So I am a runner hoping to be close to 2:20 in my first marathon. Less than a month after that is an 80 mile ride I want to do for strictly shoots and gigs. Can I expect to make this happen in a reasonable time? My only prior experience with biking is 2 hour sessions for cross training when I got hurt from running
Marathon to Gran Fondo
- Thread starter idkman
- Start date
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- Location
- Glasgow
When is the marathon?
are you planing to only run until then, or could you fit in some cycling?
Start with doing 5 miles for 4 times, see how you feel, increase the distances by 5 miles till you can comfortably do 50/60.
Ride, if you have time, at least twice a week.
Then, on the day, you will manage 80 no problems.
You need to do some cycling prior of the event not only for stamina, but also to see if the bike fits, if the saddle is comfortable, to find out how much food and drink you need on the big ride, to learn how pick the right clothing.
For example, you will need gloves and eye wear on an 80 miler.
If you don't do the things above you will probably still make the 80, but you will suffer during and afterwards
are you planing to only run until then, or could you fit in some cycling?
Start with doing 5 miles for 4 times, see how you feel, increase the distances by 5 miles till you can comfortably do 50/60.
Ride, if you have time, at least twice a week.
Then, on the day, you will manage 80 no problems.
You need to do some cycling prior of the event not only for stamina, but also to see if the bike fits, if the saddle is comfortable, to find out how much food and drink you need on the big ride, to learn how pick the right clothing.
For example, you will need gloves and eye wear on an 80 miler.
If you don't do the things above you will probably still make the 80, but you will suffer during and afterwards
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
2:20 - that's Elite level you know ? Good times are around 3 1/2 hours. How much cycling - you haven't got much time to get upto the stamina needed for 80 miles. A very fit rider could do that in 4-5 hours. Beginner, more like 7 to 8 hours.
If you are 2:20 marathon standard. The worst you’ll get riding 80 miles is a sore arse, neck and maybe your back. Take it steady, stop for drinks and food every hour and you should do it 5 and a bit hours. However if a reasonable time is under 4 hours, you might need to be putting some serious time in now.
Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
Contact points - particularly saddle - will be your main problem. 80 miles at a leisurely pace will hurt if you haven't got yourself comfortable on the bike.
So yes, you can make it happen. You just need to get some hours in the saddle. Concentrate on time and comfort - don't worry about speed. Like all things, build up gradually.
So yes, you can make it happen. You just need to get some hours in the saddle. Concentrate on time and comfort - don't worry about speed. Like all things, build up gradually.
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Ajax Bay
Guru
- Location
- East Devon
I note this OP posted (first post) and was not sufficiently interested in an answer/advice ever to return to look.
Let's assume not trolling, an athlete of this implied calibre will have no trouble physically riding 80 miles a few weeks after.
But unless they have a seat hardened by time in the saddle, "shoots and giggles" may be accompanied by frictional tears. (Wot @Dogtrousers sed)
lazybloke
Ginger biscuits and cheddar
- Location
- Leafy Surrey
Do it! Not sure of your level of riding, but just try to get out on the bike every week, or twice a week. I normally have symptoms of bonking by about 70 miles if i don't eat.
Riding with me on London-Wales-London two weeks ago (255 miles) were two lasses who'd run the London Marathon 6 days earlier; some people are inspirational fitness freaks!
Riding with me on London-Wales-London two weeks ago (255 miles) were two lasses who'd run the London Marathon 6 days earlier; some people are inspirational fitness freaks!
