VO2 Max is the term given to your maximum aerobic capacity. VO2 Max is effectively the amount of oxygen that you can take in and use. It is your maximal aerobic capacity. It is expressed as litres (ml) of oxygen / weight Kg / per min. Some of the top athletes have recorded figures as high [...]
Archive | training RSS feed for this section
Getting the Miles in
January has been a good month so far. Plenty of steady miles, plus some threshold work to start working on a bit of speed. Recent training Sat 14th – 70 miles – 4 hours – 17.5mph – Long ride to Lambourn and White horse. Sun 15th – 27 miles – 1.50.00 – av 15.0 mph [...]
Threshold Training
Threshold training involves riding at an intensity which can be maintained for an hour without creating excess burning in your legs (lactic acid creation). Your threshold is the level which makes full use of your aerobic capacity (oxygen) but doesn’t tip over into anaerobic exercise (which creates lactic acid). Threshold training essentially involves a level which [...]
Specific Cycle Training
Over the past few years, my training has evolved from a general ride the bike, to more specific targeted training sessions. Specific training aims to target and improve those areas which will be most beneficial for your goals and type of races. Both Eddy Merckx and Fausto Coppi gave pretty much the same advice for [...]
Obree Breathing Technique
In Graeme Obree’s training manual, he devotes a chapter to his own breathing technique he developed. If it had been anyone else, it would have been tempting to brush it off. But, given Obree’s success, I was motivated to give it a go and see how it affects my performance / cycling. We tend to [...]
Dealing With Stagnant Performance
I remember in my first season of racing, I made tremendous progress. There was one patch where every time I raced, I seemed to set a personal best. I imagined this upward trend continuing and at this rate, I reckoned I would be in the Tour de France by about 2008. Well, of course, I’m [...]
A Double-Dip Cold
At the end of the hill climb season, I was quite motivated to keep cycling. Instead of short intervals, I went out for longer steady rides. In November I did 800 miles (including 200 miles commuting). I really enjoyed the cycling, there was no real structure to the training apart from to enjoy getting some [...]
Hot Pads for Cold Feet
Hot Pads for Cold Feet – pack of 40 for £21 Hand Warmers – pack of 10 for £12 Personally, I find these hotpads are an essential extra at this time of the year. They keep feet and hands warm, whatever the weather. I have poor circulation in both hands and feet. I feel the [...]
The Obree Way – Review
The Obree way is Graeme Obree’s unique and distinctive approach to training. It is an approach to training Obree developed himself over many years of his own successful cycling career. The book is worth reading just from the perspective of gaining an insight into the training and mentality of a World Champion, you also gain [...]
Tips for Turbo Training
Training on a turbo is one of those aspects of cycling that can really test our determination and enthusiasm. No-one took up cycling so they could spend hours pedalling in a static position – getting very bored and hot at the same time! Yet, on a wet / icey day, even the turbo can seem [...]
