I want you to do really well. Based on my experience coaching hundreds of cyclists I have found that if you just focus on getting these two things sorted right now and finished before the 29th July you’ll be setting yourself up to having the most successful Bupa Around the Bay ride in your life. I can’t stress how important this is to do it in in the order that I describe below.
Last month I introduced the event and touched on some of the key points to consider in your training build-up to Bicycle Network’s most popular event of the year, the Bupa Around the Bay. I work with a lot of cyclists to prepare them for events like the Bupa Around the Bay, and there are a whole lot of things that need to be addressed in the right order to ensure that when they get to the start line they are prepared and in the best possible form. I’ll be covering off the main things with you over the next few months. But this month it’s all about getting yourself ready to be able to start your 12 week training program. There are two things that I’d like you to have sorted before the 29th July which is when our 12 week training program starts.
When you get a moment I’d like you to download the free basic 12 week training programs that I have created for the 50, 100, 135, 210 or the 250 events. These are important because they contain estimated weekly training hours and target kilometres. You’ll be using these figures in the most important next step before you kick off your 12 weeks of training that starts on the 29th July. This step is the negotiation with your stakeholders to ensure that you are able to commit to the expected training load required to successfully complete your chosen distance. Your stakeholders are the people in your life that you already have commitments with; your family and your work colleagues. It’s best to do this upfront and before you start your training to ensure that everyone understands that during this next 12 weeks you’ll be focused on your training. You’ll need to address any impacts this may have on them up front. By doing so you’ll clear the time to ensure your training success.
The next thing I recommend that you sort out is your bike. You’ll want to have your bike serviced to reduce the chance of any major mechanical issue. The other thing that is really important is to get your cycling shoes and bike position sorted out as soon as you can so that you are optimised and comfortable on the bike. This will also reduce the chance of injury as you ramp your training up. Many good bike shops offer a bike fitting service and the outcome you’ll want is to feel as comfortable on the bike as possible so that you can get on with your training pain free. Also, it’s very important that you don’t change your bike and cycling position once you have it setup. Once it’s locked in don’t make any changes until you have finished the Bupa Around the Bay. Getting these two things sorted out will ensure that you are not interrupted and focus entirely on your training leading up to the event.
Next month I’ll be covering off the structure of our 12 week progressive load training program and other training tips that will ensure you get to the start line in the best possible fitness for this year’s edition of the Bupa Around the Bay.
I wish you all the best with your training and I look forward to seeing you out there on the day.
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