The other day I was out road bike riding on
one of my favorite routes. This route is a one hour training loop that I ride
regularly because I can do it right out of my garage and it offers some variety
in terrain. I also like it because it is a loop and not an out and back ride.
I've ridden this loop dozens of times over the last several years and at a
point about mid-way through the ride I found myself wishing that it was over
and checking my watch to see how long I had left ( for I know, right down to the
second, how long it takes me to complete this particular ride). My mind
wandered allot and as per usual on this section of road, I simply fell into a
medium cadence that was really not even causing me to breath heavy. At about 45
minutes into the ride I "woke up". I realized that I was really just
going through the motions of bike riding, and not only was I not getting much
training benefit out of it, I was not really enjoying myself that much.
How often has this happened to you? Or maybe
you haven't realized it yet and you are at this very moment starting to analyze
your last ride. Don't be to alarmed if you find yourself in the road bike
training blues. Let's face it, we have to put in allot of hours on the blacktop
often times alone to be able to perform at higher and higher levels, and this
results in some lack-luster training routines. This is why it is so important
to work on new an interesting training regimens throughout the year. Keeping
things fresh helps to keep your motivation up and allows us to take our
training to the next level. However if you are like me (not so creative) this
can be tough. This is where a good training program can really make a
difference. In analyzing many different cycle training programs we have come up
with some components that we feel must be in place for it to be 1. Happy New Year Quotes 2020
Designed by Professional Cyclists and Physical
Trainers:
You wouldn't buy a used car from a guy in a
dark alley (I hope), and you shouldn't use a cycle training program put
together by people who don't know the sport. So it goes without saying that
avid cyclists, or better yet professional cyclists should have designed, used,
and even created the components of the program. Coaches should have used it or
even endorsed it. Notice in the paragraph title I used the phrase "and
physical trainers". This is because I believe that when it comes to
pushing the human body and making it better there are only a few that know how
to do this safely and someone with a degree in physical training, kenisiology,
and bio-mechanics should be involved. So look for these people when you are
shopping for a good training program.
Can you chart your progress:
Any good training program will in some way or
fashion help you track your progression through the program and measure your
improvement. This does not need to be super high tech. As a matter of fact
simple is sometimes better. There are a few of us who need to be able to figure
watt output and fuel usage, but not many. Most of us simply want to know if we
are getting faster, stronger, and can ride further.
Does the program offer new elements as you
progress:
A newb cyclist won't be able to do the things
that a veteran of several years can. They also have very different training
needs. So we recommend a program that allows you to grow with it. No matter
where you start out, you should be able to alter the training to meet your
expanding physical condition and riding skills. Good programs meet the needs of
a few cyclists. Great programs can be used by all cyclist.
Is the program tested:
Who has used it and what are they saying about
it. Professional endorsement is good, but you really want to hear from cyclist
like yourself. What are they getting out of it? Do they feel challenged and are
they having fun with it? Better yet, are coaches using it train their athletes.
Is the program safe:
Programs put together by armatures are
sometimes not very safe. They can look good on paper but don't allow for
recovery days or are too focused on one type of training and don't offer the
rounded exercise needed to be healthy as you grow. Again, endorsement can be
the ticket here, but look for a physical trainer or physical therapist name
attached to the program. Usually these folks consider the safety factor and
will insist on it being an important part of the program.
Is the program fun:
Remember how I started this article talking
about the lack of fun in my personal training regimen? Don't forget that road
cycling should be fun. Training should be fun too. A good training program will
have built in elements that help to keep the enjoyment there while you go
through it. Some critical elements are that the program changes regularly and
that there is some room for creativity in how you accomplish the segments of
the training program. Also, there should be some flexibility to allow you to
choose different sessions on the same day to give you a choice once in a while
on what you will be doing. Variation in terrain, speed, distance, and goals are
all going to help you become a better rider, but also keep it interesting as
you go on into the year.
We recognize that no one road cycling training
program or system has it all, but if you look for the ones that have these
components in them you are sure to be more successful, have more fun, and be
safer as you progress. We encourage you to contact program writers and ask them
to fill the blanks in their information about a training program before you
decide to buy or join one. Thanks for reading, and ride for life.
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