So you more experienced long race people.
- How do you recover?
- How do you rebuild for more sensible distances after a 12hour TT?
- And how long does it take?
- What is your approach and what do you recommend?OK,
The back story: I did my big race for the season on Sunday a 12hr time trial. (National 12 Breckland - 237.5 miles if you are interested), which for a 60 year old and first 12, I am massively pleased with.
I thought I had survived OK. No real aches and pains Monday or, as I expected, Tuesday. Sure my legs and neck ached a bit, but I was functioning pretty normally. I had a good massage Wed. Stayed off the bike. However, last night I turned up at our final evening 10 and I can only describe my performance as HILARIOUS.
I just could not produce any power! Normally I go round the 10m sporting TT course averaging 235-245W. Last night I had nothing and averaged 180W no matter how hard I tried. My minute man was astonished to catch me in 4 miles and I just burst out laughing as he passed me. (No disrepect to the guy). I had nothing. I clocked a P.W. Personal Worst.
At one point as I desperately tried to climb the final hill and drag, I was working out that my average speed for the 10 might be less that my average speed for the 12 hour! It was as if my body was saying “You have taught me NOT to use high powers any more and keep it low, so put up with this!”
I am sleeping normally, but clearly have not receovered properly yet. At rest my legs feel fine (or I though they did).
However, to finish my season, I have two 25s in 4-5 weeks where I would like to get PBs. My plan was to return to shorter and higher power work to get my top end power and FTP refreshed. But last night threw me, funny though it was. So I am now wondering how | feel my way back into training and sharpening up for shorter TTs, and whether there are any overall approach or strategy I should use.
So you more experienced people and coaches.
- How do you recover from these sort of events?
- How do you rebuild for more sensible distances after a 12hr TT (Or equivalent)?
- And how long does it take?
- What is your approach and what do you recommend?
Thanks (A 12hr first timer)