Whats better 3x10m or a 30m ride

[Nigelnaturist]

I always try and work hard, its been quite hard getting from my average of 9.8 mph on my first ride in June to what my avg is approaching now og nearly 15 mph, I know a lot of what I ride is pretty flat but I have a steady climb at the end for about 5 miles with a couple of short sharp climbs, the first time i did these I crawled up at 6-7 mph, I am now doing them at 10 mph + ( I know its not much compared to what others can do) but at 48 I think an increase of nearly 50% in just over 2 1/2 months, given I have done no really exercise in 5 years, isn't to bad an improvement, and today on strava I did a section of just under a mile ( albeit with a slight decline) with an avg of 21mph, mind I think that wind might have helped there somewhat.

 

[snorri]

It depends on what you aim to achieve.
I think it would be better to get out three times a week for a 10 mile run than to plan for a 30 miler once a week and then something crops up, time pressures or poor weather, which prevent you from getting the 30 miler completed.
I just wish to maintain general fitness and prefer to do a few miles often rather than longer distances at less frequent intervals.

Edit .....On reading your last post, you are quite clearly in a different league to me, please ignore my advice.

 

[Nearly there]

Nipping out for a 10 mile jaunt is better than nothing especially if you put the power down

 

[MattHB]

It depends how you ride them. But 10 miles for endurance isn't going to help much if you can do 30.

If you can only do 3 rides, try a good pace 30, a brutally fast 10 and a very very slow 10.. Then repeat.

 

[fossyant]

Frequency is the key, as is the occasional long ride. I commute between 15 and 30 miles each day. I don't often get chance for long rides, or any more than the odd 30 at weekends. Still managed the Manchester 100 at a quick pace with a number on here.

Regular riding, some longer ones too. Just put the effort in.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Thats what I try and do, as much and as varied as possible, I suffered a compression injury to my right leg some years ago and when I started in June, it really did give me some problems when I pushed on it, even light spinning sometimes hurt, it would ease after a few minutes, but know I can climb for some distance standing and pull away in higher gears than I could.
My main aim is to carry my camera kit over some 20 miles or so around here, but as its not light I need to some core fitness, it wasn't until I started ( I have cycled in the past used to cycle from Dewsbury in Yorkshire to Oldham nr Manchester and back) how much I had to do.

Many thanks for all you inputs.

 

[MacB]

Now I know lights cost etc but it is worth a thought, I particularly enjoy going out later at night, quieter roads and all that. Plus it doesn't interfere with home life so much.

There are new dynamo lights and hubs coming out all over the shop and you'd expect to see some great deals on older models in the coming months. Right now it would be feasible to get a front dynamo wheel and quality light for £100 all in.

Alternatively keep an eye on the forums for people that are upgrading and are selling on older battery lights. This could be a really good option if you already have things like chargers and batteries kicking around.

 

[Boon 51]

Me being in a similar situation as you, all I can add is this.... do as much as you can when you can, but I have found that mixing the speeds up is better, it gives the legs time to recover as the last thing you want is a strain..

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Well I am hoping to get out later for a 30-40 mile ride but I want to try some bigger hills than are around here, so I am hoping that the gps breadcrumb trial thing works, I have tried it on a few of the local runs (only got it Tuesday) and it seems to work, I went wrong yesterday but it told me I was off route so I backtracked and found the right road, I know the area somewhat, but I had never been down this road, well more of a single track.