World in a Day

World in A Day Prep – 8 Turbo Tips to Make Sessions More Fun

On Thursday 14^th May, I’ll be cycling 240 miles on my turbo trainer in my shed for NHS Charities Together.

This event is organised by Mark Beaumont who is the world record holder for riding around the world in 80 days averaging 240 miles per day.  The event is called World in a Day and starting at 4am the aim is for 80 riders to each do 240 miles in a day and equal the mileage that Mark did circumnavigate the world – 18,000 miles.  The event has been running for 3 weeks now with the last one taking place this Thursday and the aim is for the cumulative sponsorship to hit £250,000 for NHS Charities Together (Charity No 1186569).  I’ve been hugely inspired by the fundraising work of Captain Tom Moore for the same group of charities.

To donate please visit my giving page here

I’ve also been inspired (and bullied) by my team mate and friend – Steve Bate MBE who is riding this event every week.  I’m planning to check in with him and others online during the ride and hope you can join me.  As motivation, I’ve prepared with the following 8 Turbo tips based on my experience and those of my British Cycling team mates and friends.

In the zone

As you can imagine, having to train daily, I’ve got a great at-home set up (the shed) for my Smart Turbo Trainer.  It isn’t a ‘pain cave’ but I do have easy access to a fan, Zwift, wi-fi, speakers, heart rate monitor and power meter.

Keep a structure

Having a game plan will be vital.  As the 240 miles will be about endurance, I’ll be keeping my training zone to a reasonable level in order to keep going.  My aim is to keep under 200 watts and a heart rate in zone 2 max 140.

Ride with friends

I’ll be using the Zwift app with the other riders and we are all going to be on Zoom video conferencing so we can chat along the way.  Riding with others helps with motivation and mindset.  Sharing the pain helps.

Stay connected – Phone/ WhatsApp

I’m taking inspiration from Steve Bate MBE and I’m planning to have 3 cycling sessions on Instagram Live so that people can join in.  I’m hoping to catch up with friends on the phone and WhatsApp when I’m not on Zoom or listening to music.  My family will also help me through this challenge.

Fuel

Eating and drinking at regular intervals will give me things to look forward to.  I’ll need food that is super-easy to consume, digest and enjoy and my regime will include home-made protein balls, as well as gels, banana bread and coffee.

Breaks

I’ll be taking a quick comfort break every 4 hours, changing kit, going to the loo, stretching and eating more fuel.

Positive mindset

When things get tough I’ll be remembering why I’m putting in the hard work on this new challenge for such a great cause.

Prep/ Set up

With such an early morning start I’m going to make sure I’m set up the night before with the kit I need easily accessible and hopefully make the 3.30am start in less of a dazed panic.

I hope you can join me on Thursday and cheer us all on and look forward to checking in with progress after the momentous event.  Wish me luck!  Jon