London, United Kingdom
dugong /ˈduːgɒŋ,ˈdjuː-/ //noun// noun: dugong; plural noun: dugongs; plural noun: dugong //1. a sea cow found on the coasts of the Indian Ocean from eastern Africa to northern Australia. It is distinguished from the manatees by its forked tail.// 2013 saw this little Dugong migrate from the warm climes of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, to the more hostile climes on London. //2014 sees the Dugong take on the crazy challenge of the Tour de Force. 21 days, over 3,500km, one week ahead of the (other) pro cyclists in the Tour de France.// Join me in what will be a journey of crazy self discovery, on a bike.//

Sunday, 19 January 2014

Purple Patch (24WTG)

Purple patch
noun
noun: purple patch; plural noun: purple patches
1. a run of success or good luck.
"people expect me to score in every game now I've hit a purple patch" 

I'm writing this week's roundup before my big Sunday ride, because when you finish a bike ride several hours long its hard to remember the rest of the week.

And it's been an awesome week. When I look back to the weeks proceeding Christmas there is no real discernible reason as to why I should have felt them to be so rubbish, and this one to be great, except for the grey matter between my ears.

This week of training had a focus on shorter sharp sessions (instead of the long endurance work of last week), and although the legs are pretty much in a constant state of fatigue I am starting to feel much fitter and stronger.

Some highlights of the week:

- The amazing support I had at my quiz night on Thursday night. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for their amazing financial support, and enthusiasm and encouragement.
- Monday's spinning session. Due to the ineptitude of Kentish Town Sports Centre we had a boom box and a CD of unknown tracks. Those hills go on forever when you don't know where the end of the track is. Worked my guys out!
- Wednesday's Turbo (wind) trainer session. I was dreading this session as I left work, with its high cadence focus. I've still got a lot of work to do on cadence (amongst other things!), but its good to know that the work makes a difference.
- Breaking my commute record: Three (3!) work cycle commutes in a week (totally approximately 70km). After a Monday commute on the tube taking nearly an hour, I have myself a stern talking to about the 40 minute cycle being a preferable use of my time!
- Planning for an Easter cycling trip to Wales! Going to hit the hills!

Update post ride:
My legs had a hard time getting moving this morning (which was partially explained at the end of the ride, which was all downhill, thereby showing the whole start of the ride was a sly uphill), and I had to contend with two punctures and some chilly conditions. But otherwise a great day under blue skies.

The week by numbers:
- Swimming 2 hr 15 min
- Cycling 6 hr 30 min + 4 hr commuting
- Run 2hr
- Total 10 hr 45 mins
- Calories burned 6,900 (Garmin estimate- including commutes)


Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)