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14th Feb '04, 12:32am
Finally figured out "what to ask". I'll be 55 this Sunday and on that day I've got a mountain bike race, a distance of 12 miles. I'm OK and can hang once we get started but the challenge is the start. It's a sprint to the entrance of the course, approximately 200 yards. Then the first section of jumps and drops is about 1/2 mile. This is where I get dropped as I don't have the stamina for an explosive start and then enough to continue at a good pace. By the time I recover, the pack is gone and I'm riding by myself. Hard to continue without being pulled or pushed. My stamina will hold me for the rest of the race but I really need to hang with the pack and not get dropped.
Is there something I can take, drink/eat, that will give me the quick energy needed for the start. Any other hints would be most welcome also.
Thanks, The "FireGuy"
Sprint training
15th Feb '04, 12:04am
I would begin with some interval training. Set up definite time frames for your 85%-95% rides. Break and then do another set of these. Start out by doing one to three series of the fast paced rides, nearly all out. Keep an eye on the clock and as soon as you find the times slipping back then take a break for a day or son to build back up again. At fifty five your recuperative powers aren't like the 'kids' you are competing against.
What you are doing is training the fast glycolic energy systems responses and building up the power of restoration in the process.
I am not disposed to offer ergogenic aid advice so you will have to go elsewhere for that. Don't screw with your health to go faster or longer, its not worth it. And I am probably talking to the choir here.....
Continue to vary your training until you are able to 'stay with the pack as you say'. Then kick butt! Remember the old saying âNever trust anyone under fiftyâ.
Yea to us old ones!!!
How To...
15th Feb '04, 4:30pm
Thak you much for the info. Sounds reasonable. I am willing to "train" but I do realize that when you get hurt, (lack of focus or just plain tired can cause trees to jump out in front of you), it takes a l o n g time to heal and it's a viscious cycle. So, the training does have to be tempered.
As such, todays my birthday, 55, its been raining for 2 days and the woods and trails are under water so should prove to be a very wet and muddy day. looking forward to it!! (What a lie...) Well, let's go give 'em hell!! FireGuy