Endurance races are becoming ever more popular with events popping up all over the country designed to test people’s skills, fitness and perseverance.
On Sunday 2 July, the city of Bath is hosting its own endurance race of sorts. Bike Bath is organising an adventure filled day of marked cycle races around Bath with competitors taking on up to 80 miles. To inspire the community to get involved, we decided to get in touch with Bike Bath’s partner Vibe Fitness Bath. Vibe Fitness is a training facility that helps train people for such events. Simon Ridley, co-founder of Vibe Fitness Bath and UTS Bath, gave us some top tips on how to prepare for the event.
Training tips
1. Don’t let the winter months stop you. Buy yourself a turbo trainer, you can fit most bikes to these training aids. A basic model will do the trick £100.00 from wiggle. Get going and build up your volume, gradually. 10% per week should suffice.
Wiggle takes a look at the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer:
2. If you are relatively new to cycling, then mastering skills on the bike is essential. This includes: handling, going round corners, and brushing up on your cycling proficiency . We recommend a closed road or cycle track to hone your skills for essential safety on the road. Dependant on the bike, clipping in and out of the pedals may also be a new skill to practise.
3. Next join a cycle group. We recommend Velo Club Walcot as they have lots of different groups depending on your ability. See their website for details. This will give you much needed cycling practice in a group.
4. If you want to get training straight away and maybe the turbo isn’t working for you at home, then we can deliver cycle specific training programmes from our HQ. We have four watt bikes that gives you training data and helps you progress gradually. We can even tailor the programme around you and for each of the routes that Bike Bath have put together.
Vibe Fitness and UTS Bath also help train athletes. Watch the team help Olympic swimmer Jemma Lowe prepare:
5. Off the bike is also just as important. If you are someone that struggles with back, hip or knee problems, this is the time to consider 1-1 training to work on mobility and strength to improve your position and endurance in the saddle.
6. A good idea is to improve general fitness. A general fitness programme and the odd spinning class may just do the trick.
7. Eating is an important factor to consider. In terms of leading up to the event, in simple terms, the heavier you are the harder it will be. So this might be the time to start looking at portion control, and healthier recipes. We recommend Renee Mcgregor’s book training food. Recipes are also included. You can also book 1-1 with her if you have specific dietary restrictions .
8. Likewise, also make sure you’re eating enough. With the added training programme it’s important to make sure you’re fuelling your body with the right nutrition.
To find out more about Vibe Fitness visit their website www.vibefitnessbath.co.uk and discover more about the upcoming event Bike Bath here.
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