Training Program
So, with the road and track seasons fast approaching, the question has come up as to what training program I’m following. This season, I am doing a 550-hour program, with two peaks (road season and cyclocross season) using Joe Friel’s The Cyclist’s Training Bible as my framework, with Weight Training for Cyclists to help round-out the plan. I got a bit of a late start due to the insanity of the holidays and the aftermath in January, but I think I’ll be okay.
Right now, I’m in the Prep/Stability phase. Prep comes from the Training Bible — I’m doing basic endurance work right now, with a small amount of speed skills thrown in. On the weights side, I’m going 2-3 times a week and doing 60-70% of max weight, 15-30 reps, 1-2 sets. It’s a light workout, and man, I when I’m doing the cardio I want to drop the hammer, and when I’m on the weights, I feel foolish barely pushing anything around.
It’s about patience right now, though. If you were building a house, you wouldn’t rush the foundation just so you could get to the interesting stuff, right?
Right.
So for the next few weeks I’m going to look a little goofy at the gym, pushing around light weights and never hammering hard on the cardio stuff. But I need to focus on the fact that I’ve got time until the season starts, and that I need to focus on getting the groundwork done.
Things I’ve noted thus far:
- I need to be religious about getting my body weight and resting heart rate recorded every morning, first thing.
- Stretching = important. Must do that more.
- Need to work in some time every day for visualization/deep breathing exercises. Mornings, probably.
- Easier to change your diet when you’re working out. Your body will tell you what it needs.
