Chilterns 100 Challenge

...and what a challenge it was! Jason from Wiggle kindly sent me a cassette with some smaller gears for my Kiron and without those I would have been walking up some of those steep climbs as many people were having to do. The weather was perfect for this day out and I loved every minute of it! I had The Dutchman, Toby and Sten with me who did a great job of keeping me out of the wind all day. I did eventually take my turn at the front...for the last 2km but they signed up as my trusty domestiques knowing that! The aim of the day was to try and get the fastest time for the women and due to a flat and an extra stop we had to make we managed 2nd fastest and gold standard which was great.

The ride started at Missenden and after getting out of the town we went straight up. It didn't feel like there was a flat bit the entire day, it was either up or down and really hard work. I haven't done any long rides this year so was a little bit worried about how I was going to hold up on the day. The longest ride had been 104km a month before but my secret weapon, and a hangover from my IronMan days, is that I am a pro at eating on the bike. I eat every 20 mins and whilst this may sound like overkill, I have tested it time and time again and it actually makes me get stronger as the race goes on. The feed stations were also really well stocked and the volunteers who make these events possible were wonderful. There were some little kids on the 2nd stop and didn't quite know what to do when asked where we get the fish and chips from. :)

I went out to Nice last weekend for 3 days of training in the lovely sunshine. The Dutchman and I did a really tough ride on Friday where I went out for 3 hours and split with him so he could do a longer ride and I could get back to Nice do my swim. I am getting better at pushing myself hard on the bike. It is like a reprogramming exercise where I have been told for 2 years to hold back on the bike to ensure I can run a marathon, and now it is about pushing super hard all the way through.

The water temp is so lovely! I am swimming in a Zoot suit which is a mid thigh, sleeveless number and keeps me protected should I swim into any jelly fish. I'm not really that pleased with my swimming at the moment, and the harder I try the slower I go. Not good given race season is here and the swim has always been my weakest discipline. Practice makes perfect so you can find me in the pool at Hampstead a few times a week :)

Saturday I went out for a fast run along the promenade and was checking out the waves which were looking pretty mean. I decided to postpone the swim until later in the day hoping things would calm down. After some DIY painting the terrace furniture we headed to the water only to find the police getting everyone off the beach. The waves were massive (for the med) and coming way up the beach. All very entertaining sitting there watching it but not so good for the swim training.

Sunday we did one of my favourite rides from Nice, across to Menton and then up Col de la Madona. It is a tough climb! I think I have this romantic notion about it in my head because I am surprised each time just how tough it is. I am yet to go under the 40 mins to get to the water stop at St Agnes, but I am determined to get there!

This weekend I am looking at doing the Ride to The Horns which is a sportive organised by Mark Webber the Australian F1 driver. There are still places and it is easy to get to on the train so why not! Happy training!
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