Indoor Season Update

In my last post I commended those who are still riding their bicycles in this time of bad weather and darkness. Sometimes I wish I could be one of you. There are days that are bicycle riding freindly. If could just quite my day job.

I'm not slacking however; I'm embracing my indoor season with excitement and exuberance. On my rollers I have been training hard. Working on perfecting my pedal stroke. I was watching some Eddy Merckx videos on you tube the other night. He had an excellent pedal stroke. Nice, easy, relaxed, strong, no wonder he was so fast. Thats what I'm striving for a pedal stroke like Eddy's. I've also been working on intervals. Short intervals of 30 seconds to 1 minute as hard as I can to build anaerobic capacity. Then longer intervals of 3 to 5 minutes building up endurance. Other times I'm spinning at high rpm to get the lungs working. Motivation is high. I look forward to my work out. I have some new music play list too. I try to pick music with tempos that will match the tempo I want to do on the bike. I'm having a great start to my indoor season.

Winter Riders

I want to commend the cyclist who are getting out and riding their bikes this time of year. Your motivation inspires me. I especially want to acknowledge the commuters. They get up everyday climb on their bikes and battle the weather, the darkness, and the traffic in an effort to get to work or school. You folks are the back bone of the cycling community. I see the speed orientated guys out on the road getting a ride in between rain storms. The touring riders are out in the weather too their bikes loaded with gear. They all know Whidbey is a special place to ride even when the conditions are less than favorable. Ride on proudly my cycling bothers and sisters. Chapeau to you all!!

Up date on Ankle Injury

My ankle is much better. I was off the bike for over a week. I've been on the rollers a few times since then. The first time there was a little pain and stiffness but felt better when I was finished. Not only did my ankle feel better my whole body and mind felt better. Each time I work out the ankle feels better and the range of motion is better. I don't like injuries I'm not good with them.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Daylight Savings Time Ends today. It marks the end of my outdoor season and the beginning of my indoor season. The lack of light in the evening is the biggest reason for focusing my training indoors; nonetheless, the rain and cold are contributing factors as well. I have set goals for my indoor training.  

1. Stay Motivated. 

Motivation is sometimes hard to come by in the middle of the cold dark winter. I keep myself enthusiastic by watching cycling videos and reading cycling blogs and magazines. I like to find inspiring music to listen to while working out. Something fast paced and upbeat.  I try to change up the work out through the week. One night I'm spinning, the next night I doing intervals, another night I'm lifting weights, etc

     2.  Build Strength.

Core exercises such as planks and crunches. I want to get serious about developing core strength. This is where I can make the most improvement and benefits will have the greatest effect on my cycling. Core exercises are not my favorite and in the past I have neglected them and did them half ass. I'm hoping to change this winter. Weight lifting for arms, chest and shoulders. I don't want to go too crazy with the weight lifting. I'm not wanting to put on much muscle mass; rather, harden up what I have.

     3. Develop Capacity