As it happens, we were back at Richmond Park for a second week running, to try and do some more pace work. In these early rides, we’re just trying to work on time in the saddle, and get a basic understanding of our pace, so we felt a second attempt at Richmond to see if we could speed things up was warranted at this time. More structured speed work and training rides will be starting soon (after I’m done with my half-marathon antics at the start of May).

This ride was similar to our ride a week earlier so no extensive details needed this time around. The only substantial differences were the weather (horrendous hail and rain instead of lovely sunshine), we went clockwise instead of anti-clockwise, and no pub-stop on the way back.

We were a bit slower this time out, Audrey’s knee wasn’t enjoying the cold so our third lap slowed quite considerably and we just nursed ourselves back home – no point giving ourselves injuries this early on by pushing through problems like that.

Here’s the summary:

• Paced section (part 1, part 2):
  • Distance: 17.3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 899ft
  • Average moving speed: 12.7mph
• Unpaced section (there and back):
  • Distance: 12.5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 469ft
  • Average moving speed: 10.7mph
• Total distance: 29.8 miles
• Total elevation gain: 1,368ft
• Total training miles to date – Mark: 97.8 miles, Audrey: 90.8 miles