There
are various things relating to training that may not be covered
specifically within other sections. These are things learnt
from experience and certainly approaches that over the years
have worked.
For a start I am a strong believer in training being progressive.
I start with my first race date and work backwards from there
ensuring that I build general fitness, a strong aerobic base,
strength and speed, in that order.
I prefer to train for three weeks and then have a rest/recovery
week adding to the intensity of training in the next three-week
section. This approach works well as you are just about working
in calendar months and each month from January has a specific
purpose or purposes.
As well as working in 3-week segments I also prefer to split
my weeks training into 3 days, rest/recovery day, 2 days, and
rest/recovery day. When I refer to a rest/recovery day this
is perhaps a short recovery ride or a short run. However if
I am really tired, I just rest.
An age thing, but I take a protein recovery drink after most
training sessions over 90 minutes on the bike and 40 minutes
running. I take a carbohydrate drink during training rides and
gym sessions and rides over 150 minutes also see at least one
banana stuffed in my pocket.
I'm a strong believer in the use of a heart rate monitor having
used one now for about 8 years. My current heart rate monitor
is a POLAR Accurex with download facility. For a wide selection
of the best heart rate monitors from POLAR,
click the name.
This year I intend to ride to work as often as possible, these
will be recovery rides on the way to work, though rides home
will invariably be training rides unless on a rest/recovery
day/week when the ride home will also be a recovery ride.
I train on a fixed wheel bike during December, January and February
believing this helps my pedalling stroke, helps build strength
and souplesse into my legs.
My geared training bike is a Dawes Galaxy and if I am riding
by myself there will usually be a pair of panniers with sand
in them giving a bike of circa 40lbs in weight, no lightweight.
If I go out with "the boys" I have to resort to a geared bike
weighing about 24lbs or I take the fixed wheel and they have
to wait for me.
