I started biking in October and signed up for unbound XL and would like to hear what others have done for training as well as any tips/tricks and gear recommendations.
I am an ultra runner so have experience in the endurance world and already have a feel for nutrition needs.
FPT is somewhere around 220 and I am comfortable doing rides up to 4 hours or around 50 miles. I have access to a zwift set up but live in Kansas so outdoor riding is hard this time of year. Currently doing a long ride (3+ hours) on Saturdays and a second longer ride (1.5+ hours) Sundays, a zone 3-4, hour or longer ride on tuesdays, and an easy ride thursdays. In addition to this I still am running maybe 20 miles a week and doing some minimal core and strength training.
Appreciate any input yall can provide!
by Majestic_North_4590
4 Comments
Good on you, wish I had the time to train. I get most 5 hours a week maybe 100miles. I fell I would race this just to meet others that have fun and not race but complete it. Very cool!
Bold move signing up for the XL as your first big race. I’d normally not recommend it but you are already signed up so…First thing is to get your fit dialed for comfort and injury avoidance. Then You need to just absolutely crank the Z2 volume as much as possible without overtraining. FTP is not that important here since you will be targeting around 0.6-0.7 intensity factor for over 24 hours. Probably 10hours+ a week and work your way up to a ~200mi training ride, maybe 2 hours of high intensity a week. Those long hours teach you to deal with being uncomfortable on a bike for many hours. It’s a huge mental challenge. Ride at night, learn to be efficient with stops, eating, etc. learn how to fix your bike on the go.
Get some centuries in. Get a double century in. Taper. Do it again. I’d recommend you turn those runs into recovery rides from all the miles you’ll be putting in. Enjoy the solitude.
Wider tires