THE ANSWER IS.....I AM NOT FIT ENOUGH TO DO THE FRED

THE ANSWER IS.....I AM NOT FIT ENOUGH TO DO THE FRED
2024 20.
Video 656.
I set out today with the intention to do another test ride before The Fred Whitton in 9 days. In the end I rode Whinlatter, Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter and my legs were just dead. So, no - I am not fit enough at the moment for The Fred.
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[@MarkFrostCycling]

Sorry to hear you’re not fit enough to take part in the Fred this year Duncan, you’re a complete legend in our eyes my friend 🤗🙌 The scenery in this vlog was stunning mate, beautiful views.

[@DuncMcNutt]

Thanks Mark (and Amy). It’s just how it is. Hoping to get round the route later in the year.
The scenery all up here is stunning pretty much everywhere. 🤪

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

the Fred's tough enough even at your fittest mate 🥴 don't be to disheartened. I'm 59 now so just got to accept I'll never be 9 stone & dancing up the climbs again 🤣 just a diesel engine now.

[@DuncMcNutt]

thank you. I am not willing just yet to accept that I won't be able to dance up the climbs. Just not at the moment......I will keep at it. Blumming raining today too, wanted to get out for another 90 odd km ride....we shall se if it dries up later. Fingers crossed.

[@LivandTrekGoCycling]

Some nice scenery in that video Dunc 🚴👍

[@DuncMcNutt]

Thanks @livandTrekGoCycling
We are just getting ready to head out in our bikes now for a Sunday morning ride. Now the rain seems to have stopped.
Hope you are both good.

[@heidijarvis777]

Sorry to hear you are not fit enough, sometimes the hardest thing is admit it but you are doing the right thing. Hope you get better soon with your IBS symptoms. Great scenery

[@DuncMcNutt]

Thanks Heidi. The Fred Whitton is one very tough sportive. And the real problem is, once you get over half way the shortcut back to the start is either to finish, over Hardknott or to retrace back to Keswick and down past Thirlmere. So whichever way it is still really tough.
I know what I need to do to get sorted, I will just have to do it....

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Well done for listening to your body Mr D. Pity but there’s always later in the year or next year.
I was racking my brains right up to 11 minutes in when you said the SUN is shining… It’s the Sun, completely forgot what it was due to its absence 😁 Take care mate😊👍

[@DuncMcNutt]

Thanks James. Luckily I managed to ride on Friday, so far yesterday the weather was dull and it was trying to rain all day. Today I have woken up to actual rain and drenched roads....still at least I got the cars washed yesterday, Fingers crossed for me turning things round in a month or so.

[@duncanrymer7892]

You made the hard decision not to ride in the Fred. There is no point pushing yourself to do it, if you are not fit enough, you will only set yourself back further or injure yourself. Watching your videos with what you have said over the last few of them, About not getting out enough over the last 18 months and also putting on weight is exactly how I have been. I am 56 and struggle getting over the hills in the North Yorkshire moors. I need to lose about 2 stone in weight. the last year I have hardly been out on the bike. I have only really being going back out for about 10 weeks or so. I need to get back to how I was around 2 or 3 years ago. It is going to be hard but I know it is doable.
Start your training now Duncan to do the Fred next year

[@DuncMcNutt]

I'm 56 too Duncan. Pretty much in the same boat as myself then. Hopefully I will get a good week in, just not doing the Fred on Sunday. Maybe as a volunteer, if I'm needed.

[@clippingin1593]

You've been chasing a sense of fitness all year and with all your years of experience, you know what 'form' feels like & without that sensation your confidence will be wobbly. There are no miracles in endurance cycling and it can take weeks to turn things around.
Living where you do, there's nothing to stop you riding a private trial in July or August.

[@DuncMcNutt]

Thanks Gordon. Yes, I will spend a few more months building strength, fitness, losing some more weight and getting well. Then I will hopefully get The Fred Four Seasons done towards the start of Autumn, when the schools go back. It will be quieter then. Cheers.

[@PW-CreakySaddle]

How do you know that car isnt my pride and joy mr duncan :-)

[@DuncMcNutt]

Is that where you live? Fancy house....

[@DanielEarlester]

There's no shame in not being fit for the Fred, especially after the age of 50. I just bailed out of a 10k near the end but that's because I didn't pay to enter and I was also knackered. But I did pass loads of younger runners (I'm 52) so there is hope.

[@DuncMcNutt]

Thanks. there is always hope. And I haven't given up yet.

[@PW-CreakySaddle]

I had hoped at 4:30 - you were going well and shrugging off the underlying bug and regaining some lost fitness. You have to ask yourself if cycling in your own time and pace for recovery, although frustrating, will be better for your frame of mind than having a bad day on The Fred? As you know - it is a long day even when in top shape, Cold Fell is always tough, so always next year or some other events later this year.

[@DuncMcNutt]

Yes, best to be realistic. I can always ride it in October like I did in 2019. Cheers PW. Hopefully the rain will stop!