Dempo
Reged: 31/08/2008
Posts: 1
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Hi
I'm relatively new to recreational cycling and cover around 48 miles per week on my commute to work in the Lakes. I have now moved jobs and can no longer commute. I now want to continue cycling in my freetime and step up a gear and complete the Fred Whitton Challenge next year. Does anyone have any advice on where I could get hold of some training programmes? I am currently investing in a heart monitor and a bike computer with cadence function. I have read various articles outlining the need to work in intervals using a percentage of MHR. However, I've not been able to find clear and easy to follow programmes. I would also welcome any advice on where I could get a measurement of my MHR?
Regards
Chris
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half_lap
Reged: 27/08/2008
Posts: 15
Loc: On the Blue Line
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I'd recommend a general coaching manual (or hire a coach.)
'The cyclist training manual' by Simon Doughty is a good general view and offers a range of basic programmes for a variety of goals.
You'll need to remember general programmes covered are just that and you will need to adapt them to your specific circumstances. But they do offer a good idea of what you need to be doing.
You need to be very honest with yourself here, look at the time you have to ride / train and what your other lifestyle / family / work commitments are. It's no good setting a long term goal if you're unable to do the training to reach that goal, all that will happen is that you will become disillusioned.
Be realistic about what you can do. It's good to have a long term goal that will stretch you as you will get a great feeling of achievement when you hit it. I also recommend that you set a series of short term goals, maybe monthly or bi weekly goals that are easily achievable, but that move you on the road to your overall aim. Perhaps a milestone goal on the way (a big monthly goal, but not as big as the overall one) say a shorter sportive to see how you are going and to get used to riding a big one.
Get family and friends involved as well, let them know your goals, it will add a little pressure to perform, but it can help you as they will encourage you along the way.
From a coaching perspective I'd question the need for a HRM and a cadence function. I have known many riders who spend an hour riding their bikes and four hours looking at the output from various gizmos. I'm not saying that they don't have their place, but I'm skeptical that a sportive is the place.
Personally knowing most of the Whitton route I'd spend the money on some low gears. 
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http://onthebanking.blogspot.com/
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dang
Reged: 16/06/2006
Posts: 958
Loc: twixt 7 & ?
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Smart Cycling by Arnie Baker
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Cycling-Su...2529&sr=8-1
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