On Sunday, 16th March, I completed the Viana Minifondo in Viana Do Castelo, Portugal. It was my first ever cycling event, and I was really nervous. They usually have three distances at a Granfondo: a mini, medium and full distance. I decided to choose the mini distance, which was 63.9km. This only included one climb at a decent gradient, so I thought it would be a good way to ease myself into cycling events. Also, I wanted to experience riding for a couple of hours at race pace before Ironman 70.3 Mallorca in May.

I exceeded my expectations and finished with a great time. It was also my longest ride, and I felt I could have done the extra 15km to get to 90km for my Ironman 70.3 distance.

You can check out my stats on Strava at this link - 

https://www.strava.com/activities/13897373323

. This is definitely not the last Granfondo I will sign up for this year, and I plan on working my way up to the full distance, which is usually 120km plus.

Viana Minifondo

Last weekend, I competed in the Braga Half Marathon in Portugal. This was my first race of the year, so I was very nervous! I decided to do the half marathon in preparation for my Ironman 70.3 in a few months, to get me warmed up and used to the distance I will have to run for that race. I exceeded my expectations, though, as I got a PB! You can check out my stats on Strava at this link - 

https://www.strava.com/activities/13832373054

. I still have so much to improve on and this race is one of many to come this year. But I was smiling all day and the photographer caught my smile! 

My next race is this weekend, the Viana Granfondo, on March 16th. I'm looking forward to it and to seeing how much my cycling has improved since I started training in October.

Where am I?

2025 Goal:

ALL BLOG POSTS

Viana Minifondo

Braga Half Marathon