22 days left to the Race

Everything is going very well in preparation for the race both with the training and the crew.My longest spin has been 115 mile in the last few weeks.I have been out most days on the bike but have taken a day off here and there when I felt tired.I started doing a bit of running again a few weeks ago and have been getting out regular enough just doing 4-6 miles on grass mostly.I burn a lot more calories when running and Im trying to lose another two kilos before the race.I have got aerobically fitter since I started running as Im able to keep my heart rate at a constant 142-80% for me,something which is much harder to do on the bike with undulating roads,winds etc.The running also allows me some time off the bike as I want to lessen the chance of getting injured at this stage.
Im running a mile at 6 mins 55 secs at 142bpm which Im happy with.My best has been 6mins 20 secs which hopefully I can come closer to in the next few weeks as I lose more weight.My aerobic capicity won't be a huge issue during the race anyway as after a 2 days when Im getting tired it won't be physically possible to get my heart rate up to 140bpm consistently-my average heart rate will be very low which cuts down on the amount of calories I burn which is vital so its important in that sense alright.The abilitly of my muscles to maintain strength over the 1350 miles is the much more important physical factor and the ability to keep my muscles fueled correctly and the ability to keep moving despite fatique and sleep deprivation.
My resting heart rate has been around 50-55 over the last few months which is somewhat higher than my usual resting heart when training a lot.However,after the runs at the higher aerobic level and one very hard 2.5 mile run specifically my resting heart rate suddenly dropped to 38-42 in the last week and has levelled off at that which is great.
I purchased a new carbon fibre Lapiere bike and a good set of wheels.I got a great deal at Hennessy's bike shop in Fermoy where I always go and used the bike to work scheme also.It has a triple chainring which will be great for the steep hills.
I raced in the Glounthane circuit this evening to get in a good fast workout and test out the new bike.It was three laps of a 8.5 mile circuit.I have been doing no racing but want to do a few in the next few weeks to really beast myself while backing off on the mileage.This will ensure I maintain if not increase my strength and power slightly but lose no endurance while also having more time for rest.The high intensity is great for burning calories too.The race was under an hour but very hard and fast throughout.I was only interested in beasting myself so I went to the front of the pack from the start and pushed it hard.It was a flat course with only a few gradual inclines which suited me.I stayed up the front for most of the race taking a minute or two break now and again in the pack when needed before driving it on at the front again.It was a great workout,I really enjoyed it and felt really fresh afterwards.
My last main workout will be on the Conor Pass in Co. Kerry early next week.I will spend three seperate days going up and down both sides so I can cover as much climbing as is possible in the three days that is close to the 70,000 feet of climbing in the race.It's a nice longish climb from both sides with some nice steepish bits.I won't be pushing this workout to the limit.I will cycle approx 12 hours a day for the 3 days but will stay well within my limits and resting every night.I want to get as close as is possible to the 70,000ft in the 3 days in the easiest way possible-mad and all that may sound.
Crew prepartion is going well.The 5 guys are enthusiastic and looking forward to the race.Hopefully we will have a campervan for the race.So much depends on the crew and I told them so much depends on them getting me around the course.
The fundraising is slow as always but we are keeping at it.The guys all have cards and I have given a few to friends also who volunteered to take them.Hopefully as the race approaches and if there is any media on the event it might help people donate.The Jack and Jill have advertised it also.