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Left work later than I planned and so ended up way behind my training schedule to get out for another 20km test while it was still light. It was getting darker by the time I got home around 6pm and I thought I didn't have the time to do the full 20km without any lights.
I took a shorter route that I sometimes run, its 16km long and flatter than the normal 20km route. I was in a rush and shot out the door. The first 4km were really really great. I'm up above 40kmph on the first section and then easily keeping it above 30kmph on the next section which isn't so flat.
As long as the road is smooth its easy to get up to speed and keep it there. The problems start when the route gets bumpy, it gets too steep or when the wind gets into your face. I know I just need a wind in your back downhill 90km run in Switzerland.
In my rush to pick a route and get out I'd forgotten that for about 2km of it, it's the dreaded Belgian Pave....and typical of Brabant-Wallon its bad Belgian Pave at that. I reach the road to hell around the 9km mark and its a nightmare. Wrists and arms aching within less than a minute. My speed drops right down to low-mid teens. Eventually I'm having to ride on the dirt at side to get a break from the constant pounding. The tyres are almost solid with such high pressure and the carbon forks and frame transfer the vibrations in a highly efficient manner. My hands and wrists are numb by the time I finish.
I realise now why they go on about Paris-Roubaix being the Hell of the North. I only had 2km, these boys have 257km of it in a day.....I had a lot of respect for them before. Now I'm wondering if they are human.
I finish in 40:05. I blame the Pave, you could of course blame the lack of fitness.....
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