The clock is ticking…or is it?
Time. The most precious commodity. Where did it go? How does this fit into cycling and endurance sports. The big question is do you have the time to train on a really busy schedule? The latest client we have started working with is a seriously time crunched (nod to Carmichael) athlete.
Here’s some tips for all of you go getters!
Volume (amount of riding) vs intensity (how hard a workout is) or both?! All of the above. This time of the year (May) it’s important to get your volume in first and add intensity in as you go. Also, power based training cyclists have a tool to determine their “load” for a particular time period. This “load” is determined by what type of cyclist you are. Pro? You can handle “XX” TSS. (Because all you do is ride, eat, sleep, repeat.) For us mortals who have jobs and family? That load is significantly reduced because stressors dictate that you can’t possibly do the load of a pro and deal with a professional and family life. If you don’t have power you have to finesse your training. You have to look at signs that indicate over training. (Sleep, temperment, eating etc.)
Preparation: There was a study done by a person who lived in NYC. He was a professional and committed to exercising and wellness. However, his motivation always wained as his workouts got near. Why? Motivation to get GOING. He found out that the only thing that was keeping him from the workouts was the drive to the gym. So, he started scheduling his Uber. That was the disconnect. As soon as he got in the Uber he was fine and motivated. It was that simple. What can you do? Prepare your bike, kit, water and food the night before. Put the bike somewhere in your line of site…..so your bike is literally begging you to ride. Hard to turn down a bike that is yearning for your affection. 🤣
Time: This goes back to point one. 30 minutes is better than NO minutes. It’s a mindset. I’ve heard cyclists say, “It’s just not worth it, to get ready for a ride, that’s less than 1 hour. I’ve found that 100% of the cyclists that we coach find that to be rubbish. Nothing like a 30 minute hard effort to rejuvinate you for your day. Or, no kit, beach cruiser ride. It doesn’t matter. The exercise is what makes the endorphins flow and makes you a happier person. Out of the three, this is probably the most important. Even a walk is better than passing on your wellness. Movement= Magic.
Keep the Magic going in your life. Your family, friends and yes, even you will be happy that you did. Don’t let the clock beat you!
Tailwinds,
Chad