Author Topic: Training for first 200  (Read 4108 times)

telstarbox

  • Loving the lanes
Training for first 200
« on: 06 August, 2017, 09:48:02 pm »
I'm looking forward to my first 200km Audax (the Thanet Platinum) which is now a month away. From the event listing there is 2079m of climbing so about 10m climb per km distance.

My usual 'training' is a hilly* 50km every week, with a similar or greater climb rate than the forthcoming Audax, one 100km during each month, plus the odd social or commute ride (typically shorter /flatter than the above). I've also done three 150-180km rides in the last year, and completed all of these within the Audax time limits.

Is this likely to be enough / am I overthinking it? TIA.

*Subjective!
2019 🏅 R1000 and B1000

Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #1 on: 06 August, 2017, 11:34:51 pm »
You'll be fine. :) see you there!

Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #2 on: 06 August, 2017, 11:39:03 pm »
Wot TigaSefi said. 

You'll probably suffer at some point.  Have the confidence to get through it and you'll succeed.

telstarbox

  • Loving the lanes
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #3 on: 07 August, 2017, 09:58:38 pm »
Thanks both. I'm fairly optimistic about it, just curious about the step up given that I'm not banging out 100km week in week out. Wasn't asking for it to be easy!

Presumably over the course of 12+ hours and touching on two different coasts, it'd be unusual good fortune to have perfect temperature and weather conditions all day...
2019 🏅 R1000 and B1000

mmmmartin

  • BPB 1/1: PBP 0/1
    • FNRttC
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #4 on: 07 August, 2017, 10:21:37 pm »
You'll find yourself in a world of friendly supportive riders who want you to succeed. There's no competition in audax, it's a very co-operative world. Be aware that it is addictive though. Also be aware that there is four whole years to get ready for LEL. 
Besides, it wouldn't be audacious if success were guaranteed.

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #5 on: 08 August, 2017, 09:15:55 am »
Try and get a seat during breaks, or even get horizontal for a bit.  I usually plan a 20-minute break every 50k and an hour for a meal at 100k. For a lot of people this is too long, but your legs will only stiffen up if you've been banging on a bit too hard.  Try to ride at an even pace rather than belting off from the start like the other bats out of hell. Enjoy the scenery and the fellowship on the road.

Above all, have fun.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #6 on: 15 August, 2017, 05:07:17 pm »
Enjoy!
Don't get too hot, too cold, too hungry, too thirsty, too tired.
Keep drinking, eat little and often.
Don't worry if others are faster than you.
Don't faff.
Enjoy!

telstarbox

  • Loving the lanes
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #7 on: 15 August, 2017, 06:05:31 pm »
Tbf I'm a good non-faffer, usually first in the café queue and first ready to go in my group. :)
2019 🏅 R1000 and B1000

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #8 on: 15 August, 2017, 08:05:55 pm »
Good! Faffage is a major cause of Audax difficulties!

telstarbox

  • Loving the lanes
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #9 on: 15 August, 2017, 08:09:29 pm »
Does my head in when you're all ready to get back on the road then someone decides to order and eat a three course meal...
2019 🏅 R1000 and B1000

Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #10 on: 15 August, 2017, 08:37:19 pm »
You'll find yourself in a world of friendly supportive riders who want you to succeed. There's no competition in audax, it's a very co-operative world. Be aware that it is addictive though. Also be aware that there is four whole years to get ready for LEL.

Less time for Paris-Brest-Paris.  In fact there are likely to be pre-qualifiers next year.

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #11 on: 15 August, 2017, 09:52:21 pm »
I'm looking forward to my first 200km Audax (the Thanet Platinum) which is now a month away.

 :thumbsup:

Quote
From the event listing there is 2079m of climbing so about 10m climb per km distance.

I'm not sure I trust that figure, tbh - it's what RideWithGPS gave me when I plotted the route. It feels a bit hillier than that, but that could be because the hilly bits are concentrated into fairly short bursts with flatter sections in between. So in fact the climb out of Hastings is closer to 40m elevation per km for 4km.

Don't want to put you off, though - it's really not tough by audax standards, and the flatter bits are useful for recovery between the hilly bits. The route profile is on RWGPS, if you want to see what it looks like:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22394232

As far as the weather is concerned, chances are it will be a headwind for the outward leg, so the first half of the ride might feel tougher than it actually is. And if you're lucky, the wind won't decide to change direction when you get to the halfway point... 

Quote
Is this likely to be enough / am I overthinking it? TIA.

Yeah, you'll be fine. It will feel like a challenge at times, but isn't that the whole point? It wouldn't be fun if it were too easy.
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #12 on: 17 August, 2017, 06:52:40 pm »
You'll find yourself in a world of friendly supportive riders who want you to succeed. There's no competition in audax, it's a very co-operative world. Be aware that it is addictive though. Also be aware that there is four whole years to get ready for LEL.

Why wait that long? Completing an SR series next year, will put you in a good position for entering PBB 2019.

Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #13 on: 19 August, 2017, 09:52:54 am »
It's normal to feel nervous before your first 200 but as soon as the wheels start turning they will vanish. Use other riders for support and enjoy.

telstarbox

  • Loving the lanes
Re: Training for first 200
« Reply #14 on: 05 September, 2017, 08:41:31 pm »
Thanks everyone - had a great day. A short recline at halfway (as advised above) was useful.
2019 🏅 R1000 and B1000