Along with my friend Emma, I’ve signed up for the London Duathalon on September 15th.  Not one to shy away from a challenge We’ve picked the classic distance of 55k (a 10k run, 40k cycle, 5k run).

Last weekend I wilfully ignored the onset of a head cold and packed up my bike on the overground to Richmond Park for a training ride with Emma (who was just getting over Tonsillitis, pictures of health we are!).  After a few wrong turns in Richmond, I made my way up the huge hill to Richmond Gate, not the gate we were meeting at.  I enjoyed the downhill towards Roehampton, said hi to the deer, and met up with Emma to begin our laps.  We decided the only logical way to cycle around Richmond Park is counter-clockwise.  You hit the same amount of hills, but they’re more gradual and avoids going up the super-steep Broomfield Hill (down is much more fun).  Probably should have checked the Duathalon map first though, the race is 4 laps clockwise of Richmond Park. *GULP* I am going to need some serious technical skills to learn how to bike up that steep hill 4 times.

Cheers to duathalons!

We did 1 lap of the park (just over 10k) and then practiced some transition skills. Dropping our bikes and running on the grass. I ran through deer poo – so it can only get better on race day right? We thought about another lap but decided it was best to give our diseased lungs a break and cycle over to the Red Lion beer garden for some rest and bbq.

Some Crabbies (ginger is good for colds don’t worry) and an amazing bbq chilli dog in the sunny garden, we packed up and decided to follow the the Thames path home rather than catching the train.  A lovely pedal through Putney and Chelsea (entertained by the posh polo crowds) and then a quick trip through the city up to Angel and I was home – my GPS told me it was about 40k – so a good start to get my legs used to those kms.

Fuel for a 40k cycle

I proceeded to shower and crash nap for the next 3 hours until it was time to head to the IG London Nocturne. If I was feeling any confidence from my new-found cycling skills, watching this put me in my place.  Fast, fast, and faster was the theme as we watched the elite women & men criterium around Smithfields market.

I’ve paid my own entry fee for the Duathalon, but my friends at Boutique Sport asked me to blog about my training over the summer.  If you’re interested in joining me in the world’s largest annual duathalon, register soon! Prices go up June 30th!  Join other #duathlon participants and follow London Duathlon on Facebook and Twitter http://www.facebook.com/londonduathlon or @londonduathlon.

Also, Emma is also training for a few other cycle races this summer: The BHF London-Brighton night ride (with me!) and the Prudential Ride London 100 mile. If you want to support her (and guide dogs!) check out her fundraising page.