Training discussion Archives - Page 20 of 26

Spring Training Myths (Podcast #9)

Spring has sprung in the northeast, and that means forums are humming with training discussions and group rides are filled with chatter of “how have you been training?” There's a lot of talk about sweet spots, hill repeats and base miles. If you dissect those conversations, how many of them contain legitimate information and how many are just stuffed with buzz words and poor implementation of (misunderstood) concepts?

In today's podcast, we'll discuss a few training concepts that I've seen talked about recently, what people are saying (incorrectly) about implementing them, and how you can avoid those pitfalls.

We'll cover:

I also hope everyone notices that the Tailwind Coaching podcast is now on STITCHER and PODBEAN. Check it out there for mobile options and more download options.

Questions or comments? Post below and start the discussion.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:22 — 24.0MB)

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Tags: Coaching, podcast, training|

Taking Your Training Plan Outside! (Podcast #8)

I've heard a lot of discussion and received a number of emails lately, all with basically the same question: the weather is nice and I want to get outside again, but I'm following this training plan. How do I convert these intervals to my outdoor rides?

It's really not as hard as you would think, but there are a few concepts that you need to keep in mind when you're converting those neatly designed intervals into outdoor rides. In today's podcast we'll discuss:

How training plans are written/developed for indoor use
What you've been working on for the past two training cycles (hint: FUNDAMENTALS!)
How to use/apply those fundamentals outside
Breaking up your intervals, but still getting the right amount of work done
Using terrain, wind and groups to help you accomplish your interval goals
Learning when to apply those fundamental principles out on the road in order to see the most benefit
Understanding that it's perfectly ok to crack or fail once in a while

Enjoy, and as always, feel free to post any questions, comments or tips of your own in the comments.

BONUS: Included in today's podcast is a coupon code for 20% off my pre-built training plans and HIT workouts. Don't give up your fitness for Lent (give up the Doritos instead!) Take advantage of this offer and get stronger and faster in March!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:58 — 14.6MB)

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Tags: Coaching, podcast, training|

Strava, Challenges and Training (Podcast #7)

Unless you've been living under a rock recently, you've heard of Strava. But just in case you HAVE been one of those sub-rock-dwellers, let's review:

Strava ia a social media based site in which cyclists can upload their GPS recorded rides. Not only are they able to see their rides along with other “friends” (much like Facebook in this regard) but they are also able to compete for King Of the Mountain (KOM) segments on various stretches of road. Usually hill climbs, but there are certain downhills and sprints that are contested as well.

In any case, Strava has been hard at work trying to increase the interactivity and utility of their site. They've added tools to allow you to analyze power meter numbers (premium subscription, of course) and they've ramped up the number of challenges they're offering lately.

Now, I understand that a “challenge” shouldn't be something easy. But in many cases, I've seen athletes want to take on these challenges and end up wrecking their training plans because of it. So without further ado, let's talk about Strava, challenges and training…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.9KB)

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Tags: Coaching, Motivation, podcast|

Be More Efficient

It's cold, there's a bitter wind blowing and last night's snow has left the roads both damp and layered with salt. Patches of ice lurk on the sides of the road, waiting to claim the unwary bi-wheeled traveler.

Most people refer to this as “winter” but I (and the rest of the cycling community) tend to refer to it as the “off season” or “indoor training season.” While there are times when we're able to get outside in the fresh, chilled air most of our training this time of year is spent on the trainer or rollers. As boring as that may be, there are benefits to indoor work: ability to precisely control interval duration, intensity and frequency, ability to control the environment around us, and perhaps one of the most important things, ability to increase our efficiency. Because the bottom line is: the more efficient you are, the faster and stronger you are for longer.

How do you get more efficient? You follow the tips below:

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Tags: Coaching, training|

Coaching Tool: Ubersense

Ubersense is a tool which I have recently become acquainted with that has to potential to change the way coaching and fitting consults are performed. To put it simply, Ubersense is a magnificent app which utilizes your iPhone's (or Android's) video capture function to record a sports activity. Yourself (or your coach) can then view the video, analyze it in slow motion, mark up the video with angular measurements, record commentary over it, etc etc. This makes it extremely easy to perform consultations from a distance or work out mechanical issues in fitting environments or coaching environments.

Not only an app, Ubersense has a web presence and social media presence; users can share their video files with coaches and their friends, making it simple to see what others are doing and how training or activities may increase their skills. You can visit Ubersense on the web and download the app. We'll take a look at the functionality of Ubersense below, and you can follow along on the app.

More after the jump:

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Tags: Coaching, reviews, training|