This is where the crux of this post comes in. I have been following a Friel based training program for the past 15 weeks. In this time, I have exceeded the recorded number of hours ridden last year (January through Iceman), and most likely the number of miles as well. I should have my first 1000 in before Barry-Roubaix.
After talking with some people, and reading some online information, I found that many/most recommendations were in the 8-10 hour/week programs to be competitive in Sport class. I decided on a program of 350 hours, that gets me to the 7-9 hours a week window.
However, I am worried about over-training. As I was spinning away last night, trying to get in my 90 minutes of E2 endurance training, I was having trouble maintaining my HR. At that point, I just stopped. Yes, I could have probably "dug deep" and forced myself to finish the second half of the workout, but why.
I am also into some heavy lifting for my weight program, a bit late for the Friel schedule, but working out nonetheless. So, I am hoping all of my concerns are based on this high weight (for me)/low rep work, and not the dreaded over-training. At least I am no longer trying to add weight to my body, and I am finally back to eating normal amounts of food during the day, from ~3500 calories down to ~2200. In a couple weeks I will begin my work back towards race weight.
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Meanwhile, in the time since, I have received my official email from Twin Six to be part of their racing team. There are some pretty fast and intense people on the list as well. I hope I can represent.
I am also racing for On 2 Wheels in Jackson, if I can ever get around to getting a contract signed. Plus get some new parts ordered for the Superfly!
I am kinda going the exact opposite of what you are doing. Last year I started training in December and came out fast (for me) in the spring. Then it all went to hell with my back, but I think all that early training may have been partially to blame. Now I am wondering if I have undertrained for this spring. I think the B-R race is going to be more like a large group ride for me this year.
ReplyDeleteIf you are worried about overtraining already in February there are two reasons.
ReplyDelete1. You are pushing a little too hard. It is February and you have a long season in front of you. Dial it back just a tad and see how you feel.
2. You are sick of winter and want to start riding outside. Suck it up Nancy boy!
I think it is a combination of both. Admittedly, I may be going a bit hard. I am basing my plan on what others say I should do. I also think the weights have a lot to do with it. I have 2 more weeks of the heavy stuff, and will hopefully be able to get outside then as well.
ReplyDeleteBarry-Roubaix will be the litmus test, if I fall apart there, then hopefully it isn't too late to get back by CPS season.