January Training Update – New Year, Same Graft

January has arrived doing what January does best being dark, cold, and deeply uninterested in our training plans. The Lake District feels a very long way away right now, but the reality check has landed: June isn’t that far off, and the race definitely isn’t cancelling itself.

Training has continued in the thrilling surroundings of garages, gyms, and anywhere containing a Zwift trainer and questionable ventilation. The hills remain largely frozen, so it’s been more indoor miles, more strength work, and more staring at a wall while convincing ourselves this is “character building.” Spoiler: it is — just not the fun kind.

Lloyd, unsurprisingly, remains annoyingly capable, he continues to train like someone who has discovered a secret 27-hour day. He somehow still finds time to train hard and recover properly which I’m assured is “important.” Meanwhile, I’m doing my best to keep up, reminding myself that endurance is a long game and that survival is, in itself, a valid training outcome.

January has also been the month of realism. This race isn’t about one big effort it’s about hours of steady moving, decision-making when tired, and not falling apart halfway round the Lake District. So we’re working on pacing, teamwork, and building the sort of fitness that doesn’t immediately disappear the moment things get uncomfortable. Which they absolutely will.

As ever, all of this graft is in support of Action Medical Research. For over 70 years they’ve funded ground breaking work to help sick and disabled babies, children, and young people improving outcomes, advancing treatments, and giving families hope when they need it most. It’s a cause well worth a few miserable turbo sessions.

Our fundraising target is relatively small compared to the challenge, so if you’re able to donate or share our page, it genuinely means a huge amount. Every contribution helps turn suffering (ours) into something genuinely positive.

Thanks again for backing Iron Lad-N-Dad a partnership built on enthusiasm, questionable judgement, and a worrying lack of self-awareness. More updates soon… assuming we survive January.

Malky, Lloyd

Iron Lad-N-Dad