Tough Smudge Movember 800

800 miles in November

Movember has become a bit of a tradition for me.

In previous years, the challenge was largely about seeing how many miles I could put into the bike during November. This year is slightly different.

The Tough Smudge journey has changed what training looks like.

Cycling is still a big part of it, but it now sits alongside running, trail work, strength training, stretching, mobility and obstacle race preparation. So simply chasing the biggest possible number on the bike would probably miss the point.

I briefly considered setting the target at 1,200 miles for the month. That would mean averaging 40 miles every single day and, at my usual cycling pace, close to two hours on the bike daily.

It would certainly be a challenge.

It would also probably be a slightly daft one.

So the target is 800 miles during November 2026.

That still works out at an average of just under 27 miles every day across the month, and there are a couple of complications built in from the start. On 6 November I’ll be travelling down to Essex, and on 7 November I’m taking on Nuclear Essex Fallout, so there will already be two days where cycling mileage is likely to be limited.

That means the miles will need to be managed rather than simply divided neatly across 30 days.

Some days will be longer rides. Some will be recovery spins. There may be days where running, strength work or simply recovery has to take priority.

And that is really the point of this challenge.

This isn’t about riding 800 miles at the expense of everything else. It is about fitting 800 miles into a much bigger training programme and proving that I can manage volume, consistency and recovery at the same time.

The target is deliberately tough, but achievable.

It is also another opportunity to use Movember as a reason to keep moving, keep pushing and keep building towards the much bigger challenges ahead.

The Challenge

Ride 800 miles on the Peloton Bike+ during November 2026.

While doing it:

• Keep running as part of the wider training programme.
• Continue strength and mobility work.
• Complete Nuclear Essex Fallout on 7 November.
• Manage recovery rather than chase mileage at any cost.
• Finish the month stronger, not simply more tired.

This one isn’t an organised event.

There’s no medal waiting at the finish.

No official timing mat.

No race village.

Just a target, a bike and 30 days to get it done.

800 miles. November. Make it count.