I’m in the process of building fitness from a very low point. I know that base fitness is a long game, and I want to spend the upcoming fall/winter focusing on that. I don’t do any racing and probably won’t (maybe a fondo in a year’s time).
However, there are some group rides that I want to be able to participate in without getting dropped (fairly fast drop rides). So, my general goal is to maximize whatever I can before the next “season” of group rides, maybe May through August. How can I set this up in a TR plan? Some time in March or April I might be able to put in some of those rides as C events, but how to proceed up until that point?
Go to Calendar → Add event → Training Plan → My custom Training Plan → General Fitness
Fill out the details on time and estimated volume. This should periodize some training for you over the summer and into the fall/winter. When your power numbers get to a point that you feel ‘stronger’ on the bike - you may want to pick a few actual events and set up plans around them.
Not that you asked, but getting dropped from group rides (unless they really are chops/hard drop rides) happens because of poor pack dynamics and rubber banding rather than staying smooth and drafting.
Rubber banding is putting it mildly for the climbs. The problem is that it doesn’t snap back fast enough. I think better base fitness and a modest increase in w/kg will get me there, at least for the B group.
I think better base fitness and a modest increase in w/kg will get me there, at least for the B group.