Age-group blog: preparing for the bike leg of the Windsor Triathlon
David Pawsey avoids wet weather training for Windsor by clocking up the miles on his turbo
After eagerly reading my first post I’m sure you’re all desperate to know how my training has been going. Well as you may have noticed the weather has been appalling recently. But has this stopped me getting out for a ride or a run?
When I lived and worked in London my favourite part of the day was the cycling commute. Unlike the drones who squeezed into each other’s armpits on the Underground, I’d arrive at the office vitalised and ready to spend seven hours avoiding any work. Rain, wind or snow I’d bike to and from home and spent many years clocking up the miles every week.
Fair weather friend
These days I work from home and I’m ashamed to say have become something of a fair weather cyclist. I can already hear the screams of “RULE #5” being hurled at computer screens up and down the country. But unless I’m swimming I don’t like to get wet and for me there is nothing worse than spending an extra hour afterwards cleaning my beloved steed in the rain. Luckily I have a turbo trainer.
My Tri Club (East Grinstead) run two turbo sessions a week (of the same set) but I am so dedicated that I if I can’t make either of the sessions I’ll do the set at home. This week I was so committed that I did the set twice. This was mainly because there wasn’t anyone around to take photos of me for this blog. Yes I could have splashed some water on my face and faked a pained expression but I thought I’d go for the Daniel Day-Lewis style method acting.
I’m not allowed to divulge all our training secrets but one drill that I have been trying to perfect is one legged spinning to ensure smooth pedalling through the circle, rather than an up and down stamping motion. So while I would like to be getting out in the fresh air I feel that at the moment the turbo is adequately enabling me to build on my fitness and technique.
Cross with the country
Probably due to the fact that there is no equipment cleaning involved I am not as averse to getting out in the rain for a run. However as I live somewhat in the sticks there aren’t many pavements. This means that most of my running involves running through fields. I can’t imagine what it’s like for those that have had their homes and possessions ruined by the floods, so feel rather mean-spirited to be complaining about the small impact the weather’s having on my life but at the moment the conditions for running are terrible.
I’ve already gone through one pair of trail shoes since the autumn and this week busted out a new pair which received a baptism of, er, mud. On the plus side it’s really helping build up the strength in my legs as pretty much every step involves lifting my foot out of ankle deep muck. Hopefully, mainly for the sake of those poor politicians who have to keep pulling on their wellies to point at flood damage, the weather will ease up and training will become more bearable.
David will be reporting back soon on his preparations for Windsor Tri, watch this space!
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
