There are a number of reasons for
riding a bike. Often these include wanting to get fitter and/or
taking part in competitive events (even if the challenge is just to
finish). If this is the case some of the following may sound
familiar:
“I’ve just bought a bicycle,
how should I train?”
“I’ve been riding several
years. Back when I started I set a new Strava PB on most every ride.
Now my times are just getting worse. Can I get out of this rut or am
I just condemned to get slower and slower the older I get.”
“I’ve entered the Etape Du
Tour. The problem is that it includes several long mountain climbs
and I’ve never gone more than a few feet above sea level as it’s
pan flat for miles in every direction. How can I best prepare, what’s
a realistic finish target and how should I pace myself during the
event itself?”
“I want to go faster on my bike
split in triathlon. Is it worth me spending money to get a new
frame?”
“I’m faster than everyone
nearby? Do I have the talent to make the podium at regional/national
junior/senior/masters/pro level)”
“I can only spend a few hours
each week training. What’s the best way to spend my time?”
“I’m snowed in all winter, can
I still train effectively?”
“I’ve entered some races but
never finished anywhere near the top 10. Am I doing something wrong
and if so how can I get better?”
Training with a power meter can
help answer all the above questions and a lot more.
A series of forthcoming posts will
explain "power zones". (They are based on an some articles
that originally appeared in Road Bike Rider online magazine).
These are fundamental building
blocks on which full power based training programs are built.
By end of the series you should
know what zones are, how to determine your personal “power profile”
and how to use this information to put together plans to train for
and take part in the challenges you have set for yourself.
No prior knowledge of power meters
or formalised training is required. The only assumptions made are
that you have access to a power meter and are motivated to improve
your performance.
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