The coach
Today, I met with a cycling/triathlon coach.
Let’s just say he’s got a lot of experience, is one of the top cyclists in the state and I can only hope to be half as Hard as he is.
It wasn’t a major training session. We hooked the bike up to a computrainer and me up to a heart-rate monitor.
I pedaled along for 20 minutes or so to warm up and then he put me through a 25-minute time trail.
He’d write down the watts, the HR, the cadence and perceived exertion.
That all. I didn’t even get up to max effort except for the final few seconds when it was time to ’sprint to the finish.’
He’ll put that data together, use it with a prioritized list of events I want to compete in and devise a way for me to not train more, but to train better.
Some people will just ride more hours to get stronger and improve endurance. We’re going to train smarter.
More intervals, more specific workouts and more focused efforts.
The goal is simple. Have a really solid offseason and hit the ground running — or rolling — when the races begin.
I want to upgrade to Cat 3. That’s my goal for the year. It’s not as if Cat 3 is a magical thing or will make me ‘cool.’ But it will show progress and that’s what I’m after.
We figure if I am in solid condition after the winter, I’ll be in a position to score a bunch of upgrade points early when others are just starting to get themselves into shape. The Tour del Sol in St. George is the first race I am planning for next season. It’s possible I race in some others if the moon and stars align and I find myself with open weekends, but TdS is the most likely race for me to get busy.
I also want to run two or three 70.3 triathlons, do Tour de Park City and LOTOJA. I’ve also got my eyes on the Hoodoo 500 as a two-man relay with another endurance junkie.
Should be painful, should be trying and should be fun.
As usual your energy is contagious. Hard core goals for next season.
I see they moved up the Hoodoo 500 next year so that it will not be the same weekend as LOTOJA. It will be three weeks after TdPC and (I think) two before LOTOJA. So logistically doable, although not yet fathomable for me
Happy training.
Steve
October 23, 2009 at 7:50 am
My name is Gene Nacey, and I’m writing from Global Ride Productions. I make virtual cycling training DVDs for indoor cycling. As a cycling resource, we thought you might be interested in writing a review of our product. We could send you one of our Italy DVDs, something we sell on our site for $30 plus shipping, in exchange for you writing a review. You don’t have to send the DVD back – it’s our thank you for helping spread the word about a new approach to training.
Our virtual cycling DVDs are different from any others you may have tried. We travel to a new country every year, have multiple coaching tracks on every DVD, licensed music, and bonus yoga, pilates or strength training sessions designed for cyclists at the end of every ride. They’re a great product and we just want to spread the word.
I’m also interested in exchanging links for our sites, or permitting you to be a reseller through our affiliate program as well. Please drop me a line if you are interested to do the review.
Gene Nacey, Owner
Global Ride Productions
Gene Nacey
October 26, 2009 at 1:21 am