Fred Whitton - Worst possible preparation?

[mikecassie]

I'm entered in this years event, only problem is the preparation, or lack of to be correct.

I'll be away for 3-4 weeks prior to the event, getting home a few days before the event taking place. When away I won't be able to do any normal training, I'll be on a vessel and stuck with pretty rubbish stationary bikes. Plus I'll be doing shift work, so being able to get much more than 1hr sessions will be nigh on impossible.

What's the best way to train in these circumstances? Interval, steady pace or a bit of both?

Thanks in advance for any sensible advice. :-)

[nammynake]

Which event?

[ALawson]

nammynake said:

Which event?

I have decided to miss something this weekend, too little prep and constant coughs, colds, etc.

[z4RRSchris]

interval training. go for it.

[Daveyraveygravey]

I just had the best part of 6 weeks off the bike with a broken wrist. Was terrified my fitness would vanish in this time, but did some gym sessions (maybe 7 or 8) on the static bike and a couple of short mtb rides (1 hour) and although I'm suffering a bit it's nothing like as bad as I thought. The static gym bikes had a random setting that always defaults to cross country and it really felt like a typical ride. I couldn't manage more than an hour though, the saddle was a horrendous instrument of torture...

[mikecassie]

nammynake said:

Which event?

Sorry, a blonde moment there, The Fred Whitton.

[Daveyraveygravey]

mikecassie said:

Sorry, a blonde moment there, The Fred Whitton.

So nothing too hard then?!?! I'd mix it up, but do as much as you possibly can. I guess most people think they've not done enough before the Fred, so you won't be alone...

[Steve vRS]

Good luck!

I'm doing the Fred this year too. I'll be in my PH top so say hello!

I too feel under prepared. I don't think you can train for Hardknott, you just have to keep the wheels turning.

Steve

[Daveyraveygravey]

Steve vRS said:

Good luck!

I'm doing the Fred this year too. I'll be in my PH top so say hello!

I too feel under prepared. I don't think you can train for Hardknott, you just have to keep the wheels turning.

Steve

Luckily, it's near the start... :-o

[nammynake]

mikecassie said:

Sorry, a blonde moment there, The Fred Whitton.

Clearly the best prep is to get long rides in to build endurance. If you're absolutely only limited to short (1 hour) turbo sessions then I'd suggest building / maintaining your threshold ability - 2x20 at threshold or just under (sweet spot) are effective. Mix that up with some more intense interval sessions and you should maintain some decent form. Obviously if you sneak in some longer sessions (bike or trainer) that would help too.

Good luck, I'm taking part again (4th year running). It's a great event.

[mikecassie]

Thanks all, I'll do as much over the next couple weeks at home for the endurance part, which was always my plan. Plus get as much steep climbs in as I can.

As for the stationary bikes I'll have to use when away, they have about 3/4 turn from very little resistance to too much (for me) resistance. I'll just see what I can do and grin and bear it on the day.

[burriana]

mikecassie said:

nammynake said:

Which event?

Sorry, a blonde moment there, The Fred Whitton.

Sorted

Oh, and good luck!

[stripy7]

I'll be there too Learning to love Annerly Hill as prep.

[Vocal Minority]

Getting married in Eskdale the Saturday after it takes place - reception at the last pub you'll pass before the Hardknott. Pity as could have made some good spectating!

Cool story etc...looks like a hell of an experience.

[mikecassie]

Vocal Minority said:

Getting married in Eskdale the Saturday after it takes place - reception at the last pub you'll pass before the Hardknott. Pity as could have made some good spectating!

Cool story etc...looks like a hell of an experience.

Congratulations, I hope the weather is good for you and the rest of us there the previous Sunday. I'll be doing this http://www.komsportive.co.uk/100-mile.html just as you are tying the knot!