One weeks intensive training

Hi

I'm planning a week, of what I'm gonna go out on a limb and say, is 'intesive' cycling, for me anyway.

I'm used to long distance and endurance, but due to the weather so far this year and me being a pussy, I haven't even started doing any significant riding.

so next week, i was going to throw myself into gear, by doing a 40 mile cycle, before work, and after work, each day for 5 days, 400 miles in 5 days, with my full time job in scientific research for 8 hours inbetween.

Unfortunately, I think this means (as i need to leave for work at half 7, so i get up at half 6) that i'm gonna have to get up and head out shortly after 4am, to complete the distance and get back in good time. I already have a route, that will no doubt become mind numbingly boring.

has anyone else ever tried this? any advice? I guess im just going to have to accept that i'm going to be like the living dead at work every day, going to be eating Continuously, and probably going to bed after my dinner at about 7:30 pm

i'm excited though :D

I know this isnt the best way of going about things,
but i have a boring life, and i like to try things like this
and hopefully, after a week, i'll be knackered, and back on track to start training :D

Most coaches would suggest you increase your mileage by 5-10% each week

you may be able to do the week of training but it could come back to haunt you as minor injuries/overuse issues in a few months time

I would train to get fit enough to attempt a regime like that.

Are you doing flat miles or hills? Circuits or different routes?

Up until a few weeks ago I was cycling 17 miles to work each way, at least 3 days a week. I found trying to do more than that didn't give me time to recover before the next ride.
Now I cycle 30 miles to work and get the train home 3 days a week, with two days off the bike. On monday I decided to cycle home as well. It was a mistake. I haven't done anything like 60 miles in a day in a long time and as a result decided to get the train in yesterday and today to let the legs fully recover before I cycle tomorrow.
Endurance can't be built by overdoing it. I'd advise taking smaller steps and building up more gradually. 400 miles in a week is a long way!

Unless you are a pro road rider that isnt 'training' for anything.

What are you actually intending to train for?

Caveat: Anyone who's met me will know that my sphere of knowledge is biased toward pie-eating than training. But.

I reckon that's a lot to bite off in one chunk. You'll probably have a high failure rate and feel pretty wretched about the whole thing. If I were to be trying to get the same sort of distance in, I'd aim for a short fast run in the morning, another 45mins at lunchtime, and then a flexible amount on the way home depending on weather, how I felt, etc.

YMMV, but.

400 miles in a week is nothing spectacular in itself. I have done more but only after a long period of training and then focusing everything on the ride and not going to work.

Training is pointless unless you are training for something and doing 'one weeks of intensive training' will either piss you off or damage your body.

Riding a bike, in the main, is just like walking and anybody can do long distance providing they eat well beforehand, eat and drink frequently on the ride and travel at a pace they find comfortable.

None of the rides that come up on this forum require any special preparation, that's for sure(except perhaps downing four pints whilst waiting at the start).

I would train to get fit enough to attempt a regime like that.

Are you doing flat miles or hills? Circuits or different routes?

Maybe i didn't elaborate too much, I'm fit enough to do it, it will be a challenge though - the distance is one thing, holding down the job at the same time is ofcourse going to make it really hard.

it is a very hilly route i would say, with a couple of long climbs, its out south of birmingham, and there are some challenging sections, most definately not flat -

Unless you are a pro road rider that isnt 'training' for anything.

What are you actually intending to train for?

intending to train: for fun. I know its not training for anything, I just fancy it.

400 miles in a week is nothing spectacular in itself. I have done more but only after a long period of training and then focusing everything on the ride and not going to work.

I know, i have done much furthur in a week, when not working.

Training is pointless unless you are training for something and doing 'one). weeks of intensive training' will either piss you off or damage your body. ).

as long as i don't damage my body, and i only piss myself off, then thats ok.

Riding a bike, in the main, is just like walking and anybody can do long distance providing they eat well beforehand, eat and drink frequently on the ride and travel at a pace they find comfortable.

that was more the kind of stuff I was looking for,
but i guess i know a lot of the answers already.

Oh well, sounds like its generally considered pointless or a bad idea - I'll let you know how it goes

It's not pointless, it's setting yourself a goal and trying to achieve it.

Ok, so as far as training goes, you're getting some mileage in, for what, I don't know but if it's something you want to do fine.
It doesn't sound like it will be harmful (unless you're REALLY not used to that mileage) just tiring.

Just do it.

/nikesponsorship

I reckon you'll be cunterbated after 3days. Lack of sleep and work will be the deciding factors.

Sounds a bizarre and utterly pointless endeavour...and for that reason, I love it.

Good luck fella, let us know how you get on!

Please tell me you are doing it fixed!

haha jung and hippy , thats more like it.

clive - i shall most definately be geared. I was thinking of taking a photo of my face each day to see if the demoralisation and exhaustion begins to show.

Fixed, double the mileage, faster pace, and no food or drink allowed, or it's not intensive at all.

it sounds fine to me depending on your current fitness, the only problem is see is starting at 4 and before work. fuck that, i ride about 40-50miles a day but i work at night and stay up after woods to ride in the morning. sleep time comes in the afternoon and early evening, it works for me.

i cant imagine doing a ride of that kind of length then doing a day at work without being massively drained.

Depends on your job doesn't it? If you've got to go and build houses or something you're gonna be pretty damn tired. If you're a lazy IT geek then you get 8 hours solid sitting on your arse recovery.

+1

I think the only thing which would bugger me there is the work in the middle, you will be up for really long hours too which will drain all your energy.

But best of luck mate, let us know how you get on.

I am almost certain that you will bugger yourself, for which I applaud you!

If your goal is to improve fitness and performance, I would recommend a rest day in the middle to allow some recuperation. But then, I'm not sure that that is your goal.

Depends on your job doesn't it? If you've got to go and build houses or something you're gonna be pretty damn tired. If you're a lazy IT geek then you get 8 hours solid sitting on your arse recovery.

Lab work, half lazy, but keeps the legs moving - prevent siezing up! :)

+1

I think the only thing which would bugger me there is the work in the middle, you will be up for really long hours too which will drain all your energy.

But best of luck mate, let us know how you get on.

yes, if im up from 4, and asleep by 8pm, i get 8 hours sleep still :)

I am almost certain that you will bugger yourself, for which I applaud you!

If your goal is to improve fitness and performance, I would recommend a rest day in the middle to allow some recuperation. But then, I'm not sure that that is your goal.

thanks

week of death starts 22nd march.
i will use next week to time the ride a few times.

We will of course need a daily update on the week in question and particularly how you feel each evening/morning.

I'd rather read about your arse.

Have fun OP.

Whatever floats your boat man.

haha cheers, yes i will try to keep you updated,
although i'll leave out pictures of inflamed arses

Sounds mental.

good luck. I'll probably not be thinking of you while eating chips in my pants on the sofa.

I'd recommend mixing it up a bit, vary the route and distance (unless that's the point), or else it gets a little monotonous.

If possible try to break it's back earlier on, with a big push on the first/second day and factor in an easy(ier) day as a treat later on - and this will also allow for unforeseen problems or the weather taking miles off you.

Maybe see if someone wants to join you on one of the days, it's nice to have a bit of company to break things up a little.

Oh, and consider what you'll be doing in the few days after - an enforced rest would do you well, (instead of dancing a merry jig with the demon booze all weekend) and something to look forward to.

Have fun, looking forward to the updates - actually, that's a good point. Figure out an easy and quick way to document your days (like a kind of template?) there's nothing worse than wanting to hit the sack and you've got to file a report! - all the best for it.