Tough interval session with the ThinkBike lads // Ticknock x 6

Another Thursday evening means nothing else but savage ThinkBike Interval Sufferfest on the local climbs. So as it happens every week lately, I got prepared for today's tough going straing after work. I got home and prepared my second lunch 'cause I knew I have to fill the energy levels for later on. 

Semolina porridge with kiwi, peach & some cocoa powder. A plate of this treat keeps me going for a whole day! :)

After a quick prep I was on my way to the Taylor's carpark where the start point was for tonight. I met the lads from the club there and after few minutes of chatting we started the fun. 

Today we climbed from the M50 bridge up to the Ticknock lower carpark 6 times in a row. This climb is 2.1 km long and has 145 m elevation gain. I like this road 'cause the surface is excellent and the view is nice as well on the way back down. 

The elevation graph of the climb that we've done 6 times tonight

Since this was the 4th week for me doing interval trainings I felt great on the bike. I kept the pace nice and steady for the first 3 and increased the rythm a bit during the last 3 times. I managed to get 8 minutes and 20 seconds as a best time during the 4th climb which I'm defo happy with 'cause my first race is coming up in 4 weeks time and I started to feel in good shape for it. Great! :)

It's all over: face is happy, legs are wrecked. Exactly the way it was planned! ;)

It was just so nice to be out: little bit wet but warm evening, in fact I couldn't believe that I was able to go for a spin wearing 3/4 lenght in February. I love you Ireland, I couldn't do the same thing in Hungary that's for sure! 

I cycled out as a warmup and cycled back home after all the climbing was done so I ended up doing 41 km and spent 2 hours on the bike. Was good and effective, I feel pretty tired now. My legs are wrecked and I'm super sleepy indeed...so I guess...it's bed time for me! :)  

First interval session of the year + my frozen water bottle

Well, generally it is still too early to do interval training and I normally wouldn't start them until March but this season will be different for me. So here I am, doing interval trainings from the beginning of February. 

I certenly picked a cold day for it though but let's talk about that later. I finished work early and after my short prep I was ready to get out and get the training done in the cold and dark evening. I picked a climb that I know well and I like also. After a nice warmup I got to the starting point wich was the Taylor's Pub carpark near the M50 bridge. The plan was to do short intervals today so I marked the finishing point at the Ticknock Lower carpark.  

The lenght of this climb is 2.10 km and has 145 m of elevation gain. This time I got it done 4 times in a row. I didn't want to get too jumpy so I kept a nice and consistent pace through the whole thing, staying in the saddle for most of the time. It took a bit over 10 minutes each time to climb up to the carpark. The goal was to get it done nice and steady not to break PB on it, so it's all good as it is. :)

Regular dark and cold winter training, normal I can say but still...something happened that I haven't seen for a long time. The valve of my water bottle got frozen! Last time I seen stuff like this was in the proper Hungarian winter many years ago.

First interval training of the year and I think it went well. I felt good and even the freezing evening was lovely. I like to cycle in cold, it has it's own beauty though. I spent 1 hour and 45 minutes on the bike all in and I enjoyed every bit of it. :)