2019’s first Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast Episode is all about finding the right training, sticking to it through challenges and optimizing your performance along the way to your next A Race. Tune in live and bring your questions!
More show notes and discussion in the TrainerRoad Forum.
Topics covered in this episode
- A guide to picking the right training plan
- Most important factors in deciding how to train for a race
- Best training plans for every type of racing
- How to shorten a training plan
- How to adjust a training plan for time off
- Why cross-training may actually make you a slower cyclist
- Pacing without power
- How to use saunas in your training
- Are ice baths actually beneficial?
- Is Bikram Yoga a good idea for cyclists?
- Signs that you need to include gym work in your training
- How to manage weight like a cyclist
Links Mentioned in this episode
- Sweet Spot Base 2: https://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/148-sweet-spot-base-mid-volume-ii
- Baxter Workout: https://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/workouts/1261-baxter
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick: https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/biohacker-summit-2016
- Smith Machine: https://www.fitnessfactory.com/home-gyms/smith-machines/
- How to Fix Knee Injuries for Cyclists: https://forum.trainerroad.com/t/how-to-fix-knee-injuries-for-cyclists/6166
- Food Scale: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Stainless-Digital-Batteries-Included/dp/ B06X9NQ8GX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1546536343&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=food+scale&psc=1
- Bonelli Park XC course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3GQLkL29ag
- Fontana XC course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABI7kDozhC4
For more cycling training knowledge, listen to the Ask a Cycling Coach — the only podcast dedicated to making you a faster cyclist. New episodes are released weekly.
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Hey guys, I am a 56 year old runner turned cyclist. I have just completed my third season on the bike. I compete in all the local San Diego non USA cycling events and have done well in my age division. I discovered your podcast 2 years ago and have been a dedicated listener ever since. A great deal of what I know about cycling is attributable to you and I am grateful. This past season I was able to equal all my previous season PRs, but not eclipse them. I am training 8-12 hrs a week with most of my midweek work being on the trainer with power based workouts based loosely on what I have gleaned listening to coach Chad. This year I want up the ante and fill my trophy case and a Trainer Road subscription is how I am going to do it. My question is this however; I came off the bike in November to train for the Carlsbad Half Marathon on Jan 20, after the race I intend to jump back on the bike and start my base work. I have been pedaling twice a week (60 min @ 200w) just to keep my cycling fitness from totally vanishing. I anticipate that my FTP will have dropped a good bit from my 285 peak, but I know it will rebound quickly after three weeks of steady work. Should I do a few weeks of rebound work before my initial FTP test? I am worried that if I don’t I will test to low and the entire first block of base training will miss the mark a bit. Thanks for any guidance. Can’t wait to get started!
There’s no need to “train before you start training” ;). A lot of people are scared of seeing that low FTP at the start of the season, but there is no need for that. Your FTP is just a number that helps to guide your training. As you put work in, that FTP will increase!
Start your training now (at the level you’re at) and as you start to feel your TP creeping up, go ahead and retest.
Best of luck with your upcoming season!