Noob training for Wicklow 100.

happytramp

Hey guys, quick question regarding the Wicklow 100. I'm a bit of a noob but about 3 weeks ago I starting training for the 100k. I go out 3-4 times a week and do circuits up the kyber road in phoenix park for one hour (approx 20k). Then at the weekend I'm up to about 55K taking in two laps up Howth hill in about 2hrs 20min. How does this sound given the remaining time, (5 weeks)? am I on track? How tough are the hills on the 100, compared to say the long, less steep side of howth hill? Cheers for any advice.

seamus

Haven't done Howth myself, so don't know the comparison, but there are really only two main climbs on the WW100. Neither are particularly tough, though they're probably much longer than Howth.

If you're managing 55k now, then the 100k should be no problem. How do you feel after the 55k? Are you flattened for 48 hours or just a bit tired?

iregk

55km in your legs with 8 weeks left? you're laughing!

Cookie_Monster

you look on track tbh.

The 100 route has the initial climb out of Kilmac and then is pretty handy enough to Laragh and Rathdrum, down into Avoca and then lots of short tough annoying climbs from the to Ashford.

Keep doing what you're doing I'd say, adding a few km a week t the weekend spins. Try and cover at least parts of the course so you get a feel of what to expect.

I think it's far better for you mental position to know what's coming on the day, less likely to get demoralised on the seemingly never ending climbing stretches, whereas if you know you've only got x hundred metres to go before a nice long decent it's much easier

HivemindXX

Since we are allowed bring bikes on the Dart off peak now you can get the Dart to Greystones or Bray and make your way to Kilmacanoge (using the backroads if you want to avoid the N11). Once there you follow the route to Roundwood which will take you over one of the two main climbs on the 100k route. At Roundwood go left directly to Ashford and follow the WW100 route from there back to Greystones through Newcastle and all those small towns. Get the Dart back from Greystones.

If you start at Greystones this should be around 55k and you'll see a good portion of the actual route. If you start at Bray it should be a bit shorter and avoid

Seamus is pretty much correct in my opinion. The climb from Kilmacanoge to Roundwood is similar steepness to the easy side of Howth but it's a lot longer. You'll be pretty glad to see the top but so long as Howth doesn't take everything you've got you should be fine.

happytramp

Cheers lads, some great advice there. Also thanks for the words of encouragement , My first time up Howth, I was like, no way I'm going to be able for Wicklow hills but last week was much better. Did it twice, and felt like I could have done it again (probably couldn't have though, I'm a weed) I'll try three times next week then it's off to Greystones to try the Roundwood suggestion (scary). Thanks again!