cycling
There are 36 entries for the tag
cycling
Should I use this cold recovery method for a multi-event day? In other words, if I have two competitions a few hours apart (like time trials) should I use ice therapy in between for recovery? Or, should I just stretch and stay loose? Read Peg's response ...
By using the typical scale for the 'average' person, it won't give me my proper maximum BPM. Is there another formula or do you recommend I have another stress test? I am currently 121 pounds but not quite as solid as I was in 1990. Read Peg's response...
My question is how long between donating & doing a race to be at full aerobic capacity? Is it safe to assume that when low on red blood cells I wouldn't be able to compete at peak levels? Read Marilyn's response ...
I am 57-year-old male road/mtn rider. I treat Hypoglycemia by eating small meals throughout the day as much as possible. On Saturday rides (65-90 miles) and on centuries I have not found a way to eat enough to stay strong. The heat zaps me terribly. Read Coach Peg's response...
"My question is outside of diet, what is the smartest way to make up the caloric deficit I lost when I started sport-specific training? Did I under estimate my fitness level prior to starting my program?" Read Coach Peg's response...
To continue the dialogue around "Age Old question of Strength Training"
Which of the following alternate exercise programs would be most valuable for the 50+ cyclist? Yoga, Pilates, Body Sculpture, Aerobics, Running, Swimming, Spinning? Read Marilyn's response...
The winter months often bring cold, windy, rainy weather – the kind of weather most cyclists don’t like to ride in. Unless you have a riding partner to help get you out the door for your next training ride, it’s likely you won’t go out and brave it on your own. So what’s a cyclist to do to stay in shape? Read Coach Shelley's tip...
"How do you know what your max heart rate really is?
I don't mean the 220 minus your age because that is not accurate. I go above that often and I'm the slow rider trying to get faster. I realize health plays a major role and one's exercise. How do I know if I have reached my full potential and max heart rate?" Read Marilyn's response..
"With all the emphasis on Lance's mortality in this Tour, I am past finding out that my 57-year-old legs/body does not recover quite like it used to. So... can you help me out?" Read Bill's full question and Peg's response...
I have been road riding for about 4 years now and am wanting to start doing time trials. ... What type of training recommendations or changes to my current training would you recommend? And do you recommend the user of training aids like DVD's or music? Read Marilyn's response ...
Soigneur Bill Haelson has not only added his abilities to UnitedHealthcare Presented by Maxxis, but a long list of certifications to go with them. With this issue, we kick off a new feature on exercises for cyclists that help build a stronger core and protect your back during long days in the saddle. Read Bill's Tips ...
We dream of the day when we can simply throw on jersey and shorts to feel the warmth of summer. Well then, why in the world do we balk at doing any kind of workout during these dog days of summer? For sure, this question is too deep to be contemplated by myself. I’m satisfied with the answer that we’re strange…so now what do we do? Read more...
... I bench 300 pounds and regularly leg press 1,000. Besides working these exercises on developing my calves, quads, and gluteus, I don't know what other exercises I can do at home to develop leg endurance. Read Peg's response...
The workout plan you gave me as I recovered from my broken collarbone was great. During my first group ride, I was able to immediately keep up with the group and actually feel like I came back a little stronger. Your advice around training has been so beneficial I decided to write again for some advice about weight loss. During my recovery time from the collarbone break, I put on a few extra pounds that I would like to get rid of. Read more...
V-CLUB TRAINING CORNER
We’ve teamed up with Marilyn Trout, certified USA Cycling Elite Coach to answer V-Club members’ training questions. You can view her coach profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mountainpedalscoaching80903
Send your cycling inquiries to Marilyn, and for a limited time, if yours is selected to be answered in our V-Club column, VeloWear will send you a $20 gift certificate that can be used towards... Read Marilyn's Training Tip: Fuel for Thought...
I have a question regarding my neck. During a ride, I try to be cognizant of stretching my neck by moving my head from side to sideand shrugging my shoulders but I tend to forget as I'm spinning along. After my long ride from the weekend, my neck tends to stiffen up during the week and there is even a little clicking at times. Read more...
I was recently injured on a ride while training for the MS150. I fell off my bike trying to avoid a pothole and fractured my collarbone. ... Any suggestions, training tips and/or DVD's would be appreciated so that I can maintain/stay in shape. Right now I can only use one arm. Read Marilyn's response ...
Something to "put ourselves in a better frame of mind" to bridge the gap, push hard over the crest, hang on a wheel and so many other painful situations that may crack us. I use "may" and not "will" because there is a choice involved which is both personal and intentional. Read the rest of Marilyn's great tip ...
During a conversation a while back with a World medalist and former racing mate of mine, I asked her a loaded question. “If you could do it all over again, what would you have done differently?” Without hesitation, the answer came… “intervals.” Read more...
Remember the secret of “secret training”? It’s your “training fingerprint” that is uniquely you. It’s representing all dimensions and depth of the athlete’s life. It’s seeing the relationship of aspects of an athlete to each other and to the whole. It’s having perspective. Read the rest of Marilyn's tip...
Before jumping in, I would like to mention a few things, firstly, the need for a coach. There is one basic question to ask, will a coach make a difference in my performance? Read the rest of Marilyn's tip ...
"Hot or Cold? Heat or Ice? Near the latter stages of a long ride I often hear riders say I'm going to the hot tub tonight because I need it after today's exertion. I also see it at the gym when after vigorous workouts or classes people hit the hot tub, steam, or sauna right away. Yet I see professional athletics wrapped in ice bags after their games. So which is the best way to go after a century ride or an extreme workout?" Read Marilyn's Response ...
"I've done a lot of riding, but I'm kind of old-school, and now everyone is talking watts. Can you please quantify what three watts means? Isn't this relative to distance? What about the length of the climb? How does this factor in?" Read Marilyn's Response
Matt Crane attacked late out of a nearly race-long break & almost held on to take the victory in the final stage of the Joe Martin Stage Race. Fortunately, it was his teammate Karl Menzies who just nipped him at the line. Crane joined a two-rider move on the 3rd lap of the 90-min race, which increased to four a few laps later when Caleb Fairly (Felt-Holoweski) bridged up. The four riders, including Aaron Kemps (Fly V) & Ken Hanson (Team Type 1), worked well together... Read More...
"In the last couple of months I've had two injuries that I believe resulted because of "tight" muscles/ligaments/tendons. If you can specify some details on Calf-strain (my left calf) and Iliotibial Band Syndrome (my right thigh), that would be great!" Read Marilyn's response ...
Attacking, bridging gaps, counterattacking, how hard to go and when, who to chase, who to let go... split second decisions and a lot of information has to be filtered in the art of reading a race. Once the reading is done, there are choices to be made. One choice involves risk but both involve pain and only one choice gives an opportunity to cross the line first. Read More ...
"Lately I have become somewhat addicted to Spinning Classes. Attending three to four times a week with various instructors for variety. There are the usual hill climbs, in and out of the saddle, jumps up and down from the saddle (one instructor favors 100 jumps), sprints on the flats (low resistance) I know as a roadie there is no substitute for the road but what are the advantages and disadvantages of Spin Classes as training for the road? ..." Read More ...
It is truly a fantastic sight to see Erik Zabel, Baden Cooke or Robbie McEwen charge for the finish line. They are "fast" personified.
Some of us dream about sprinting like some of the greats in a final mass sprint, while others work hard to break up the field to avoid the finish line frenzy. Whatever the case, if you're a bike racer, it's inevitable...you are going to have to sprint!
Here are a few things to help you optimize your sprint workout: Read More ...
I have a custom Seven bicycle that is about 6 years old. Generally speaking, I love the bike and I think it fits me well. However, I am not comfortable in the hoods or drops. It seems that I have a more difficult time getting enough air, especially when I'm in the drops, which makes my efforts seem more difficult than they need to be. I have a feeling I will need different bars, as my coach and I have spoken about this possibility although I am ever so comfortable... Read More...
(by Shelley Marenka, USA Cycling Coach and Fitness Expert)
Here are some tips to help your next century ride go smoother. Happy pedaling! Ride On, Ride strong, Ride Safe!
(1) One to Two Weeks Before - Drop your bike off at your local bike shop for them to give it a quick run thru… Don’t wait till the last minute… they get really busy; especially if the ride is in your town.
(2) 12 Hours Before - Lay out all your gear—Sunscreen, shorts, jersey, gloves, socks, shoes, helmet.. Read More...
"I’m looking forward to another season of racing. Any suggestions of how to deal with race jitters before I get to the start line?" Read Marilyn's response ...
Whether you consider yourself a climber or a non-climber, there is one thing for sure…with every climb there is pain. I tell my athletes, “change what you can change and the things you can’t change, leave alone.” Although you can’t change the course profile or your anatomical disposition, you can improve your climbing through mental, technical, and tactical preparation. (I’m assuming that you are including climbing work in your training program.) Read more ...
Sprints, or speedwork, and intervals are two very different animals. Speedwork has maximal efforts, maximal recovery time and every advantage is used to go fast, aided with the wind or slight downhill. Intervals can be with the wind, against the wind, uphill...on a course that mimics an upcoming race or event. They too have a specific time, in this case submaximal work but, unlike speedwork, the rest is a specific time regardless of how well the athlete has recovered. Read More ...
Don’t believe it. Just because the media has medal tallies up to the ying yang, it isn’t what motivates the athletes to reach beyond their grasp sending them to utter exhaustion. Remember the German speedskater who fell down in the final metres with arms and legs sprawled across the finish line or Canadian figure skater, Joannie Rochette, who persevered through unimaginable grief to nail her program. Don’t be fooled, it’s not for the glory of the media or... Read More...
Marilyn, I’m looking forward to another season of racing. Any suggestions of how to deal with race jitters before I get to the start line? Read Marilyn's Response ...
Marilyn, Are you suggesting for masters athletes that the period after the 12 week aerobic base that more intensity be added in or that the intensity be sprinkled into the 12 week build up or during all of the off season? I'm having trouble understanding when you are saying aerobic base is less important - i.e. only for those with less than 5 years of training? Read Marilyn's Response ...