If This Is My Goal…
If This Is My Goal… How Should I Train?
The Tourmalet… 16.9km of climbing to an altitude of 2114 meters. That’s 10.5 miles to an altitude of 6,935 feet. And… that would be just one of the climbs in a day… if I were to “take on” the Pyrenees. What a dream! I’ve never pedaled in Europe… but I will. I now have this picture of the Col du Tourmalet set as my screen saver at work… and set as my goal. I look at it everyday. Call it mental training. I see myself on that road. I think about what each switchback would feel like and wonder is it anything comparable to the mountain centuries I’ve pedaled here in the states. Of course… the ascents are higher in Europe but I have pedaled to an altitude of 6,684 feet on Mt. Mitchell…. as well as many other climbs over 5,000 feet with some serious gradients.
As we head into winter… I plan on continuing a routine of pain and punishment in the man cave. That’s basically simulated climbing on the trainer in the garage. I’ll hit the road on weekdays when I can and on the weekends for some serious time in the saddle. I am also working on my own little routine of weights and core work.
There you have it… that’s what I’ve got. I’m not in a position right now to hire a coach. I do have plenty of books and past Bicycling Magazine articles that have training, eating and strength building tips… but sometimes that can get overwhelming as one tries to figure out where to start. I seem to operate well on simpler plans because of my family and work schedule. Is this enough? Will I make it? If I’m going to take on the Pyrenees… I certainly would want to at least feel like I’m the Tete de Course… and not the Lanterne Rouge. So, if anyone has a plan or just suggestions… please share.
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Comments
IAN– Good point… we’ve had many talks about the power of positive thinking and staying focused. I do feel really good about that. As far as Global Ride… yes the Hawaii climbing DVD is my man cave training. They have a new Italy climbing DVD that I will have to add to the collection for more man cave training. Thanks for you help!
As they say ignorance is bliss and you don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t think too much about the climb. I’d say train hard. And learn some..er..French along?
I’m also an avid reader of everything cycling but when it comes to training I swear by Friel’s Training Bible. Just like you I get confused when I try too many different things. The training bible works for me.
Even though I am from Europe I’ve never ridden the big Cols either. My dream is to ride the Stelvio, hopefully in 2010. That’s the plan!
Good luck with your training.
RON– Yes, Train hard! How do you say that in French? You know what… there’s an App for that!
GROOVER– Thanks so much… all this time and I have never bought a copy of Friel’s training bible. I guess I need to add that to my Christmas list. Thanks!
Donald – I am very excited that your coming to Europe to do the Pyrennées … you will love it.
Hopefully, I’ll be riding somewhere not too far behind you
PS – I hate to be a party pooper but that is a picture of Stelvio 
Here are some Tourmalet pics:
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The biggest suggestion I can share is one that you already have at your disposal; power of your mind. If you can already ’see’ yourself going up that road, you’ve won half that battle. The other half is keeping your eyes on the prize.
I’m sure our friends at GlobalRide could help you out.(HintHint).