Friday, February 29, 2008

Backslidden


This really should not be called a “Bible.” There is plenty of Law (aka Old Testament) but there is no fall back Grace or Mediator (New Testament) to count on when you mess it all up.

Since early January, I have tried to follow Joe Friel's base mileage chart, but I clearly am not able to get the number of hours in per week that he and other experts recommend for someone who is trying to be remotely competitive. Last week, for instance—6.5 hours—pitiful. That number does not even make Friel’s chart for rest week hours. The longest week I have done since I started is 15 hours. I had to scrap, cut work, ignore life for every one of those hours.

I am sure it can be done with a busy schedule like mine, but it would take someone with better discipline and a more refined temperment than I have. So I guess I will just go back to my heathen backslidden ways. Whenever miles, whatever format, whatever works for that week kind of thing. Actually, I lie, I plan to continue following what he says about how to incorporate rest, weights, intensity, intervals and peaking, it's just that I need to work with a lower hours count than he recommends.

It sure would be nice to actually have talent (youth wouldn't hurt either) so that I could get away with burning the book. But I am an athlete who has to work for every inch I get. I know people (Beneline and Greco immediately come to mind) who can log low miles but still post impressive results on race day. They both have high standards for themselves and know how much better they can do with higher mileage, but nevertheless, they have their minds and bodies trained to compete well regardless. I really ought to find out what they read!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do Shorter Very Intense Rides, outside or trainer....1 to 1.5 hours......Throw Up intense, tounge hanging out intense.....wish you could punch someone intense........and your fitness will fly through the roof

Anonymous said...

THERE IS A BETTA WAY...........

Lindsay Hall-Stec said...

I like your Old and New testament comparison. I think the New Testament of mountain biking may currently be being written as new research surfaces. For example, the must-be-avoided "gray zone" has suddenly become the "sweet spot". To further the Old Testament comparison, I think Friel's writing are full of good basic morals, but also contain a lot of rules that don't apply to modern life.

At least that's what I tell myself when I start feeling bad about how my training hours stack up to everyone else's. :)

Anonymous said...

"Whenever miles, whatever format, whatever works for that week kind of thing."
Amen.
That sums up my training philosophy. Do what you can, when you can, as hard as you can, but get quality time with your significant other, kids and, lest we forget, your source of income.

Anonymous said...

NED OVERAND WROTE A NICE BOOK ON MTBING.........

Anonymous said...

p.s. GOOD LUCK @ HILBERT this weekend.....

Unknown said...

Wouldn't it be nice if we could purchase youth. I keep wishing I'd found cycling when I had the youth that would allow me to recover quickly from endos, etc.!

Anonymous said...

HGH

Doctor on a bike said...

I'm impressed by anyone who can follow ANY training program to any extent. My program seems to be, "hey it looks decent out, I think I'll ride today!"

Kevin said...

those that wander are not always lost!

SpeedyChix said...

Remember: Any ride is a good ride.

Now some might create more fitness than others ; )

Winter will NOT let go here, speaking of fitness challenges.

Emma said...

Good Luck tomorrow Liz!!