Training for first 50km ride

Dirk1978
Dirk1978 Posts: 148
edited March 2011 in Training, fitness and health
I have managed to get my fiance to agree to do a 50km cycle in May (Marice Curie Craigavon Cycle Trail). I would be grateful for some training tips from more experienced cyclist.

She can just about do a 14 mile cycle without stopping (over a flatish country cycle route).

Is it just a case of getting some 'saddle time' and gently increasing the milage each week?

Are there any other gym workouts she could do during the week that would help?

Many thanks

Comments

  • zummerzet-lou
    zummerzet-lou Posts: 95
    The only answer is to keep cycling ... and gradually building up time in the saddle, and distance.

    Don't worry about speed - you just need to gradually build up to the distance. Should be more than do-able in that time.

    For the gym ... anything cardio will help. Perhaps treat her to a cycle trainer and then she can pedal indoors instead?
  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    If she's young and fit enough to go to the gym (and hasn't got any health issues) then 50k should be a bit of a doddle tbh. Why can't she do 50k now? Mostly it's self belief - 'I haven't cycled that far so I don't expect I can'.

    Make sure you've got the right gear - padded shorts, windproof outer, comfortable base layer. Make sure tyres are hard and the bike is well maintained. Make sure she doesn't want to take a rucksack, but take enough yourself for comfort.

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