Couch to..... Guides

[aces_up1504]

I have decieded that my aim for my first 6 months cycling is to complete a Century.

At the moment my first couple of rides have been 4 mile and 8 mile, while not completely knackering me, it shows i have quite a low base line fitness.

Can anyone point me in the direction of any worthwhile couch to guides that will get me to century in 6 months or 50 m in the 3 months?

 

[Kies]

You don't need any coaching. Spend as much time cycling as you can. The fitness will improve. If your overweight,get this down again with cycling and watching what you eat.
6 months is not a long time to go from 0 - 100 miles,but certainly acheivable.
Set yourself a monthly target.
Month 1 .... To do a 20 mile ride,and increase it my 10 - 15 miles each month.
Come the end of your 5th month you should be able to do 60+ miles,and will have worked out your food and water intakes.
To do the century,will require more of the same.
Good luck and keep us posted ..... The longest i have managed in 2012 is 55 miles, so 2013 is my century year

 

[aces_up1504]

Cheers

While i am not I am a few pounds over weight at 13 1/3 stone at 5ft 11, It more my fitness which is pretty shocking.

So think it more of case of building up fitness

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

You don't need any coaching. Spend as much time cycling as you can. The fitness will improve. If your overweight,get this down again with cycling and watching what you eat.
6 months is not a long time to go from 0 - 100 miles,but certainly acheivable.
Set yourself a monthly target.
Month 1 .... To do a 20 mile ride,and increase it my 10 - 15 miles each month.
Come the end of your 5th month you should be able to do 60+ miles,and will have worked out your food and water intakes.
To do the century,will require more of the same.
Good luck and keep us posted ..... The longest i have managed in 2012 is 55 miles, so 2013 is my century year

This. Although the OP said "couch" not "coach

 

[MattHB]

This time last year I could just about ride 20 miles and I was 17 stone. I did the Macmillan 100 in July (at 15.5 st) with ease.

Do everything kies just said it's exactly what I did good luck

 

[aces_up1504]

This. Although the OP said "couch" not "coach

Although might need a coach to get me off the couch

 

[sheddy]

spin, not grind (saves yer knees)

 

[vickster]

Although might need a coach to get me off the couch

I'd find someone else to cycle with if you need a bit more motivation and a push You also have someone to chat with during the half way cake stop (probably not necessary on a 4 mile ride though )

 

[aces_up1504]

Sure i could fit in a cake stop if required after 2miles lol

I am hoping once to i get to 15-18 miles around 11-12mph to join a local club skills ride to give me some company

 

[vickster]

Try to find a sky ride. They are free, good fun, comfortable pace but usually a decent distance

 

[MattHB]

Try to find a sky ride. They are free, good fun, comfortable pace but usually a decent distance

They can also hook you up with riders of a similar level who can end up great ride partners

 

[aces_up1504]

cheers just had a look, but nothing in the liverpool area

 

[vickster]

Really?? No sky ride locals at all. Maybe too early in the year for lily livered northerners

 

[Sittingduck]

Gradually build up distance each week. Increase distance by 3 mile incriments, until around 25 miles. Then 5 mile jumps until 40. Then 10 mile incriments until 70. Then you will be able to jump to a ton! 6 months? Very achievable, imho. Try to get out reguarly and not just once a week. Go in the evening, when it starts to get lighter at night.

 

[aces_up1504]

Really?? No sky ride locals at all. Maybe too early in the year for lily livered northerners

Only seems to be ones for ladies only.