How can I improve?

[Glover Fan]

My first post on here for what feels like an eternity.

It is only May and I have not been on the bike as much as I would have liked (work commitments, awful April weather), however I am definitely fitter than this time last year. The reason?

QUALITY miles. Not quantity. Now the old adage "get some mileage in those legs" does make great sense, however last year I could have been doing 100-150 miles a week, but they were largely all on flat roads and I never really tested myself. No variation and whilst I managed my first imperial century (completing 4 in total) and a 200km audax to boot, I was never really fast at it.

I am obviously at an advantage being only 24 and 10 stone, but I really am struggling to get in more than 80 miles of cycling in on a good week. However I have been going into Wales and cranking up hills. It is making me really, really strong and today I had 3 guys following me back from Chepstow on the severn bridge and then I dropped them all up a smallish 300ft 10%er climb after already cycling 50 miles. Last year this would never happened.

As for variation, I have started 10 mile Time Trials this year which is increasing my heart capacity and making my aerobic system a lot stronger and now my knees are better I am able to run as well as cycle. I am running faster than I ever have done and it is because cycling and running are perfect training partners, utilising every muscle in your legs and building core strength.

More importantly for you, running in my own personal experience offers the quickest way of losing weight. If you can run then I would recommend introducing it into your weight loss training. It is in no way as enjoyable as cycling, and it sure as hell hurts when you first start, but the pounds will fall off and you will start climbing hills a lot quicker.

Jon.

 

[MattHB]

Whenever I get burned up, which happens a lot... I just tell myself 'look at him, all dressed up and only going 5 miles'

because for all you know he might be.

Many of us, including you! could put on a pretty good sprint over a short distance.

Keep

 

[Philtofit]

Not having a good week, just when I need to put in some good mileage. Went out Sunday a bit reluctant and did 17.5 miles due to lack of time. Went out the next day more determined and did the same route, knock 2 1/2 minutes off and felt good. I'm determine to improve, but mental attitude is a factor. I think it was just a rare combination of bad weather, riding alone and thinking of a new route to try out. Took pleasure in climbing an regular incline quicker and easier, still need to find and practice on hills.

 

[MattHB]

Not having a good week, just when I need to put in some good mileage. Went out Sunday a bit reluctant and did 17.5 miles due to lack of time. Went out the next day more determined and did the same route, knock 2 1/2 minutes off and felt good. I'm determine to improve, but mental attitude is a factor. I think it was just a rare combination of bad weather, riding alone and thinking of a new route to try out. Took pleasure in climbing an regular incline quicker and easier, still need to find and practice on hills.

I find the best thing to do when I get like that is take 2 days off, then put the computers and phone tracking away and find somewhere lovely and just have a slow ride. It reminds me of the real reason why I do it.

 

[Philtofit]

MattHB.

Thanks for the wise words. I do sometimes forget to focus on the pleasure side of cycling. I took it up to loose weight and get fit, and have become obsessive with times and distance.