Good Winter Training

Well it’s January and it seems that more than ever before folks are resolving to get fit and fast for their 2011 season! This morning at 6am I saw a new triathlete in our Computrainer Studio and it reminded me to share my thoughts on winter training with you. At Absolute Endurance we see many athletes of all abilities come into our Computrainer Studio and begin the process of riding their own bike to get a head start on the season. Most of the athletes are intent on improving their performance from previous seasons, which is terrific! Most of them have families/jobs/other hobbies and as such have carved out a finite amount of time to train in the off season. One of the favorite expressions we hear from people riding the Computrainers is “today I am going to HAMMER”. (Hammer- is loosely defined as riding as hard as possible). What is prevalent and obvious to us here is that we see many folks who feel  the need to "hammer" away on their bikes because of the previously mentioned finite amount of time. UGH!
In the winter season it is especially important to develop proper base fitness, muscular strength and efficiency, and ultimately create the building blocks to prepare the rider to do harder efforts closer to the season when those efforts will pay off in spades.
It’s like preparing a big recipe when working with athletes in the off season to structure a proper and SAFE training plan for them. At Absolute Endurance we regularly do a number of diagnostic tests to determine the proper ingredients for success. These tests include lactate threshold test; fitness assessments; functional assessments and nutritional consults. Once the testing is done, our team of coaches can then create the recipe. Fortunately over the past four years we have had the privilege and pleasure to work and help many athletes of all abilities improve in a safe and timely manner, which is our passion.
So for a New Years Resolution try this, “I am going to HAMMER away on my bike, BUT, not until its time. For now I am going to create safe and healthy building blocks in a structured manner to allow me to HAMMER away. LATER!!! Have fun and we will look forward to seeing you all at AETT soon.