I try to stay off the forum so I don’t contribute to clogging it up with already asked questions. I’ve looked at some valuable advice pertaining to previous years but I still feel I need to make sure I’m making the right choices given my circumstances.
So, this will be my first FW and I’m currently just about to come out of Base 3 on a 40k TT plan.
Reading previously given advice to other riders recommends the Rolling Road race or Gran Fondo plans however I don’t know whether to switch to either one of them right now or when I come out of build phase?
To give a bit of insight about myself I am 51, 82kg with an FTP of 291.
I train 4-5 days a week and have a job with unsociable hours ( 12 hour shift work) so went with a LV plan.
I’m in Carlisle so I’m no stranger to riding Whinlatter, Newlands, Honister, Watermillock, Uldale etc and once this weather sorts itself out a bit, will be trying to do the TR plans outside as well as inside.
Given that I have access to all the hills I need, are those 2 recommended plans still valid or should I be just concentrating on a base endurance plan on TR indoors and if possible, incorporating all Sweetspot / Threshold / V02max work outside when possible using the “Train now” feature?
Do Build first, then Specialty. Likely Sustained Power Build given you’re aiming for FW. Or just use Plan Builder and let it schedule it all out for you. Train Now is really more aimed at people who aren’t targeting a particular event and just want to stay fit.Might be worth doing if you want a lot of flexibility and don’t like having a schedule to follow but if you’ve been getting through the Base plans ok I would stick to using plans.
I haven’t done FW but have ridden many of those climbs and done similar events. In terms of fitness those long rides with a lot of climbing are actually pretty simple. Of the 2 Specialty plans you mention Gran Fondo will be better as it’s aimed at longer, steadier efforts which is what you’ll be doing. Whereas Rolling Race is more targeted at racing where you need to be able to initiate or respond to attacks with more short high intensity efforts. Going anaerobic in FW probably isn’t going to make for a good day! Also worth looking at Climbing Road Race. And then yes, absolutely do some of those workouts as Outdoor rides so you can figure out gearing, nutrition, etc on those hills.
Both Climbing Road Race and Gran Fondo specialties will put you through sustained power build, so either of those is good.
Are you planning on racing this or just having a big day out? If racing pick Climbing Road Race plan, if big day out pick Gran Fondo. And let plan builder do the rest.
Hey, @Stu72!! Kudos for going after WF!!! The event looks gnarly.
I would have to agree with the general consensus. If you are trying to race the event, I would choose the Climbing Road Race discipline, but if you’re trying to have a consistent day on the bike, the Gran Fondo is also a great choice. They’ll both get you ready for a long day on the bike.
Other than that, I would highly recommend using Plan Builder as it will create a custom training plan leading up to your WF Event, so you don’t have to worry about being in the right phase
