Taking on a New Challenge
This year, stepping into my role as Commercial Manager at Saint Piran has deepened my passion for all things cycling. When I met Nicholas, who runs the Tour of Wessex, and we discussed a collaboration, I knew I had to take on the challenge. Signing up for my first 250km ride felt like a natural next step—equal parts exciting and daunting!
Pushing Past My Longest Ride Yet
While I’ve tackled some tough rides before, my longest was in the French Alps last August. I won a spot on an incredible trip with Slipstream Adventures, riding with an inspiring group of women. Our biggest challenge, ‘The Monument,’ was unforgettable—descending all the way from Morzine to sea level before grinding through a relentless 55km climb back up. We ended the day in a chain gang, racing to beat an incoming storm and making it to the hot tub just in time! That experience gave me a taste of long-distance endurance, but the Tour of Wessex will take things to another level.
Adjusting My Training for the Distance
From Triathlon to Endurance Cycling
One of the biggest shifts has been moving from my Time Trial bike to my Trek Emonda, which I’ll be riding for the event. Last year, most of my training was centered around triathlon, with shorter, sharper efforts. Now, it’s all about endurance—getting comfortable spending hours in the saddle and pacing myself for the long haul.
Increasing Training Volume
Training for a 40km Olympic distance triathlon ride is very different from a 250km event. My weekly training hours have significantly increased, and my long weekend rides are now much longer than I’m used to. Right now, the goal is to get comfortable with 100km rides and gradually build from there. Thankfully, these long rides come with the added bonus of coffee stops and cake—the real reason we ride, right?! There’s nothing quite like rolling into a café halfway through a tough ride, knowing a slice of Victoria sponge is waiting for you.
Still Keeping Balance
While cycling has taken center stage, I’m still running around 40-50km per week—possibly even more than before. Swimming has taken a slight backseat, though I still get in one session a week, mainly for recovery. Easy swims help with breathing control and relaxation, so I try to keep them in my routine whenever possible.
Strength & Recovery
I’ve made sure to stay consistent with strength and mobility sessions, using them as a way to recover from heavy training weeks and identify any tight spots or potential issues early on. These sessions have become a key part of my training, helping to keep my body resilient as I push further.
The Importance of a Good Coach
This is the first time I’ve worked with a coach and followed a training plan that’s specifically tailored to me. It has been a complete game-changer! Having someone to guide me through the process, adjust my plan when needed, and provide reassurance on days when things don’t go to plan has made a huge difference. Whether I’m feeling exhausted and need to ease off, or I’m having a great day and wondering if I can push harder, having a coach to check in with has been invaluable.
The Challenges & Breakthroughs
Tired Legs & Mental Toughness
The biggest physical adjustment has been handling the extra training load. My legs are constantly fatigued, and I’ve had to accept that I won’t feel fresh or fast on every ride. Hills, which used to be my strength, now feel like a slow grind!
Mentally, training through winter was tough. Normally, I’d have a lighter triathlon training load during January and February, but this time I was putting in long hours on cold, dark, and wet rides. Having proper winter kit has been a game-changer, but motivation has still been tested.
Fueling & Nutrition Adjustments
Nutrition has been another challenge. Training at this intensity often leads to cravings for sweet treats, but I’ve learned that these cravings usually mean I didn’t fuel properly earlier in the day. Making sure I’m eating the right things at the right times has helped maintain energy levels and reduce those post-ride sugar crashes. That said, I also believe in balance—sometimes, it’s okay to treat yourself! And let’s be honest, café stops wouldn’t be the same without a slice of cake or a pastry. Bio-synergy has been a clear favourite in the household this year so far!
Illness & Setbacks
Like many others, I got hit with a nasty cold/flu in February that completely wiped me out for over a week. Every time I tried to train, it set me back, so I had to accept that rest was the best option. It was frustrating but necessary—sometimes, you just have to listen to your body.
Balancing Training, Work & Life
I’m fortunate to have a flexible work schedule, allowing me to train when the weather is best. If the morning looks better than the evening, I can shift my work hours accordingly. Having my partner also training for the 250km has been a huge bonus—we’re both exhausted at the weekends, but at least we’re in it together!
Hormones & Energy Management
I’m conscious of how my energy levels fluctuate throughout the month, so I listen to my body and adjust my intensity when needed. Instead of forcing myself to hit every session perfectly, I focus on getting the volume in while allowing flexibility. Wearing a Whoop band has been helpful in tracking my recovery and knowing when to push or pull back.
Race Day Strategy
Pacing for 250km
My plan is to break the ride into manageable sections. I want to reach the halfway mark feeling comfortable, then mentally split the final 125km into five 25km blocks. This approach will help me stay focused and make the distance feel less overwhelming.
Nutrition & Hydration Plan
For the first half, I’ll focus on solid food—sandwiches, fruit, and flapjacks—alongside electrolytes. As the ride progresses and the effort ramps up, I’ll switch to gels, caffeine, and carb drinks to keep my energy levels up.
Mindset: Trust the Process
I’m trying not to overthink the event. I’ve put in the training, and I’m focusing on enjoying the journey rather than stressing about the outcome. On the day, I’ll trust my preparation and take it as it comes.
The Final Stretch
With a few weeks to go, I’m still building up my endurance and fine-tuning my approach. There’s plenty to learn, and I’m sure the race itself will bring new challenges. But for now, I’m embracing the process—tired legs, coffee stops, and all!
