With all the individualism that can be cycling, such as training alone, road cycling is much more a team sport. We are all individuals and react differently to training but when we compete we compete together. Each member of the team relying on each others strengths for the good of the team. The following are some examples, from Team High Road, that exemplify the meaning of team.
Cycling is the only sport with a multitude of elements: the environment, the individual, the team, the sprint, the climbs, the distance, the machine, the incomparable suffering, the rain, the sun, the snow. All these make it unique, great and something with which every person can identify on some level. - Michael Barry
Cycling for me is a very unique and addictive sport. It is very individual yet you have to rely so much on you teammates, I don’t think you could say the same about any other sport. - Craig Lewis
I really like the complexity of the sport. No two races are the same and invariably no two races have the same riders in the team so there are so many issues to be sorted out under very stressful conditions. It isn’t simply the strongest that wins, the best tactician can overcome the strongest of opponents which makes for very interesting races. The team that can remain the calmest under such pressure can have a huge advantage. - Roger Hammond
Cycling creates the opportunity for self-sacrifice and reliance on others – racing puts one in a position where they are entirely vulnerable and yet supported by people who they trust implicitly - Mara Abbott
Cycling is more a lifestyle than a sport. People very easily become hooked and follow racing religiously. It is probably one of the few sports where a race will be held in all weather conditions and even on the most miserable days there are still fans standing at the side of the road, watching the race. - Oenone Wood
Success in a team sport requires all the players to be on the same field working toward the same goal. These riders from Team High Road have what it takes to be successful. They each rely on each other. So go out, get on a team or form your own, that works together for the good of each teammate.
Posted by admin as general at 3:00 AM MST
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The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up and you’re starting to plan your ride and race calender for the year. This is where your winter training program will pay off. Hopefully this winter you’ve gotten in at least 500 miles of riding either on the indoor trainer or outside, cross training time off the bike, and weight training emphasizing core development. For people getting back into the workout routine it’s always best to have physical.
Once you’ve put in the 500 miles of base, crucial to prevent injuries, you can start to increase your mileage weekly by 10%. This is a good rule of thumb to go by to prevent injuries. It’s important to ride 5-6 days a week with one or two days off depending on your level of fitness.
Schedules for people with busy work weeks
Here is an example off how you might want to set up a 5 day riding program:
- one long day
- one short day
- three intermediate days
- two days off
Plan a short day on Monday, intermediate ride on Tuesday, off on Wednesday, intermediate ride on Thursday, an off day on Friday, intermediate day for Saturday and a long day for Sunday.
An example of a 6 day riding program would look like this:
- one long day
- one short day
- 3 to 4 intermediate days
- one or two off days
Plan a short day on Monday, and intermediate day on Tuesday, an off day on Wednesday, an intermediate day on Thursday, an off day on Friday( or intermediate day depending on your fitness level), an intermediate day on Saturday, and a long day on Sunday.
The short day is ridden at 25% the length of the long day to promote recovery at 50-60% of maximum heart rate.
The long ride starts at 75% of your goal ride and can build to as much as 125% of your goal ride. This is where the 10% weekly increase in mileage comes into play. To build up to 75% of your goal take your longest ride during the 500 mile base period and add 10% weekly. This should give you tell you how far out you need to plan.
The intermediate ride is at a distance that is between your short and long ride. These are ridden at your goal pace. One of the intermediate rides can be ridden at 2-3 mph faster than goal pace.
Some important details to consider:
- be flexible and adjust the plan to your lifestyle
- recovery is so important
- eat a balanced diet of 50% carbohydrates, 25% protein, 25% fat
Spring is just around the corner. A well thought out plan is your best course of action to reach your goals.
Marc
Posted by admin as Training at 3:35 AM MST
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I’m waiting oh so patiently to upgrade my non- texting, non-picture taking phone for a phone that will REALLY do it all.There are some phones out there that do monitor heart rate. When that phone that comes out that can be used to pick up power I’ll budget my life to the tee to get my hands on one. Click here and here to read what I’m talking about.
Come on Google Android you’re my hope for making my dreams of owning a performance monitor/phone/camera/internet/do-it-all device.
Marc
Posted by admin as News, power at 12:40 PM MST
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Tired of overcrowded and under-equipped facilities. You know those long lines that can happen at the gym to use the weight equipment? This study shows that you don’t need equipment to get in a good resistance workout. You just need a training partner
The 14 week study shows that in 84 healthy college students were given 6 exercises and performed 8 to 12-rep sets 2 to 4 times. After 14 weeks of training with weights or manual resistance both groups showed no significant difference. Both groups did increase their overall strength over baseline.
Manual resistance is an alternative to the more conventional forms of resistance training programs. The muscular system doesn’t know the difference between manual and weight assisted exercise. Manual resistance is a style of strength training that can be incorporated into your regular workouts or in a situation where no equipment and/or facilities are available.
All you need is two people.
Marc
Posted by admin as weight training at 3:30 AM MST
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