Question for the Fitness boffins?

[Russell]

The trouble is that its really a personal thing which is why I think a week off is OK but MJN doesn't. For me "never take a week off" is just begging for injury/overtraining or some other sort of motivational problem but it works for him, the fact that MJN thinks one day off the bike every two weeks is normal speaks volumes though (insert 'no-offence-meant-humour-smiley)

For me and maybe Daj, a more relaxed approach to 'training' would probably work better. You're a fit guy who rides more than me so you'll find a different regime works for you.

I ride every other day when I'm 'training' for an event and find it works well. I tend to not ride for three or four days before the event, but this is probably more to avoid a stupid injury than for any rational fitness reason.

 

[heathy]

Cheers Russ, it's as i first thought, i need to speak to a pro or maybe Matt hart at torq fitness, i'm finding a new lease of fitness at the moment on normal 30ish mile rides, but things like bristol bike fest will kill me again,
its hard training for things like that as its 40mins hard in heat the 40 mins off and so on and so on for 12 hours. Also it's impossible to eat anything solid as i would just sick it back up again
So, i'm thinking the only real way i can train would be to ride every day and have 1 off.
Oh and before anyone says " go down the gym, i really can't justify the money, let alone they bore me to tears :roll:

I do have a turbo trainer all set up in my shed that i haven't used since i got it 2 years ago Maybe i should use that :?

 

[MJN]

Just to add my slant on this Take days off if you feel really unmotivated or can't be bothered by all means but ALWAYS have a steady spin out with a few hard sprints the day before an event,it unwinds the legs and the efforts remind the body of the punishment to come :shock:
As Russell says,its all very personal but that piece of advice has been given to me by several pros and it does make sense.
At the end of the day we all do this for fun(even though sometimes I loose sight of that ) so as long as you enjoy it,keep setting realistic targets and try to meet them
Riding every day is no problem as long as you don't go mad every session,a hard session should ideally be followed by a steady one.The trick is to wear your body down ssteadily for 4 weeks then let it recover for 1 week,in which time it should overcompensate making you stronger/faster.The use of a power meter is useful to stop overtraining.

 

[heathy]

The trick is to wear your body down ssteadily for 4 weeks then let it recover for 1 week,in which time it should overcompensate making you stronger/faster.The use of a power meter is useful to stop overtraining.

What exactly do you mean by that :?: Did it mean ride hard for 4 weeks and then have a week of gentle rides, or a week off :?:

 

[Birdman]

Heathy, have a look at this link to Tapering - basically what MJNs on about

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/training-easy-does-it-19160

Interesing bit at the bottom of the page about having a few short hard rides in the days before an event, then carbo load afterwards. I may have a go at that for the Bikefest as i normally just kick back a bit in the week before a big event (and drink beer)

 

[heathy]

Very interesting stuff there, gets very serious doesn't it :shock:
I might just ride more and not worry too much.

 

[perry]

when did cycling turn into training ?

can i still go out for a ride and not worry about increasing my fitness ?

if you want to ride ride , if you dont then dont , simple

my top tip . ride quite a bit but not too much , pass slow people , chase the fast for they will eventually run out of riding ability or just beat them at the mental game

 

[Russell]

I might just ride more and not worry too much.

And that my friend, is the most sensible comment on this thread

 

[cchris2lou]

my former trainer used to tell us to ride the day before a race , just to get the legs turning . and the day after to wind down .