Comments on: Road ride today…

By: Don

Don — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:49:48 +0000

Thanks for the advice and links…very helpful! I feel like I’m starting to put all the pieces of the cycling puzzle together…and that’s pretty cool. Thanks again and good luck with your upcoming races!!

By: sonya

sonya — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:03:28 +0000

Hey Don!! You’re too sweet! I am sooo happy that Jeff and I help you want to ride more. That is one of the best compliments ever. Today was NOT a rest day for me. My rest days are usually an hour easy spin or less and are spent at a low perceived exertion.

I welcome questions, don’t worry about being a “beginner.” I still am learning new things and ask questions. I think you are being smart by resting on Monday and Tuesday. Your body slowly adapts to more riding, and if you push it too hard to fast, you get overtrained. Bad things happen when you get overtrained, so it’s better to be rested. The amount of intensity you do also plays a factor into when you should rest. Right now, since you are new to cycling and building a base, I’d say ride when your legs feel good. If you feel extra tired, turn around and go home. No shame in that- I do it!

I recommend you check out http://www2.trainingbible.com/joesblog/blog.html. Joe Friel also has a training bible you can buy that is great for a background in training. That is what I used when I first started.

By: Don

Don — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:47:22 +0000

Damn, you’re idea of rest is totally different than mine. Granted, you’re a pro, I’m new, but still, when I read of you and Jeff “resting” but still spinning for a few hours a day, I’m almost inspired to spin way more than I am. I know there are obvious differences in skill and tolerance levels here, but you guys just amaze me with the amount of riding you do. This leads to a bit of a beginner question…how do you know when you need to rest? For example, I rode Saturday and Sunday, my legs are sore, but I feel like I can ride…at the same time I’m planning a big ride for Wednesday…so I’m resting now…should I be riding a little on Monday and Tuesday…or do I need the rest?

Sorry if I sound totally beginner, but my knowledge level is not where my skill level is. I’m fine with ripping up technical terrain for hours on end, but my knowledge surrounding training is about nill right now.

Thanks in advance for any advice!