I used to cycle lots outside and trained with TR in the past.
In the last 2 years however, I hardly cycled at all due to a new hobby (Golf ;-)) and a baby.
Now in the upcoming winter months I’d like to train again on the trainer indoors and I’m not sure how to get back into it, when to choose a plan and what plan to choose.
After winter it’s unlikely that I’ll cycle lots outside again, so maximizing FTP is hardly a goal for me.
I’d say my goals are more in line with the Peloton-crowd…I just want to get fitter overall again.
So should I just do Zone 2 riding? That’ll get boring after a while.
I’ll most likely have time very early in the morning or at around 8pm at night when the little one has gone to bed, so any advice regarding nutrition would also be great (eat dinner with family before training? Then what should I consume after training) etc.
The most important thing is to find something that you find fun and motivates you. If you don’t have any goals other than getting into shape, no need to overthink it.
I normally start the winter season with a lot of Zwift racing cause that is what I find fun. When I get to December’ish I throw in some Netflix Z2 marathons. From January I go more training for racing outside.
One thing to do is go through TRs plan builder answering the questions and see what it comes up with. It creates a plan base on your inputs. And you can update it at any time changing goals, schedule, taking a break, or anything else.
Alternatively, you might enjoy (as I do) something like Rouvy, with its “augmented reality” group rides and races through actual scenery rather than cartoon worlds like Zwift.
Like @Saddlesaur mentioned, you can let TR create a custom plan based on what you’d like to achieve (e.g., raise FTP). TR plans have been revamped recently!
And, even better, you can integrate it with Zwift, to keep things fun like @BikerJens does!
As far as eating before training, I would only consider it when riding Z2, haha. Probably best to eat after intervals, whether that’s breakfast or dinner.
Thanks guys! I did my first workout at 9pm yesterday, which I’m really proud of since unusually don’t want to do anything but chill at the end of a long day.
I did a zone 2 workout while watching a show. Will do that for two or three weeks and then start with the general fitness plan. I’m excited!
Congrats on becoming a dad!!