Training blog

Day 1

Today I started my return to fitness. It wouldn't appear to be case to my fellow passengers, as a fat lady tramples me in her desperate attempt to make the tube doors before they close. The truth of the matter is that a mere 55 minutes ago  I was cruising out of the house determined to resume a daily commute by bike rather than by depressing tube. I managed to make four car lengths on my steely steed before attempting to change gear. I say this was an attempt as nothing happened. Well, not quite nothing, the cable to my front mech snapped thus rendering me gearless. The reason it snapped? The front mech, although clean, has seized up, doubtless from road salt and three weeks sitting in my hall. Oh well, I find myself on the tube again until this evening when I can fix my cables and proceed in a sensible manner.

 It is 11pm the bike is fixed and tomorrow I will start the training regime anew...

Day 2

Day 2 is a write off. Not only did I barely slept last night but it was raining cats and dogs I didn't get up at 6. Waaay too wet to do any sort of sensible ride.

Day 3

Day trip to Stanage which barely counts as training or a rest day. Stanage was very cold, despite a forecast of sun we didn't see much. Instead made best use of the time by helping Candy practice rigging abseils and top ropes. See the soon to be published trip reports for full details. Did do a forced march in the dark from crow chin to the train station, which I suppose helps the cause.

Day 4

Lie in. Total achievements were cooking two soups and fixing a curtain pole. I can't see curtains being a priority at 6000m but you never know when these skills will com in handy... (?)

Day 5

Ok today was much better. Despite a reasonably late night I was able to drag myself out of bed and was on my bike at 7am. Usual circuit up and over highgate hill then back through camden to walk in the door at 8. Traffic was bad so I'm crediting myself with a 55 minute round. I should be able to get that down to about 45 mins for this route. I'll mark it up using a GPS logger when it arrives!!! Joy. Tomorrow is a wall day, but if the weather is good I might do a morning ride too.

Day 6

Raining hard this morning so I skipped my morning ride. Climbing tonight directly after work so all not lost.

Climbing was good. Candy's style is developing very well - really nice experimental approach at the moment. My own session was OK - reassuring I can still climb 6a but my finger strength / power endurance is abysmal - more training required.

Day 7

Was supposed to ride this morning. Didn't. Another bad nights sleep kiboshed that plan. Will try to get out this evening. Tomorrow I will have been getting fitter for nearly a whole week - its been a pretty slow start but my base level as measured by recovery from Mondays ride isn't terrible which is vaguely pleasing.