Yvonne (29), an experienced cyclist and spinning instructor, is gearing up for the demanding 220km Zuiderzee Classic on September 28, 2013. Follow her authentic training journey on Sante.nl.
Yvonne: I'm back! Last week, I intensified my prep for the 220km Zuiderzee Classic. I schedule rides ahead, reserving long hauls for weekends when I can dedicate hours. Post-work weekdays limit me to about two hours.
Last Saturday, after a late start and grocery run, I logged 50km on my mountain bike through the woods around dinnertime. It was blissfully quiet, with nature's fresh scents filling the air. Spotting three deer up close was a highlight!
Tour Through the Netherlands
Sunday, August 4, kicked off with a 180km loop from Driebergen-Rijsenburg (Utrechtse Heuvelrug). My friend, his brother, and I planned shorter, but the stunning summer weather changed that. Up at 6:30am—tough on a Sunday! Motivated by the Classic ahead, I grabbed yogurt with muesli, water, energy bars, filled bottles, sunscreen, helmet, gloves, and my bike. Ready!
The ride was epic: 80km conquering Utrechtse Heuvelrug climbs, then 100km via Oosterbeek, Arnhem, and Wageningen—1,400m total elevation. Legs screamed by the finish. We picked up Siegrid, a solo rider at our pace. Our quartet cruised steadily, chatting or joining pelotons, savoring the perfect day.
No Time for a Rest Day
Home, I refueled immediately. Post-shower, an Italian gelato hit the spot before elevating legs for recovery. Monday? Straight to spinning classes—no rest. An hour of intensity, fueled by the group's energy despite my sore legs. Leading heavy climbs post-weekend is real training! Rest came Tuesday-Wednesday, perfect for planning ahead (details next blog).
Fun fact: Siegrid's tackling the Zuiderzee Classic—with my team! We're four women now. Sponsor us? Check www.zuiderzeeklassieker.nl.
Read all Yvonne's blogs.
