How fast should one be targetting for a lap of Richmond park

[RacerMDR]

I have pretty much given up on running as it just seems to give me pain!

So, I am focussing on the bike......I'm going out 4 mornings a week, and cycling to Richmond park, 1 Lap (currently) and then back home.

Whole thing is about 22k........so nice non impact exercise. It takes me about an hour, but that includes stopping for junctions, walking over Teddington Lock etc

I'm keen to know what my target should be for the lappage around the park.

My heart rate isn't appearing to be challenged on my Garmin but my legs are going pretty jelly!!

So looking for a target...........

I'm on a second hand, couple of year old Shimano 105 Focus

What do we think? I know there will be a huge range of times........but what should I be pushing myself to? oh, and i'm going CLOCKWISE around the park!

Edited because I spelt everything wrong

Edited by RacerMDR on Friday 3rd May 11:00

[ChrisMCoupe]

There will be a Strava segment for it which will give you a rough idea of where you are at compared to others.

Do you ride with a GPS, Garmin, iPhone etc?

[ewenm]

20mph speed limit

[RacerMDR]

sorry, what's a Strava Segment?

I use a Garmin 405, with heart rate monitor.

20 mph limit indeed..........so my target should me 20mph around the park? thanks!

[ewenm]

www.strava.com - website for tracking (via GPS) and comparing your rides with yourself and others. Segments are sections of ride that you can set up to give a sub-section of your whole ride to compare. There will be a Richmond Park lap segment in Strava with lots and lots of times recorded on it.

[RacerMDR]

ewenm said:

www.strava.com - website for tracking (via GPS) and comparing your rides with yourself and others. Segments are sections of ride that you can set up to give a sub-section of your whole ride to compare. There will be a Richmond Park lap segment in Strava with lots and lots of times recorded on it.

fantastic - right, I thought I was in 'data' trouble with my own Garmin........now i'm never going to get any work done!

[HurryUpAndWait]

20mins = 20mph near as damn it.

So obviously that's my fastest time

[JuniorD]

With a bit of training 13 minutes 35 seconds!

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/528550/...

[HurryUpAndWait]

JuniorD said:

With a bit of training 13 minutes 35 seconds!

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/528550/...

Insane, 30mph average. Underlines the difference between a top pro and the rest of us.

[Mr Will]

RacerMDR said:

My heart rate isn't appearing to be challenged on my Garmin but my legs are going pretty jelly!!

Change down a gear or two (higher RPM) and you'll shift load off your legs and on to your heart/lungs. Ideally you want to balance the two to achieve the fastest pace.

[RacerMDR]

thanks guys - helpful as always!