The look in the mirror moment!

There reaches a point where you look at some goals, look in the mirror, and say well it’s time to start now. For some that might be you have decided to get on the bike after a lay off. Or perhaps you just want to get a bit fitter, bit faster or a bit stronger on the bike.

About a week ago I did look in the mirror. I did contemplate what I was doing and where I wanted to go with riding. Especially in the current environment of no bunch riding, no racing and lacking motivation. Don’t get me wrong the riding out there, moreso on the road is so much better than it has ever been, with less traffic on the roads. So motivation to ride is there, just that it’s riding without goal or purpose. Just a little social distancing headspace time.

Cue the dramatic music.

So back to that look in the mirror. Well in that moment I decided to tackle prepping for GravelNats, despite the date not being finalised as yet. Last year it was held as an event in the Amy’s Gran Fondo weekend in Lorne. Probably the hardest thing I have ever done. To be honest I was very naive coming into it last year. Despite trying to treat it as a bit of fun, you still get caught up in the moment and go as hard as you can. I don’t think I have ever finished a race that completely empty; physically, mentally and emotionally.

With those memories, permanently branded in my mind I don’t want to be there again. Yes it means I’ll need to get stronger and lighter, which is something I really didn’t execute last year. However, it also means I will need to be better prepared with equipment choices too.

So I have 20 weeks to get myself, my bike and my nutrition sorted. Oh yeah I really need to work hard on nutrition. Just like a lot of you. I enjoy food of all types just a little too much.

So I’m going to invite you to tag along on my journey. Perhaps have a read, join us on a CCW Saturday Zwift Shop Ride or pop in for a chat as I go through this fitness transformation. Hopefully some of you can take something out of it – even a laugh 😉

So I am just going to add that I did an FTP test at the commencement. I decided to do this on the road, as holding FTP on the road/gravel is something I will need to do come race day. I chose Montrose to Kalorama climb up Mt. Dandenong Tourist road. The conditions were great and there would be no excuses.

My expectations were low, as I really had not ridden with purpose for 6 months. I had two training partners for the day in Dale & Gemma. They were also preparing to do an FTP test today. As it turned out I turned in 282w Ave & FTP of 268w. A good starting point.

I have included the initial view of my load targets and FTP goals over the next 20 weeks. I’ll keep it updated to record progress and will make adjustments along the way to maximise the outcomes. Essentially I will be chasing 4w/kg+ in 20 weeks time.