---
aliases: ["Research gran fondo training plans"]
Is A: Task
Belongs to: "[[24q2]]"
Status: Done
Owner: "[[person-luca-rossi]]"
---
# Research gran fondo training plans

With the cycling cross-training habit established in Q1 and the [[measure-resting-hr]] targets motivating more structured fitness, [[person-luca-rossi]] considered signing up for a gran fondo (long-distance cycling event) as a fitness goal for late 2024. This task involved researching available events in Italy, evaluating different training plan structures, and deciding whether to commit.

The research covered 12-week and 16-week training plans from various coaching methodologies, equipment requirements (the current road bike is adequate for events up to 120km), and the time commitment involved. The key constraint was that training could not significantly interfere with newsletter production or the business workload.

## Acceptance criteria

- [x] Identify 3-5 gran fondo events in Italy between September and November 2024
- [x] Compare at least 3 training plan methodologies (time-based, power-based, heart rate-based)
- [x] Assess weekly time commitment for each plan and flag conflicts with work schedule
- [x] Make go/no-go decision and document reasoning
- [x] If go, select the event and training plan

## Notes

- Decision: deferred to 2025. The time commitment for a proper gran fondo training plan (8-12 hours/week at peak) was incompatible with the Q3/Q4 business priorities. Opted to continue casual cycling as cross-training instead.
- The research was not wasted -- the heart rate-based training approach informed the running plan that led to hitting the Q4 2024 resting HR target.
- [[person-sara-ricci]] recommended a specific coach who specializes in time-constrained athletes. Filed for future reference.
