What do you use to gauge your progress and your fitness level throughout the season? Racing provides great and immediate feedback. What if you don’t race, though? What do you use to measure your improvement and whether you’re on track with your goals?
Is your average power increasing? Is your threshold heart rate increasing? Is your speed on your favorite climb or loop improving?
How about your group rides? Are you improving relative to other riders?
What about your weight? Is it where you want it to be, or at least heading in the right direction?
Take a look at the goals you wrote out at the beginning of the season. You should be working toward these goals in some way, whether this is addressing your weaknesses or building certain areas in anticipation of your key events.
It can be easy to lose sight of these goals and to get off track as the season moves along. Take a brief step back by reviewing your goals, what steps you’re taking to achieve them and what changes you need to make.
Tell me below what you use to measure your progress. Email me with any questions you have or if I can help you in any way, then GET OUT AND RIDE!
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I’m reading your blog and find it interesting. I’ve been cycling for 10 years. Did a sprint tri two years ago and while I have no interest in competing (at least at the present time) I’d certainly like to increase my performance, strength and ability on the bike.
I’m looking for a training program – and a group I might join and ride with as motivation. On the training front, it needs to be manageable because my career is demanding and I only have perhaps three or four days a week that I can devote time to biking. In the past, I would do two short rides (15-18 miles or so) during the week/after work and then a long ride (40 miles) on the weekend. But for the last two years, this routine isn’t working for me. I can’t seem to reach my old average speeds, etc. I’m guessing that with age (I’m 44) I’ll need to increase the amount of training I do if I hope to achieve my goals.
What are your thoughts? What advice do you have for those of us who love to be on the bike, but can’t give it ALL of our free time? Feel free to e-mail me your response and suggestions.
I look forward to your thoughts.
-Chuck