1. How many hours a week do you train?
This has varied because I am following a training plan, where the volume and intensity of my training increases over a 3-4 week period, followed by a recovery week, and then back to increasing.... And so forth. But for example, in week 10 of my program I trained for 10 hours on the bike or RPM; add to that three non-bike gym sessions of between 30 mins and 2 hours. Many would not bother with the gym sessions, but I needed to balance out my training with core and stretch work, and did not want to lose the gains I have made in strength training by giving it up altogether.
2. Where did your training plan come from / have you got a coach?
I don't have a coach. My training plan initially came from the LTCC website. I then borrowed the book Taupo 101 by Matt Oliver from the library and pretty much adopted his beginners program with some variations. I also referred to some other books to understand more about how I could effectively tweak the program to suit me, e.g. it was okay to split a longer ride into two rides on the same day, etc.
I don't have a coach. My training plan initially came from the LTCC website. I then borrowed the book Taupo 101 by Matt Oliver from the library and pretty much adopted his beginners program with some variations. I also referred to some other books to understand more about how I could effectively tweak the program to suit me, e.g. it was okay to split a longer ride into two rides on the same day, etc.
3. Why are you doing it?
In 2008 heard about the challenge and thought it sounded good, so gamely stated that one day I would do it. What I didn't know was a) how long it was and b) how hilly it was. When I discovered those two things my resolve faltered - I didn't know how I would be able to build back up to that level of fitness (as I had been before kids). Allowing myself the space to train once my youngest started school took care of the time to train aspect, and I also allowed myself plenty of time to build my fitness back up. My husband has been unfailing in his conviction that I can and should do it, and his support of that goal. I am so lucky!
In 2008 heard about the challenge and thought it sounded good, so gamely stated that one day I would do it. What I didn't know was a) how long it was and b) how hilly it was. When I discovered those two things my resolve faltered - I didn't know how I would be able to build back up to that level of fitness (as I had been before kids). Allowing myself the space to train once my youngest started school took care of the time to train aspect, and I also allowed myself plenty of time to build my fitness back up. My husband has been unfailing in his conviction that I can and should do it, and his support of that goal. I am so lucky!
4. How long does it take you to cycle 160 km?
Good question! I don't know because I've never done it. I know some people can do it in 4-5 hours but I am not one of those. I know I can do 140 km in 6 hours moving time. So my goal for Taupo is 7 hours. More if I get a puncture or any other problem.
Good question! I don't know because I've never done it. I know some people can do it in 4-5 hours but I am not one of those. I know I can do 140 km in 6 hours moving time. So my goal for Taupo is 7 hours. More if I get a puncture or any other problem.
5. Where do you ride?
It has been great fun finding training routes and discovering how close I live to lovely farm and bush land, great coastal roads and challenging hills. You can see where I ride on strava.
It has been great fun finding training routes and discovering how close I live to lovely farm and bush land, great coastal roads and challenging hills. You can see where I ride on strava.
6. Who do you ride with?
I mostly ride on my own because I train mid week, during the schoolday, and don't know any other rider as lucky to have that opportunity. I have also practiced group riding with a great group called 'The Hub' who ride from Petone fountain each Saturday morning.
I mostly ride on my own because I train mid week, during the schoolday, and don't know any other rider as lucky to have that opportunity. I have also practiced group riding with a great group called 'The Hub' who ride from Petone fountain each Saturday morning.
7. What do you do for water/toilets/food whilst riding?
I carry two 750 ml bottles, one with carb-mix and another with water. On a ride more than 4 hours I usually need to refill my water and go to the toilet. Usually one facility will do for both. If only water is needed, school bubblers can be handy (on weekends).
I carry two 750 ml bottles, one with carb-mix and another with water. On a ride more than 4 hours I usually need to refill my water and go to the toilet. Usually one facility will do for both. If only water is needed, school bubblers can be handy (on weekends).
8. How many weeks have you trained for?
I have a 12 week training program, but started early so I would have a week up my sleeve for illness or injury. So it has been 13 weeks. However prior to that I worked systematically tracking my cycling volume and adding to it as needed in order to build up a 'base' I could build on. I did not want to risk injury by launching into week 1 of a training program if it was too big a leap from what my body was used to.
I have a 12 week training program, but started early so I would have a week up my sleeve for illness or injury. So it has been 13 weeks. However prior to that I worked systematically tracking my cycling volume and adding to it as needed in order to build up a 'base' I could build on. I did not want to risk injury by launching into week 1 of a training program if it was too big a leap from what my body was used to.
