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Cayden
Question:
How to Personalize my Training Program for Cycling??
Hello Everyone, nice to make my first comment/inquiry on Peak Performance!
It's October already--and now I'm seriously trying to reconsider my training program so that I can "Put myself over the edge" so to speak--and get out of the rut I'm in.
I'm sure "sizing myself" up for everyone would be helpful first, so that you can help me go forward--and make a schedule (or plan) for myself.
I'm 19 and have been bike racing for about 2 1/2 years--I'm 5'11 and weigh 150-55 Ibs. I desire to be a climbing specialist. My season (in the past) consisted of doing slow-tapering mileage until April (Winter lasts a while here in New Hampshire) Then from April on, I would progressively build my mileage up to about 50-60 miles a ride--4-5 times a week. To add flavor I would try a couple intervals on my climbs--but really to no avail because I feel my training hasn't had enough "direction" -- it isn't Goal Oriented -- I'm blessed because I'm young and do have talent -- but without direction -- just logging mileage like this, even on tough climbs won't cut it.
So--what I would really appreciate having help in--is what I need to do to make my off-season effective for this next season--and when I get to the Season "How to use my time wisely in reaching the Climbing Ability I've always wanted." Just to give you an idea of where I'm at physically, when I do a "strength" session ride, I can do a 13% Grade in a 50/21 for a few hundred meters and do an 7-8% grade in a 50/19 for a mile. In race pace, I climb at about 9-10 or even 11 mph on average climbs--but when I try to keep a high cadence at those speeds-it doesn't work. And I have very poor acceleration on climbs and tend to stick to low cadences--because I know my strength will bail me out if nothing else. Though, its ironic, because although I have strength, I don't feel like I actually have "Power" In my legs--like say a Jan Ullrich.My cardiovascular system seems very stable on climbs, though when I try to up the tempo--into the redline--it says "No".
Without ranting any further, I will give everyone a chance to read--I'll be waiting eagerly for some direction--and to answer questions that I'm sure we haven't gone into yet.
Asked by Cayden - 1 answer - 12 weeks 4 days ago
elkynben
Hey, I am a triathlete and a bike climber, not a good one, but I like more cadence (110-115 rpm) than heavy pedal strokes due to a lack of explosive force in my legs and glycogen stores saving (saved by keeping higher cadences like Armstrong).
Submitted 11 weeks 6 days ago by elkynbenI think you have strong legs and perhaps are sprinter, but differently from plain road, in climbs you need to distribute the extra load on higher cadence.
Check the Pose method of cycling in the web, there are good skill articles.
On the other hand, I think cycling fitting is very difficult so you must go according with your feelings and technique basis. For example, it is not the same a 39 chainring than a 34 one for climbs.