Getting Back in Training

[Ronin]

Hi Folks!

I really hate winter! It's hard for cyclists because the roads get nasty (not to mention dangerous) and when the temperatures drop below 35 I just cannot muster the motivation to go outside no matter how clear the roads. (Also Linda absolutely hates those cold rides so I'm usually a single rider in the winter.)

There is always indoor training on the magnetic resistance trainer (really boring) or on rollers (exciting because you can crash indoors -- I've done it a few times). So my mileage log gets pretty thin in December and January. As a result my FBG's have been drifting upwards and that means I have to do more exercise or eat a whole lot less -- given the choice I think I'll exercise more!

Well the weather is nasty and I've made a personal commitment to getting back to a regular daily ride of some kind -- today was back on the rollers for a 25 mile sweat fest (I'm glad my single bike is carbon fiber because that won't rust from all the sweat).

So, why am I telling all of you this? Because I find that when I tell somebody I usually find it easier to stick to the program. So, I'll do what I can and "Think Spring!"

FWIW: Despite the poor training in December and January my 01 February HbA1c came in at an all time low of 5.0% I guess the dieties of diabetes cut me some slack.

[RLK]

I hear ya! I've seen way too much of my trainer this winter! If you haven't tried them yet, I recommend the Spinervals DVDs for something different. I have an easier time working on the trainer (as opposed to "just riding along") when I have a coach telling me what to do. I have two rides planned so far for the spring: an organized 50km hilly ride in SE PA at the end of March, and the metric century option of the Tour de Cure in hilly eastern PA in May. Needless to say, I've been working hard on climbing-type workouts in order to get ready!!

By the way, re: the sweat: Watch out for things like handlebars and headsets! I worked with a guy at the bike shop who managed to corrode a headset in place on his bike. It required quite a bit of force (and a lot of drama!) to pry it out of the bike in order to replace it! Do you use a fan when you ride??

[bryan42]

:) I can definately relate,about crummy weather and walking.Way too dangerous! The good news is, my hands stay in great shape, from using my XBOX360!!!!!!!! :T :T

[Scratch]

Hi Folks!

I really hate winter! It's hard for cyclists because the roads get nasty (not to mention dangerous) and when the temperatures drop below 35 I just cannot muster the motivation to go outside no matter how clear the roads. (Also Linda absolutely hates those cold rides so I'm usually a single rider in the winter.)

There is always indoor training on the magnetic resistance trainer (really boring) or on rollers (exciting because you can crash indoors -- I've done it a few times). So my mileage log gets pretty thin in December and January. As a result my FBG's have been drifting upwards and that means I have to do more exercise or eat a whole lot less -- given the choice I think I'll exercise more!

Well the weather is nasty and I've made a personal commitment to getting back to a regular daily ride of some kind -- today was back on the rollers for a 25 mile sweat fest (I'm glad my single bike is carbon fiber because that won't rust from all the sweat).

So, why am I telling all of you this? Because I find that when I tell somebody I usually find it easier to stick to the program. So, I'll do what I can and "Think Spring!"

FWIW: Despite the poor training in December and January my 01 February HbA1c came in at an all time low of 5.0% I guess the dieties of diabetes cut me some slack.
Last winter was kind of easy for me. My leg was still in a cast at this time, so my only choice of workout was inside.

January definitely was tough this year. I bailed on some runs because of the weather and my motivation ebbed at times. I had thought I could break 100 miles of running in one month, but ended up scaling back to around 84 miles in January.

But we're getting to the time where the weather should slowly keep getting better. And the daylight hours get a bit longer each day.