Spring Training For Cyclists

Your heart and lungs will likely respond better than6min 275 watts @85-100rpm (or 25 watts above the
your legs. Your winter of low activity has caused a9min interval)
reduction of muscle mass. Below we'll outline a 42min 100 watts @85-90rpm
week crash course that will put you in a condition to3min 300 watts @85-100rpm
do some hard riding.4-6min cool down (just enough to clear your legs,
For this training plan to be a success, you'll need tolonger is not required)
commit 1 hour a day 5-6 days/week.After ride consume a recovery drink
We'll start with a base watt of 200. If you cannotThe Standard Workout is designed to be done most
maintain the 200 watts as described please adjustoften and the Extreme Workout done no more than
initial wattage to fit your physical ability. At no point inonce a week. When the base watt of 200 becomes
the training should you come close to your max hearttoo easy and it feels like you're spinning out, add 25
rate. If you get close to your max at any point in yourwatts to the base and then adjust your jumps
training, adjust your work out to keep a 10-15bmpaccording to the pattern stated above.
buffer below your max heart rate* or what yourIn 4 weeks you should feel an improvement in your
doctor has recommended.abilities, your legs should be considerably stronger and
Standard Workout:your lungs/heart in excellent shape.
8min light warm upThis work out can be used in conjunction with outdoor
12min 200 watts @ 85-100rpm (or what you can holdriding and/or pleasure rides. It can also be used
constant for 12 min and finish the workout)throughout the winter on a 3-4/day/week basis. Don't
2min 100 watts @85-90rpmbe fooled by the short duration of this work out, you
9min 250 watts @85-100rpm (or 50 watts abovewill have the strength and endurance claimed by
12min interval)proponents of base mile training.
2min 100 watts @85-90rpm*Max Heart Rate = 220 - age (those with heart
6min 275 watts @85-100rpm (or 25 watts above thecomplications should consult a doctor prior to this work
9min interval)out)
2min cool down (just enough to clear your legs, longerWhy have we recommended training on power?
is not required)Though heart rate is a good indicator of your physical
After ride consume a recovery drinkcondition, it is not an indicator of actual work. Watts
Extreme Workoutare consistent from one rider to another, yet heart rate
8min light warm upis not. Heart size, complications, diet and condition can
12min 200 watts @ 85-100rpm (or what you can holdall impact your heart rate. Two riders doing the same
constant for 12 min and finish the workout)watts may have two different heart rates. For this
2min 100 watts @85-90rpmreason we feel it best to train with watts.
9min 250 watts @85-100rpm (or 50 watts aboveSo use your heart rate monitor to determine if you're
12min interval)pushing yourself too hard. Remember if your heart
2min 100 watts @85-90rpmchest hurts you are going too hard, so slow down.