The original version was, uh, memorable. But the climb is so beautiful that I did make it through at 100%, sprints included.
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“Local Hero” you mean, Sir? 
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Oh, this was really hard. Even doing it at only 80%.
I did Stage 5 immediately before, and was already beat from a hard run last night.
Those long climbs are so brutal. When I ride a bike outside, there are periods of coasting.
Little to no opportunity for that in this workout.
Suffer I did.
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I’m live on Twitch, come hang out! Twitch
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Allez allez! Will tune in & watch your suffering while I get my morning coffee…! 
Well done to all those who’ve survived it / in the process of doing it.
My other half @KTSW101 is on there rn, I can hear the Tacx humming away still…
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Recovery descent. I earned that!!!
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I watched you a little bit on the beginning of the first ascent.
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So grateful for the long recovery section at the end of today’s stage. Rather tough after the last 5 days, but totally achievable. Top of the second climb was rather ugly 
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Ok so in review the morning after, I really enjoyed that one. Never felt like my legs would get fully ripped off, but more like a deeply satisifying, lengthy burn all through the climbs. It reminded me of my ascent of Alpe d’Huez a few years ago. Sweet suf!
Equally not sure I could’ve “dropped” Maddie & pals, at least not for long. They’re real mountain goats. So yeah balance achieved nicely (at least from my pov) Sir @David.McQuillen.KoS Sir @Coach.Neal.H
Before I forget, many thanks to you & all at Wahoo for organising another Tour. It may have a different name & road book but it’s brought us back together for a great cause, and more fun (types 1&2)
Chapeau 
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Wahoo! (Pun intended) Stage 6 done and dusted. One to go. Another workout I probably would not have done if not for the tour. Always encouraging when I hear the heavy breathing of the cyclists. I don’t feel so bad. (Of course I ignore the fact that they are putting out twice the wattage I am. Minor detail)
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That ride is not my jam. It’s the opposite of my jam. It’s my anchovy paste or something. A ride like that could make anyone weepy. But actually, I felt really emotional about the SYSTM (nee Sufferfest) app, and how much I have learned from it over the last 2+ years.
With a 90 minute ride focused on my weakness (Sustained), I had to pull out every single tool in the toolbox to get through it, and I realised by toolbox was formed by this app. Of course cycling training in endurance, pacing, and better muscular/cardiovascular fitness. But I heard Carlton Kirby’s voice from Elements of Style, I reminded myself to ‘Detrain the Pain Face’, I focused on 1:2 Breathing (even those these riders were NOT!!!), and used the whole suite of the mental toughness program. I’m a different cyclist (and person) than I used to be because of this app and the people behind it.
and for a bonus, here’s me looking f*cking AMAZED that I got through it (albeit with two mini-breaks on the last climb, which is still a huge improvement from last time).
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Congrats @rinaf , and well–suffered!
Yeah, I’ve often thought of the old pinhead films as suffering metaphor. They should probably be in the national film library.
FWIW, Hellraiser could be a nasty SUFF ride…
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Well, that was just how I remember it, in one word… RELENTLESS. It didn’t help having done it before so it wasn’t like a lamb to the slaughter as I knew what was coming and how long it would take but more like, the death of a thousand cuts (slow and painful). Still kept to 100% and this one is deffo a mental challenge for me. I will be training after this for TT’s this year as I had a taste last year with a few and quite liked them so this was good practice. It’s a shame that the long warm up and down makes your Strava data seem like it was a walk in the park!
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This right in the
Tour of Suff mould
Mega hard, especially on new numbers
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Great ride! This is the one that when i first did it back in December my spouse came downstairs to check on me when she thought the heavy breathing might be me having a heart attack! My early January FF brought my FTP up and my MAP down a bit so that there were a couple of transitions from riding at FTP to about 82%of MAP that allowed me to actually drop a couple of watts. Always a bit incongruous to hear the acceleration sound and have the target drop, but i welcomed it this morning! Back to Sufferlandria for me tomorrow and stage 7 on SYSTM.
Where’s my coffee?
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Wait a minute! My ramp started at 270 W instead of 220! I love these sustained efforts so I really enjoyed this session
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HA!
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Those girls almost killed me. I was toast 20 min into the first climb. 30min+ progressive, really! I guess the breathing from the great WCC riders helped me to the finish at the second climb. Just made it at 100%. Great suffering🤘
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Finally had to tackle UCI: Road and yeah, what a meat grinder. Legs are pretty toasted.
…and it was AWESOME! I linked up via Zoom with Team DPF, who graciously opened up their ride to all-comers. Got to chase Yumi through the Swiss countryside with @DPhin, @Polly, @Rebecca_TeamDPF and friends - including Mr. Suffbuckets himself, Sir @GJStache53! #legend
5 of 5 shields…highly recommended.
all. the. shields.
(and thanks, @Rebecca_TeamDPF, for setting up the call and the invite!)
#FastandFemale
#embracethesuck
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