Struggling to train

[Jason.T]

I know I need to get out a lot more but really struggle to do so, I work 12 hours a day so it's dark when I leave and dark when I get home (also work night shifts every other week) I have my son from a previous relationship every Saturday and Sunday.....you get the picture

The only time I'm able to get out is a Friday afternoon every other week ( I don't attempt it when on nights as I'm a complete zombie) and a Monday but with the weather being horrendous all the time it's damn difficult to get out so if I'm lucky I'm riding once a week

Anyway I've got my first sportif on the 2nd of March which is 45 miles and apart from 2 monster climbs not to worried about, but my second in April is 107 miles which I am slightly worries about

I'll get to the point now.... As the nights are getting slightly longer and with the hope of the weather getting a bit better I have a climb right by me and according to strava is 2.6 miles long and climbs for 698ft peaking at 12%

If I was to ride just this clime every day I possibly could would this improve my fitness and stamina enabling me to do over a 100 miles without fading away

 

[ColinJ]

If it is feasible, then get yourself a decent set of lights and commute by bike and that can be your training. If not, how about keeping a bike at work and doing (say) a 10 mile ride every lunch time?

I wouldn't recommend just rushing straight up that hill without a warm-up.

If you can't make time for training rides to get fit, do you really have time to do rides once you'd got fit?

 

[ColinJ]

Oh, and get yourself a turbo trainer so at least you could get a training session in at home whenever you have half an hour or more spare.

 

[Jason.T]

If it is feasible, then get yourself a decent set of lights and commute by bike and that can be your training. If not, how about keeping a bike at work and doing (say) a 10 mile ride every lunch time?

I wouldn't recommend just rushing straight up that hill without a warm-up.

If you can't make time for training rides to get fit, do you really have time to do rides once you'd got fit?

Without sounding like I'm throwing problems into the hat but I only get half hour for lunch so not quite doable plus I'm up at half four in the morning don't really want to be up much earlier

Although when there is a little more light I am planning to ride to work on my night shifts

I've only been riding since April and was out far more often in the summer due to longer daylight, I've found winter months a lot more difficult than I thought they would be, in the summer I was able to ride after work also after I'd taken my son home

 

[Jason.T]

Oh, and get yourself a turbo trainer so at least you could get a training session in at home whenever you have half an hour or more spare.

Again not wanting to bring out my problem hat but at the moment a turbo trainer is not budget able, but I do plan on getting one when possible

Don't want to sound a moaning git with my negatives why I can't get out just trying to find ways of improving fitness getting around all my above problems

 

[fossyant]

How far away is the job. Is a partial commute by bike possible? I know its shift work, but there are a couple on here that manage it.

I find the key is to build it into your routine, so for my I ride to and from work in all weather, no matter how tired I feel, unless too I'll to work.

You need to be riding more regular, and if you can need to have rattled off a few 60 miles rides before doing the 100, at least together your eating and drinking routine right when riding.

 

[Jason.T]

How far away is the job. Is a partial commute by bike possible? I know its shift work, but there are a couple on here that manage it.

I find the key is to build it into your routine, so for my I ride to and from work in all weather, no matter how tired I feel, unless too I'll to work.

You need to be riding more regular, and if you can need to have rattled off a few 60 miles rides before doing the 100, at least together your eating and drinking routine right when riding.

I've done a few 40 & 50 milers plus 1 60 milers

I'm actually very close to work, it's only 5 miles so riding there isn't a problem

I guess I just got to bite the bullet and get myself some lights, I was just trying to find ways of training without spending

It wouldn't be a problem buying lights and a turbo trainer but the misses took 12 months off work so finances have been a bit tight of late

I think I'll start commuting when on night shift to start with, it's damn hard getting up at 04.30 as it is ha ha

 

[ColinJ]

Is it actually legal to make you work a 12 hour shift with only a 30 minute lunch break?

I worked a shift pattern like that for a year when I was in my 20s but I didn't have a partner or kids to think about. You must be knackered!

 

[Jason.T]

Is it actually legal to make you work a 12 hour shift with only a 30 minute lunch break?

I worked a shift pattern like that for a year when I was in my 20s but I didn't have a partner or kids to think about. You must be knackered!

I should of stated we get 2 half hour breaks, I start at 6am and finish at 6pm we get half hour at 10am and half hour at 2pm

Not enough time to eat and get out in the bike plus I've got to carry a damn radio on me and have to be on hand even at tea breaks so wouldn't be able to leave site anyway

Yeah it's bloody knackering @Doyleyburger burger works with me he can testify what slave drivers they are ha ha

 

[vickster]

Is only an hour break in 12 legal too?? Or do you get a number of 15 minute tea breaks? I hope they pay you well!

 

[The Jogger]

Is only an hour break in 12 legal too?? Or do you get a number of 15 minute tea breaks? I hope they pay you well!

Yes unfortunately it is legal. So long as it is a total of two breaks. We have to have a break before we hit 5hrs on duty.

 

[jowwy]

legal requirement used to be a 5min break for every hour worked - 12 X 5 = 60. so two half hour breaks is legal

 

[fossyant]

Planet X phaart lights are dead cheap and will get you going. 5 miles is good especially with shift work

 

[screenman]

Sounds to me like you are just lacking motivation and drive, not sure how you get it back though in your case. For me I have a wife that kicks me out of the bike when I am getting a tad lazy.

5 miles is 20 minutes 10 is 40, straight after work before your head for home, job done.

 

[Doyleyburger]

Im the same as you.
I think we both need to get a bit more hardcore @Jason.T and get out whatever the weather.
Probably also we need to think more along the lines of ............
iv got a spare half hour, I'll go and do 5-6 miles. Might not seem worth it but it probably is in the long run.
obviously in the summer there's nothing stopping us getting out 3 or 4 times a week, when we have more daylight and better weather. It's just a shame our first 2 events come just after winter and still in rainy season
I'd love to commute on a bike also but I struggle to get out of bed at 5 am as it is......
Snooze, snooze, snooze