End of season recovery and rest has begun. While my cycling for the year is not over I know my total time and mileage will be lower than last year. As an endurance athlete it’s hard to see that and not feel as though I’ve fallen short. I’m pretty sure I didn’t even set any all time power pr’s this year. Seeing this data alone would be depressing. Thankfully, that’s not the whole picture. Despite putting in fewer miles and hours I still took several KOMs, set my second best time at BT Epic, did several big rides, raced in a new to me gravel race, and set a multitude of Strava pr’s.
It’s so easy to look at part of the picture and walk away with an entirely incorrect view. Let’s flip this season on it’s head! I just finished a season where I did less training and still performed great! As I begin to dissect this past year and look forward to next year I need to keep that in mind. In riding fewer hours did my overall quality of life improve?
In January I’ll begin base training with a hybrid plan that will involve mostly low intensity rides and just one intense ride power week. In the middle of February I’ll begin a SS base block. The remainder of the season has yet to be charted but I am determined to reach my goal of 4:30 @ BT. In light of that the question remains….. What does it look like for me to be faster?
More low intensity rides?
How do I increase my ftp or my tte?
Should volume be increased? My highest volume year saw my best fitness
Weight loss?
A fellow Tailwind Trailblazer who is also a coach posed the following questions to his athletes recently.
1. List at least three (and no more than five) goals/objectives for the 2023 cycling season.
- Break the 6K mile mark for the year This will be a first for me.
- Complete my prescribed workouts with consistency. Missing no more than 2 workouts per month.
- Complete BT Epic in 4:30 or less.
- Drop to 190#
2. If you’re able to achieve all your goals/objectives, what do you gain?
Let’s face reality. If I am able to accomplish any or all of these goals the only thing I’ll gain is satisfaction. I’m not going to be winning races or making money, but rather reaping the benefits of better fitness and more enjoyment on the bike.
3. In a full sentence, describe your level of commitment to your goals/objectives.
Commitment and discipline are in my nature so much so that I will remove my sorry sack of bones from my bed at 3:40 a.m. in order to complete workouts. Since I’m not getting any younger my chances to complete BT in under 4:30 are only going to get slimmer. May as well give it my best while I still have the strength and fitness to put out that sort of effort.
4. What do you need to do to achieve your goals/objectives?
My first goal (6K miles) will, I think, come naturally as I strive to achieve my other goals. Setting aside time to complete workouts during my busiest and most stressful time of year at work will be the hardest part. There will be times I have to balance rest and recovery vs getting in the prescribed workout. Changing my diet to drop those last 5# will involve some intentional planning to make sure that I have proper snacks with me at work to avoid foods that are handy but not helpful in reaching my goal.
5. How can a coach help you achieve those goals/objectives?
That last one may appear simple but may turn out to be more complicated as you consider your answer over a few days. I really look forward to hearing and discussing your answers.
Well, this has sat in my drafts long enough. It’s Valentine’s day today. I have completed a 6 week polarized plan on TrainerRoad. While I have seen little to no improvement in my FTP to date (tested this morning at 348) I’m hoping this extra endurance work has laid the foundation for a good improvement once I start the next phase of training tomorrow. Sweet Spot training has always seemed to evoke a great response from my body. I’m hoping for more of the same this year. Three weeks from now I’ll be racing Dirty South Roubaix for the first time. I’m looking forward to it and hoping to do well.
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