Last season was dedicated to following an “Ironman Training Plan.” While the results were decent (PR at 70.3 and racing Clearwater), I felt I needed to get out of my IM “rut” for 2009.
I’d already decided that I wouldn’t be racing any heavily “branded” events in 2009 and that I’d be leaving the HRM, Power Meter, and all the “stuff” behind.
Since I’m living in Germany, I figured it would be a great year to choose some unusual events (Embrunman), but more importantly, choose some new approaches to finding fun in my training.
So… Yesterday, I rode the Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclotourist event in Belgium. I chose the 140km route which rides the final 120km of the Tour of Flanders route (including all 16 of the climbs). It was a great day. With warm-up/warm-down, I managed to score my first 100-miler of the year, but with a lot more memories and new friendships. And, at 18 Euros (which included a Swag Bag), it was pretty inexpensive…
That leads me to my thought for the day… As triathletes, why aren’t we hopping into more of these cyclotourist (and running equivalent) events to help build our fitness? And, yes, I do mean near our homes…
I rode the 140K Ronde yesterday as well. What an awesome experience it was to take in those cobbled climbs. I think you’re onto something by incorporating such a ride in your iron training.
I’m going to be doing a bunch of these in the UK–there’s quite a sportive scene growing up here and I’m excited to be a part of it. Have you looked at cyclosport.org?
Of course, I just missed the local club’s audax ride this morning–woke up too late.
I’d be interested in a full race report on Flanders!
You dogs!!! I guess you’ll be on the sidelines of the Mur du Grammont today too when the UCI pros go by…or is it true that you’re riding in the Cervelo Test Team car?
I’m glad you had a fun time out there with the tourists and I’m glad you posted it here.Sadly the average Iron-geek of today is lead to believe that they must stick to a precise and unwavering training program that does not allow for,lets say,fun stuff.
I’ve tried to get some of the Pentictonites out and about for some long touring rides but everyone is too obsessed with that damn Ironman course and thier electronic gizmos’!
I am preparing for my first Ironman in Klagenfurt and as a part of my training I participated the 200km Brevet in Istria, yesterday. Normally, I would have a bike- run workout today and Monday off, now I did a long bike and Sunday off. It was a good test for longer distances and very well organized event. There were some guys racing in front but they have to do it to test their fitness (the many times RAM winer Jure Robic among them). I just kept going and cycled out of groups as wanted to avoid drafting as much as possible. The event was on isolated roads with total 2300m climbs. We crossed the Slovenian Croatian border twice. It is very nice to do something like this for a change from strict training plan. http://opd.si/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/bkp.avi
I used a 34x23 because you often had to pick your way through the crowds of people who were stopping/walking. The super-small gear allowed a track-stand and then get going again.
Jered for PezCyclingNews.com was able to big ring a few of the climbs. I’d probably be able to ride a 39x19, but it would hurt a lot more than necessary and would leave very little margin for error if I lost momentum.
Yeah,
It’s easy for us to get into a rut and fail to have other experiences. I’m really looking forward to some Gran Fondo and Brevet events. When mixed with some Ultra-running, I think I’ll still perform fine (not that I’m too worried about IM times at this point).
As for the HRM, Power Meter, etc… I’m not interested in them for this year as I’m more interested in focusing on the “external” experience while I race (embracing the beauty of the geography, meeting others, etc.).
By the way, what gearing does one need to get up the climbs? Triple? or will compact do? Or did you studs do it in the big ring?
I rode most of the Muur de Huy in the rain barely 3 months post-major surgery and woefully out of shape with a compact. You could do it in normal gearing. I would love to go back for the classics!
We we’re at the top of the Kwaremont, in the gutter, then on the Kapelmuur with the jumbotron. The race was awesome! Cervelo Test Team had 4 men on the front on the Kwaremont hammering at over 30KPH. All in all, an incredible trip!
Let’s see, you hang out with the Cervelo team, ride in the team car, ride the Koppenburg (amongst others)…the highlight of my year is attending the Murphy’s Law smackdown tour and getting my butt whipped. One of us got the better deal. By the way, any chance you are making a celebrity appearance in the fat old guy 45-49 and riding a 2:17 bike split this year? What about Esprit…heading to MTL for a sub 9?