Winter Madness

[Iain]

As mentioned 2 months ago, Ian and I were considering an attempt to set the inaugural Lightweight record for the 1,000,000M Tandem. As our training may have hinted, we are still inclined to attempt this insane escapade.

For those unfamiliar with the rules, we are required to keep the flywheel moving throughout, so will just be snatching brief sleeps while the other does a longer stint. We would like to beat the existing 40s heavyweight record (so best part of 4 days), but obviously have no idea what we are capable of or how it will progress. The main objective is just to get through it.

We are just considering when to do this and have provisionally settled on sometime within 6-12 February. The plan is to do in Ian's garage in Swindon. The support during the baby (24hr) version of this was invaluable and I know that Dave was sustained with his feat of doing the big brother of this (solo million) back in 2018, so we would really appreciate any support. we would really like to see anyone prepared to travel and might also be able to arrange calls / camera etc. One of the determinants on when to do this will be to maximise any support we can muster. Please would you PM or respond to this thread with any offers and when you would be prepared to attend.

Thanks

Iain

[plummy]

Hi Ian/Iain,

Given the level of support I've had in my many ultra challenges, I'd be a hypocrite to not offer to help. I'll do whatever I can to get there for a day or two. If there are others thinking of doing the same then a rota would be a useful tool - no use in 8 people being there one day and no people for the next two etc. Obviously, given the distance from my home base the weekend might be best but I also recognise that the latter stages are the most important for needing support.

[Iain]

Many thanks for the offer Dave, that is very kind.

[Ian Bee]

Indeed - thanks very much for the offer Dave.

[JonT]

Unless availability is messed up by my unpredictable work patterns you can count me in as a member of the support team.


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[Iain]

Many thanks Jon, the more the merrier (although please forgive me if i am not at my merriest during the row, I fear any laughter might be of the nervous variety!). Any preference for when you (and Dave) would like to come as we have some flexibility in our start date.

[JonT]

Many thanks Jon, the more the merrier (although please forgive me if i am not at my merriest during the row, I fear any laughter might be of the nervous variety!). Any preference for when you (and Dave) would like to come as we have some flexibility in our start date.

I'm 'just down the road' in Bath so I can be very flexible. I suggest you get your plans set up and then let me know.

[Ian Bee]

Thanks Jon - no backing out now

[Mike Channin]

How's the training going, guys?

[Iain]

Training all logged (had to do extra day in office, so 2 days off for me after a tough 5-1k session on PP thread. The trouble is that the event is so different from anything that can be practiced. If I had had >6 months, might have scheduled the dreaded 100k for a challenge of my resilience, but more concerned on getting fitness closer to my best and doing enough tough sessions to build resilience and have the memories to draw on during the million. I feel as well prepared as I was for the 24hr tandem in 2010 which I found easier than expected and so am reasonably confident for the first 16 hours. But the long sessions to allow the other to sleep and restarting after short sleeps are an unknown.

Thanks for asking.

[Ian Bee]

Mike (and anyone interested)….
Since Iain’s initial (un)wise original request, I’ve continued with my longer distance training. The overall cycles are 12 week rotations and since last June I’ve slowly pushed the pace to the extent that I am probably as fast/comfortable over distances from 5k-HM as I’ve ever been and am completely HM distances 5 days a week with general low level cardio for the remainder. I’ve gradually focused my weight training over that period to 5 days of 7 to a structured gradual improved, but focusing on peak strength as a counterpoint to the longer sessions this endeavour needs.
As Iain mentioned my go-to DF is 140 and I’m maintaining that for the bulk of sessions to keep endurance trained so that my low level cardio is beneath pace and effort of HM/FM/50k, and is also a touch slower than my 100k average.
Nutrition is being focused on so I have a bulk deliver of various goodies incoming as well as my standard supplements and powders for protein etc.
I will guardedly say that training is where it needs to be but any “success” will be down to how we both deal with (lack of) sleep and accumulation of aches…..

[Mike Channin]

You are both amazing, and I wish you every success, and look forward to more details on your epic training efforts.

[strider77]

Totally agree with Mike, you are both amazing and stark staring mad .

All the best with the final training for this fantastic adventure ☺!