Training for Endurance: A Journey Towards Roy's Ride for Research

Setting the Stage for Success

When this training block began on November 17, my fitness level was a blank slate. My Chronic Training Load (CTL) in TrainingPeaks was just 7. This number reflects my recent training volume and intensity over the past six weeks. It was a humble starting point, yet it provided the perfect baseline to measure my progress leading up to Roy’s Ride for Research.

Structured Training with MyProCoach and TrainingPeaks

To ensure that every ride has a purpose, I am following a structured program in the TrainingPeaks app. This program was created by endurance coach Phil Mosley and the team at MyProCoach.net. They specialize in time-efficient plans designed for busy age-group athletes like me.

The workouts are organized on a flexible calendar. Weekday sessions focus on quality, while longer endurance rides are scheduled for the weekends. This structure allows me to fit training around work, family, and fundraising commitments.

One of the powerful features of TrainingPeaks is its ability to track metrics like Training Stress Score and CTL. These metrics turn each workout into valuable data, helping me see if my training load is moving in the right direction over time. Watching those numbers gradually rise has given me extra motivation on tougher days. I can see the bigger picture of my progress rather than judging a week in isolation.

From First Test to Real Progress

Early in my training, I completed my first Fitness and Threshold Test. This test set my Functional Threshold Power (FTP) at 146 watts and my threshold heart rate at 146 bpm. That initial test was a reality check. However, it also provided clear training zones, making every interval since then targeted and meaningful.

Recently, I finished my second Fitness and Threshold Test. I saw concrete improvement: my FTP has climbed to 154 watts, and my threshold heart rate has risen to 154 bpm. While these gains may not sound huge on paper, they mean I can now sustain more power for the same effort. This reflects the training stress my body has adapted to over the past several weeks.

Growing CTL and Chasing a Big Goal

Alongside the jump in FTP, my CTL has risen from 7 to 20. This increase shows that I am now consistently handling a much higher training load than when I started. CTL is calculated as a weighted average of the last 42 days of training. Therefore, this increase represents weeks of building both volume and intensity, not just one good session.

Looking ahead, my goal is to reach a CTL of 45 by August 15, 2026. Achieving this will require consistency, gradually stacking more training stress, and balancing fatigue and recovery. I want to continue adapting rather than burning out. Hitting that target will not just be a number in an app; it will signify that my engine is ready for the demands of Roy’s Ride for Research and the long days in the saddle that come with it.

Preparing for the CN Cycle for CHEO

Celebrating Achievement: Roy Collingwood at the CN Cycle for CHEO 2025. Course completed - 80 km course in 2 hours and 42 minutes, at an average speed of 27 km/hr.

Before Roy’s Ride for Research, I will face an important early test of my growing fitness at the CN Cycle for CHEO in May 2026. This annual cycling fundraiser in Ottawa supports the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Lining up for that event will be a milestone. It’s a chance to ride for a cause that matters deeply to me, to see how far my winter and spring training blocks have taken me, and to transform all these TrainingPeaks charts into real-world momentum on the road.

After the ride, I will share my CN Cycle for CHEO 80 km results and compare them to my past performances over the same distance. This comparison will help me understand how much my fitness has progressed. Using that information, I will fine-tune my training on the road to Roy’s Ride for Research and keep building toward my goal CTL of 45 by August 15, 2026.

The Road Ahead: Embracing the Journey

Right now, I am feeling strong, confident, and grateful. I appreciate the structure from MyProCoach, the accountability that comes from watching my numbers grow, and the support of everyone following along on this journey. The road to Roy’s Ride for Research is long, but every watt, every beat, and every point of CTL brings me closer to the ride—and the impact—I am working for.

As we embark on this journey together, let’s remember that each step we take is a step toward making a real difference for kids and families facing cancer. Together, we can amplify our efforts and raise awareness for pediatric oncology research. Let’s keep pushing forward, knowing that our dedication will lead to meaningful change.