[LEL17] Training plan for the ill-prepared

[canuckystan]

Although life has brutally interfered with training, I'm going to gut it out and see what happens.  I've got 15 days of a 30km commute left.  I've got 4 weekend days left before we leave for the UK.  I'm thinking the best use of those days would be long hill climb repeats.  I have a long hill that's about 7km, 3-8% grade.  My plan is to repeat that as much as possible on those weekend days. 

The other option is a few really long rides, but I think the VO2 max would be better served at this point with hill repeats.  I have done a 200km and a hilly 300km brevet earlier in the year, and a few weekend 150km rides recently.  My bike fit and dietary needs are sorted for longer rides.

What say you?

[hellymedic]

Don't deplete any reserves in the last few days before LEL.

Make sure you are well-fed.

Consider how you should tackle jet-lag and its inevitable sleep deprivation consequences.

DON'T overtrain!

[LittleWheelsandBig]

Kick it pretty hard over the next week or so, ease it back after that, particularly in the last week. Hill repeats are an efficient way to train.

[Bolt]

...and don't forget to train the mind! I would recommend "Mind Over Matter" by polar explorer Ranulph Fiennes as essential reading!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/796344.Mind_Over_Matter

[Redlight]

...and don't forget to train the mind! I would recommend "Mind Over Matter" by polar explorer Ranulph Fiennes as essential reading!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/796344.Mind_Over_Matter

Although, despite any horror stories you might hear from Fidgetbuzz (and I was there that night and can vouch for his account), it is highly unlikely that on LEL 2017 you will be required to amputate your own toes with a chain tool.

[canuckystan]

That may be, but I'm quite prepared to do so, or amputate a fellow rider's appendage if circumstances dictate (I understand Scotland can be frosty even in summer).

...and don't forget to train the mind! I would recommend "Mind Over Matter" by polar explorer Ranulph Fiennes as essential reading!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/796344.Mind_Over_Matter

Although, despite any horror stories you might hear from Fidgetbuzz (and I was there that night and can vouch for his account), it is highly unlikely that on LEL 2017 you will be required to amputate your own toes with a chain tool.

[LMT]

I would do some hill repeats 2-3 times a week, rest and then one or two longish rides at the weekend. I take your point regarding increasing your VO2 but at the same given the length of the ride I'll want to a few longish rides to make sure I'm comfortable on the bike and am in good condition endurance wise.

EDIT: Add to only do your commute at a moderate pace in the final week. Complete rest so you don't come into the ride with sleep dep - good luck.

[Yellow Giant]

DON'T overtrain!

Well I'm certainly not guilty of that offence!! 

[Salvatore]

If by next week all else has failed, use London-Edinburgh as training for Edinburgh-London.

[Aidan]

If by next week all else has failed, use London-Edinburgh as training for Edinburgh-London.

Top tip!