How to survive hard training sessions
Over the next few weeks, training is going to become noticeably more intense. The goal with fall training was to help make this transition a gradual ramp rather than a hellish grade, but regardless of your background, you can make it through the Winter Study training period by being conscientious when it comes to a few key practices:
1) Consume More
I think it was Peter Parker who said that “With great increases in training volume comes great need for carbohydrate-rich food.” In any case, now that you’re riding more and riding harder, it’s all the more critical that your body is getting the fuel it needs. You can do this by increasing the amount of carbohydrates that you consume (carbohydrates are the main fuel source for your muscles). You don’t want to run on empty. Also, you’ll quickly realize that you will sweat a lot in the ark, so drink tons too.
2) Sleep more
Anything less than eight hours per night will probably not be enough. If you need to choose between riding more and sleeping more, chances are sleeping more is the right choice. Prioritize rest.
3) Laze more
Alas no, this has nothing to do with lasers. Professional cyclists are famous for doing nothing when they’re off their bikes. One famous French cyclist asked his team soigneurs to carry him up the stairs to his hotel room during the Tour de France. This might be a little much, but the truth is that if you want to be well-rested for your workouts, try to keep it low-key when you’re not training. I learned this the hard way when I tried to train a ton while working trail crew.
In short, more
– food
– sleep
– water
– relaxation
and less
– shenanigans
– unnecessary exertion
Hope this helps! Good luck and godspeed,
Erik