From Zero to Hero and Back Again

The Race of Truth.

Individual fourth dimension trials are known as the 'race of truth' considering information technology's just you and your bike against the clock. Nobody to draft and nowhere to hide. And one of the toughest time trials you lot could e'er attempt is the Hour Record. Set up in a velodrome, this is a once in a lifetime feel and so intense and unlike any other physical challenge. You can't change gear or ease up, and as well as sucking the life out of your limbs, you will meet demons in your listen you never knew you had. Or at least, that's what I'chiliad guessing happens.

The closest I tin get to this zen-like pain is my local fourth dimension trial (cyclists love pain). This is actually where many of our world champion fourth dimension triallists began, with the distinct difference being that they were probably eight when they started, and not 38….

I had planned to skip racing this year just past May I was getting pretty twitchy. Seduced by the simplicity of time trialling, I thought this would exist perfect. And it was. I had all but erased the disappointment of my first endeavour three years ago, so it was fourth dimension to try once again.

They sound so simple?

Graeme Obree writes that the true situation with time trials is far from simple. There'southward the science, physics and tactics, all of which are quite circuitous.  After iv months of giving information technology a go I am none the wiser on the scientific discipline and physics, aside from the obvious demand to be aero, but I did learn a tiny bit near tactics. Well, tactics that work for me. And then the following might exist helpful for others, but no promises!

1. It'due south personal

What works for me might not piece of work for you. I love marmite but tin't swallow jam. You lot might dearest jam and have it on everything. You need to discover out what works for you.

I institute that I enjoyed riding to the time trial alone. After a day in an open-program office with lots of conversation, it was dainty to have some quiet fourth dimension. I could sprint if I wanted to, or get easy. I would listen to music and consume at my leisure. I might even stop to take a photo.

I would aim to become in that location early on then I could head to the ladies abroad from all the men with their expensive bikes. I would faff about with my kit, hair, helmet and pivot my number on in peace. That was my safe place and meant I didn't get caught in chat with strangers or even people I know and like, and didn't have to pin other peoples' numbers on. I could then get on with my warm upwards.

Graeme Obree talks about the importance of having a tried and tested routine and describes how important this is for mental grooming. He is and then right. The days I got caught at work and arrived with merely a few minutes to spare were all very haphazard. This would usually impact bike position and I'd end up wriggling around like a little worm on the bike, unable to settle. Skimping on time tin mess with your routine and damage period. And menstruum is the holy grail, for me anyhow.

ii. Have a target

I raced my first Saltire 10 on 30th May without a target. This was proficient as it made certain I actually turned upward. At this betoken, I was however convinced I was sh*t at time trialling and was probably wasting my time. I finished with a time of 27 minutes 53 seconds and felt reasonably encouraged. This was over a minute faster than my beginning endeavor 3 years ago.

It was extremely hard work though. My average centre charge per unit was 189bpm for almost 28 minutes. For most people this is beyond their max and equals expiry! For me it'due south still pretty high (max 198bpm), but I survived. I now had two choices: (1) stop this silly concern or (two) commit to a season and fix a target. I chose option two and decided sub 27 was a realistic target for the season. Week two came and I crossed the line with a surprising time of 26 minutes 42 seconds. Um, okay, I demand a new target! So I set a second and what would be terminal target of sub 26 minutes.

3. Improvement is not linear (at least not for me)

Even to the untrained eye, you might notice that my slowest time (27.53) through to my fastest time (26.xvi) is not a neat or chronological one. Despite making a reasonable start and seeing some consequent improvement through June, I ended the season after 8 attempts with a fourth dimension but 2 seconds quicker than my start attempt. Frustrating. Just a piddling chip.

It was heartbreak at the time because I finished my final 10 mile TT of the season well-nigh ii minutes off my sub-26 minute target (27.51). Over the previous four months I felt similar I'd got a lot stronger, and fifty-fifty though it was a really windy night, I was super adamant. I finished the outward leg in 10 minutes 44 seconds which was my fastest time yet (26.5mph). I'd really pushed it. I thought to myself, how bad tin this headwind render actually be? I'll just become aero and dig deep. It turns out it can be really bad. This is mayhap where physics comes in, with my own mathematical equation: 50kg + 15mph headwind = heartbreak.

I somewhen got over the initial frustration, probably a week later, and so thought it's sometimes helpful not achieving your goal.

It's taught me to be patient. Not to get complacent. To learn more almost the science, physics and tactics. To observe new ways to increase my power and speed. And to respect the elements. I learnt that I have limits and despite mental force, the sheer forcefulness of wind pushing me backwards is something I can't control.

4. Focus on what you can control

I had to write this listing. After a few frustrating times in July and August I needed to remind myself that there is notwithstanding a lot I tin can command. And that'south all I can exercise. The rest is down to luck?

• My wheel (road at the moment)
• Wheel set upwardly (basic TT bars)
• My kit option (skinsuit)
• How much water is in my canteen (about a tertiary)
• How I feel (well actually, that's debatable!)
• How much sleep I get
• What and when I eat
• What kind of warm up I do
• What time I get in
• Who I speak to before racing
• Who I don't speak to before racing
• My position on the cycle, to some extent
• My tyres (this makes a difference but I've not got circular to irresolute them…)

I besides like this quote from Graeme Obree:

"Major factors in the final outcome are already in place before the ride even starts"

v. Exist kind to yourself

This is harder than it sounds. So I did actually suspension the 26 minutes this yr, but on a split up course. On the Fife Open 10 on 5th August I finished with a fourth dimension of 25 minutes and 55 seconds. At the time I was buzzing and really quite excited. Just being the obstinate human I am, I later reflected that my target was for a different grade and that this didn't actually count.

Argghh! So I need to return next year and attain that target. That's i fashion of keeping me from sofa surfing ALL winter.

In conclusion, I finished the season a footling bit pleased, slightly confused and not wholly satisfied. Is that not what continuous improvement is all well-nigh?

hannancarch1957.blogspot.com

Source: https://charlievanpoppel.wordpress.com/2018/10/21/from-zero-to-hero-and-back-again/

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