12th June ‘25: time to commit

Enough chat and procrastination; let’s just get on with this.

The core of my training, at least to start, will be a combination of indoor (using Zwift) for more structured rides; coupled with one or two longer, outdoor rides.. time permitting.

Life and work are busy; so I need to find an efficient plan where I get the greatest bang for buck for the time I can commit. So of course I asked ChatGPT for a suggested training plan.. here it is:

1. Base Phase (12–16 weeks)

Goal: Build aerobic endurance and muscular durability. Focus: 2 endurance rides per week (Z2, 60–90 min). 1 tempo or sweet spot workout (e.g., 3×10–15 min @ 85–90% FTP). Optional: Short recovery ride or skills ride if time allows.

2. Build Phase (12 weeks)

Goal: Increase FTP, introduce climbing and race-like efforts. Focus: Sweet spot & threshold intervals (e.g., 2×20 min @ 90–95% FTP). Low-cadence climbing intervals (seated, 50–60 RPM, 5–8 min). Introduce race pace segments (hard, sustained efforts on gravel if possible). Keep 1 longer Z2 ride per week.

3. Specialty/Race Prep Phase (8–10 weeks)

Goal: Prepare for specific demands of your target event. Focus: Longer rides with race-like terrain and intensity. Back-to-back days if possible (simulate fatigue). VO2max workouts for top-end power. Practice fueling, bike handling, pacing

So no time like the present. We begin tomorrow morning. Enter the ‘base’ phase.