The last 4 weeks of training before the Chase The Sun event can often really help riders finish off their endurance training and lead to faster, fitter, stronger riders. However, for some the deadline is approaching fast and there is an element of panic training to catch up on missed sessions over the last 12 weeks!
But now is not the time to panic. Follow these steps from our expert endurance sports coach Toby Leyland at The Endurance Habit – to help you make the most of the remaining training time available:
TOBY’S TOP TIPS:
- Stay realistic. Reflet how far you have come with your training journey so far, focus on the positives, identify what has worked for you and focus on optimising the remaining time available.
- Fitness = training + recovery. This is really important at this stage. Tackle those back-to-back long rides, hit those hills hard, work on those mid-week tempo sessions. BUT ensure you are recovering from each session. More miles won’t necessarily mean more fitness at this stage.
- Assess Your Progress – Use the fitness assessment provided in the Training Peaks plan or the downloadable guide. Compare your current data to where you started and recognize the improvements.
- Have a Plan – Structure each training day with a clear objective. Utilize CTS guidance and tailor your approach to suit your needs. Be prepared and self-reliant.
- Strengthen Your Mindset – Identify three concerns about event day and create an action plan to tackle them. Address these now, while you’re calm, so you have a reliable strategy to follow when under pressure.
- Embrace the Taper – As training volume decreases, enjoy the sharpening effect it has on your fitness. This phase is meant to help you feel strong and refreshed.
- Focus on the Journey – Every rider’s training experience is unique. Trust the process and recognise your accomplishments. Remember, it’s common to feel underprepared before an event, but your training is what it is—now, it’s about how you use it.
- Ride Smart – Take care of your legs early in the ride, and they will take care of you later. Avoid burning yourself out on the first few hills and ease into the effort.
FOR MORE DETAIL ON TRAINING AND PREPARING FOR CHASE THE SUN – CHECK OUT OUR PODCAST
REMEMBER : YOU CAN DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE TRAINING REFERENCE SCHEDULE – TAILORED TO CHASE THE SUN
Make your training setup as close to the event as possible. Use the same fuelling strategy, clothing, tech setup, to mimic the event. Include early morning starts and late finishes to help your body and mind adjust.”
Toby Leyland
