunday: 75km
Monday: Rest.
Tuesday: 25km Goulds Loop
Wednesday: 25km Goulds Loop
Thursday: 25km Goulds Loop
Friday: Take 'er easy. Drink a beer. Maybe two.
Saturday: 75km
And, repeat.
At the outset, this seems doable. I'm not including any small evening rides with friends, or the St John's Shorttrack Series. Those will add kms as I go along. There will also be random commutes here and there, I'm sure. So I think this is an achievable goal. We'll see.
I do know now this plan brings me in at a 150km deficit heading into the final week. So I'll reevaluate once I have an idea of what toll this schedule takes on my life. Will I need to ride mornings and afternoons? Stay tuned.
I'm trying not to get worked up or feel too much pressure -- something I think I'll make the basis of my next blog post, regarding the mental aspect of all this.
'till then, adios.
