Training & Nutrition

Nutrition, Training and Relaxing with Lucy Garner

The pro cyclist was on hand to answer your questions - here's what she told us

Yesterday we had the pleasure of inviting Wiggle High5 pro cyclist Lucy Garner along to host a one hour twitter session where readers could send in their questions.

Double Junior World Road Race Champion Garner moved to the orange and black train for 2016, and just a few weeks ago placed second behind sprinter Kirsten Wild in the hotly contested Tour de Yorkshire women’s race.

The 21-year-old is also an ambassador for the children’s charity, Dreams Come True – who are offering places at the Prudential Ride London to riders willing to raise funds for the cause.

Garner was on hand to answer a wide selection of questions – here’s what you asked…

Question:

What is your favourite mountain climb? @TtlWomenCycling #AskLucyGarner #1hourtakeover

— Julie Byrne (@julietouring) May 16, 2016

Answer:

Tough question. I don’t think I have a favourite actually. But I love the roads in Italy and also Spain (Calpe)… lots of different mountains and hills to try. The best part is the amazing view at the top!

Question:

.@TtlWomenCycling What’s your favourite pre-race song? #AskLucyGarner

— Bright Bee PR (@BrightBeePR) May 16, 2016

Answer:

I love listening to a mixture of songs but one motivational one is Eminem- Loose yourself always gets me in the zone.

Question:

I’m thinking of taking part in #RideLondon. Have you got any tips for me so I can record my best time yet? @TtlWomenCycling #AskLucyGarner

— Jonathan Burch (@Jonathan_Burch) May 16, 2016

Answer:

Make sure you are doing rides the same length as #ridelondon… not everyday but just enough so that your body will know what to expect and how to deal with it. Another big tip is to make sure you are drinking and eating. It’s very easy to go all out but then bonk in the final hour because you’ve forgotten to eat or drink (believe me, I know) so stay on top of food and drink and you’ll fly to the finish!!

Question:

@TtlWomenCycling #AskLucyGarner #1hourtakeover what is your favourite piece of kit for a long training ride? @DCT_Charity

— Claire Williamson (@Clairewill) May 16, 2016

Answer:

As the sun still isn’t out I love wearing my thin long sleeve @ChampionSys_UK kit perfect for this weather. I often over dress so an important tip is to make sure you step outside feel the temperature before kitting up.

Question:

@TtlWomenCycling What’s your advice to children who dream of cycling for their country? #AskLucyGarner

— Pedal2Pedal (@PedaltoPedal) May 16, 2016

Answer:

Never give up!! The road to success is always bumpy but if you perceiver you will reach your goal! I promise being a young upcoming cyclist in the UK at the moment is amazing. There’s so many clubs to join and races to get involved in!

Question:

@TtlWomenCycling #AskLucyGarner What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve had to make on your way to a Pro Career?

— Steve Gaughan (@s90rny) May 16, 2016

Answer:

I live in Holland and moved out of my parents house when I was 18. It was one of the toughest moments of my life moving away from my family and friends. I was so desperate to follow my dream of becoming a professional I had to leave my best supporters. I’ve been in Holland for nearly 4 years and love it!! I would be lost without FaceTime to see my family though.

Question:

Favourite training route in Leicestershire? #AskLucyGarner

— kirsty (@queposdog) May 16, 2016

Answer:

I love riding around Rutland area. Great roads, hills and views! I have a Garmin so love trying new routes. My fellow team mates are always surprised at how hilly the UK can actually be. Rutland area definitely isn’t easy.

Question:

@TtlWomenCycling What’s your most memorable #cycling moment so far? #AskLucyGarner

— Hannah Attenburrow (@Hannaha87) May 16, 2016

Answer:

To be able to race in the world champs colours. It was a dream come true for me!

Question:

@TtlWomenCycling Did you start riding in a local cycling club before you were picked up by British Cycling?

— Pedal2Pedal (@PedaltoPedal) May 16, 2016

Answer:

Yes, I was in a local club until I was 16. I did all the local races and I think what helped me the most is that I did every discipline. It really helps with your technique and bike handling to do cyclocross, road and track. It also helps you decide which discipline you like the best. I still love doing cyclocross in the winter!!

10 Do’s and Don’ts of Your First Club Ride

Question:

#AskLucyGarner What’s the best piece of advice you have been given? @TtlWomenCycling

— Pedal2Pedal (@PedaltoPedal) May 16, 2016

Answer:

Definitely to be patient and focus on yourself. It is really easy to get caught up in what other people are doing but you really have to listen to your own body and realise the training will show in races if you keep focused! And definitely to ENJOY!! As an athlete you can forget the path you took to get where you are now. Cycling takes you to..The most amazing places and I’ve met so many great people. Cycling is a social sport and that’s why I love it!

Question:

@TtlWomenCycling Do you have a favourite sub 1 hour interval training session you’d recommend people try out? #AskLucyGarner

— Michelle Arthurs (@RideWriteRepeat) May 16, 2016

Answer:

I’d definitely recommend a good warm up before starting efforts. I like to around 10-15 min progressive. The last 3 mins you are pretty much flat out. After that, recover for 10-15mins and do 3x10second sprints. Then a good warm down. I’d usually do this session for 1-1,5 hours before race day. It really covers everything and wakes the legs up!

Question:

Whats your nutrition advice for race days? #asklucygarner @ttlwomencycling

— Marloes van Duuren (@MarloesGoose) May 16, 2016

Answer:

Make sure you have a good meal the night before and a good breakfast. I usually have a big bowl of porridge with nuts and..fruit, and a couple of slices of bread. The most important is making sure you are drinking and eating enough in the race. The worst feeling in the world is ‘bonking’ on a training ride or race. You are left with no power. So definitely keeping drinking and eating. They recommend 1 bottle an hour and 1 bar every 45mins when doing a race over 3 hours.

Ask the Expert: What Should I do if I Bonk when Cycling?

Question:

@TtlWomenCycling how do you chill out after a long day in the saddle

— Tom (@CarbonThighs) May 16, 2016

Answer:

I like to watch movies. My boyfriend is also a cyclist so we tend to crash out on the sofa and watch a movie on Netflix. Then I start with the jobs in the house!

Question and Answer:

@s90rny Hi Steve, too long to answer in a tweet ???? thanks for your question! pic.twitter.com/8OBiQH6MDy

— Total Womens Cycling (@TtlWomenCycling) May 16, 2016

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