For my previous two ultra races I didn’t do any specific training; I did have a longer commute, so just made sure I put in 150-200 kms each week that way.
This year, my commute isn’t as long. I also took a break from cycling early in the year due to lockdown, hence I feel it’s necessary to have something more structured, in order to make it to the start line in an adequately prepared state.
To come up with a training plan, I started by plotting the available time out on a spreadsheet and have added in notional exercises into the dates, ramping up from easy to moderate over the weeks. If I have any planned club rides or similar events I can pop those in when I know about them.
I’ve added in the Trans Kernow event as a milestone. It will give me a good opportunity to experience the ups and downs in Cornwall, and ahead of that hopefully a trip to the Isle of Wight.
Anyhow, you can see my plan here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10un6gDrzwi5fgwJ-aIQspymMk6BKoGsouQY0UF8bPaY/edit?usp=sharing
Since it’s on Google Sheets, I’ve been able to add some custom script so that when I open the spreadsheet, it automatically updates it with my ride distance and elevation data recorded on Strava. I exclude the rides I tag as ‘commute’ on Strava, since these are just short direct rides between home and office. This allows me to keep an idea of what I’ve ridden, against the plan.
It’s a loose plan, but it’s a plan, and it helps me stay on track and on top of getting physically prepared.
~ An té a bhíónn siúlach, bíonn scéalach. ~
~ We who travel have stories to tell. ~