Fifty Plus (50+) - Conditioning question

A new client has asked me for all of my unallocated time for two-three months -- in other words, any time that I haven't already made available to other clients. This means, if I accept the offer, I'm going to be putting in some long hours, and that means it will be far more difficult for me to find time to ride during the week. Some in the evenings, yes, but not as easily as now, when I can simply leave my home office for an hour or ninety minutes and get the ride in almost at will (except when I'm at the client's office).

So anyway, here's my question. I currently ride between 50-70 miles a week, with about 3 shorter rides during the week, and a couple of medium or longer (for me, anyway) rides on the weekends. IF I could only ride on the weekends, and took two 25 mile rides, or a 40 and a 20, or whatever, would I be able to maintain my current level of fitness, or would I start to backslide? In other words, if the mileage was about the same, but I could only accumulate on the weekends, what would happen to my conditioning?

A new client has asked me for all of my unallocated time for two-three months -- in other words, any time that I haven't already made available to other clients. This means, if I accept the offer, I'm going to be putting in some long hours, and that means it will be far more difficult for me to find time to ride during the week. Some in the evenings, yes, but not as easily as now, when I can simply leave my home office for an hour or ninety minutes and get the ride in almost at will (except when I'm at the client's office).

So anyway, here's my question. I currently ride between 50-70 miles a week, with about 3 shorter rides during the week, and a couple of medium or longer (for me, anyway) rides on the weekends. IF I could only ride on the weekends, and took two 25 mile rides, or a 40 and a 20, or whatever, would I be able to maintain my current level of fitness, or would I start to backslide? In other words, if the mileage was about the same, but I could only accumulate on the weekends, what would happen to my conditioning?

DG,

Your first client is you. Schedule in FIRMLY ride time for yourself, maybe less if you are willing to give up the time, but schedule it in and make sure your client knows that you will not be available during this time and makes sure you aren't available during this time (no answering cell phone, etc.)

I think that if you took the two rides on the weekend and one during the week you will keep up a decent level of fitness. Two rides, back to back on the weekends just wouldn't keep it up--remember the "weekend warrior" thing.

Just my opinion, both of the above. But take care of yourself, and schedule that ride time in--it is just as valuable to you as your time would be valuable to any client of yours, so why shouldn't you have benefit of it too?

2 long-but-don't-push-it rides on the weekends are better than not, but the addition of a midweek ride, just to stay loose, would be far better. Early mornings are out? Evenings staying light longer are out?

What about a not so expensive wind-trainer? Set it up next to your pc and take a spin break from the keyboard during the week, the day, etc. Gulp!....ration your online BF time to pick up a little extra trainer time. Seeing as how you have a home office, rather than a 30 minute coffee break, take a pedal break. Warm up for 10 or 15 mins, do some intervals for 20, hop off satisfied, awake and sweaty...and hit the keyboard again until lunch or another afternoon "break". Try an indoor cruise just before dinner. While not ideal given the beautiful spring season in San Diego......for 3 months or so it will maintain you until your life is your own again.

In fact, an ongoing thread where you require yourself to post your training minutes would let "us" keep you honest. Imagine, while you sit and peck away at the keyboard, the entire BF crowd would be staring at you with approving encouragement-- or accusation. So cool!

P.S. Thanks for the PM....

The text books on cycling I have read say you need at least 4 days a week to keep in condition. I think that 4 days of 45-60min rides is better than two days of longer rides. These same books say that while riding more than 4 days a week will increase your fitness the return is not linear and diminishes after 5 days, and of course adequate rest is as important as riding.

So now GG and DG are swapping PM's about fitness??? :mad:

THANKS A LOT FOR INCLUDING US, GUYS!!!!! :D

Sorry Big Paulie.........you're free to chip in your experiences with PM--Gary and I are both Post Menopausal and have been discussing night sweats and flighty emotions. What works for you? ;) ;) [emoticon for a beer sloshing, mug clinking "gotcha"]

Uh, going against all conventional training guidelines - I think you will be fine. I've also found (at 55) that I really need a lot of time to recover between two hard rides on the weekend. I've also found that after a year of doing the big weekend, no rides during the week method of training, my fitness level (adaptation more so, aerobic conditioning less so) has stayed at a "relatively" high level during a couple months of virtual inactivity. By "relative", I mean as compared to my pre-riding level of fitness. If you push a bit more on weekends, and still get in some fitness training, not even cycling, during the week, I think you could actually improve your level of conditioning. If you're making a little extra PDI (personal disposable income) during this period, you may be well advised to invest in some personal bike training assistance. Many sites on web, and they do a pretty good job of helping you focus your available time. Oh, my weekends totaled about 100 miles - very vigorous riding. And by the way, my observations ONLY apply to fifty and over folks. ;) PS - you may want to line up a massage therapist to assist with post-weekend hangover. I keep thinking I'll do that, and may do so as I increase my weekend miles again.

A new client has asked me for all of my unallocated time for two-three months -- in other words, any time that I haven't already made available to other clients. This means, if I accept the offer, I'm going to be putting in some long hours, and that means it will be far more difficult for me to find time to ride during the week. Some in the evenings, yes, but not as easily as now, when I can simply leave my home office for an hour or ninety minutes and get the ride in almost at will (except when I'm at the client's office).

So anyway, here's my question. I currently ride between 50-70 miles a week, with about 3 shorter rides during the week, and a couple of medium or longer (for me, anyway) rides on the weekends. IF I could only ride on the weekends, and took two 25 mile rides, or a 40 and a 20, or whatever, would I be able to maintain my current level of fitness, or would I start to backslide? In other words, if the mileage was about the same, but I could only accumulate on the weekends, what would happen to my conditioning?

Dig,

2 rides per week should be adequate to maintain your current level of fitness.

The "rule of thumb" for this is: 1/2 the work that gets you in shape will keep you in shape.

So, in your situation with an average of 50-70 miles of riding per week, as of now, riding a 20 miler with a few 2-3 min. intervals at Lactate Threshold (hard but not killer hard) thrown in, with the second ride being the long sustained effort at 60-70% max HR for 2-3 hrs really will be more then enough to see you through this work intense period. If you could steal another 60 mins per week on the trainer you'll be fine.

Good luck.

DG: As I read your post I was thinking.... well, at least the extra work will come in the summer months when daylight hours are longer. So, the chance for getting in one or two rides during the week will be better than the late fall and winter months.

I also support foehn's idea. Consider yourself a client with "x" number of hours. As the popular consultant/writer (of ten years ago maybe) said... you have to sharpen the saw. You, my man, are the saw. Make sure you keep yourself sharp for the increased work load. Remember that riding has more than just physical perks. It can refresh and renew you at a psychological and spiritual level. I find that both of these are necessary for me to do my best work. It's a tough decision, but an important one. I'd encourage you to keep riding more than just on weekends. Cut back if you need to, but keep the discipline going. Good luck with your deliberations.

Sorry Big Paulie.........you're free to chip in your experiences with PM--Gary and I are both Post Menopausal and have been discussing night sweats and flighty emotions. What works for you? ;) ;) [emoticon for a beer sloshing, mug clinking "gotcha"]

Yeah? Well get this bub--we're ALL post menopausal with flighty emotions.:mad: :mad: Now quit PM-ing each other this instant or we'll all go into a snit.

"would I be able to maintain my current level of fitness, or would I start to backslide?"

Huh, what level of fitness?

Asking theoretical questions about one's health status as well as speculating about unknown, untried workout routines affecting future performance is always good for a few laughs, please proceed. Geeesh....

I have found that when I don't have a midweek ride of at least an hour and a half I can feel the difference on the weekend rides. I usually do 75-100 on Saturday and 25-30 Sunday. This past winter I risked my job by ducking out early on Wednesdays to get in some miles. Now the sun is out later so I can stay at work till 5. I hate the trainer.

"would I be able to maintain my current level of fitness, or would I start to backslide?"

Huh, what level of fitness?

Asking theoretical questions about one's health status as well as speculating about unknown, untried workout routines affecting future performance is always good for a few laughs, please proceed. Geeesh....

I have no idea of your point (how could look up the word "current" in the dictionary, if that would be helpful), but I'm glad you're at least amused. Thanks for the insight. Of course, a dozen or so other people seemed to understand and gave me the benefit of their experience, so all's well in the world. Ride on!

I have no idea of your point (how could look up the word "current" in the dictionary, if that would be helpful), but I'm glad you're at least amused. Thanks for the insight. Of course, a dozen or so other people seemed to understand and gave me the benefit of their experience, so all's well in the world. Ride on!

Dig,
Some responders screen names say it all.
I, personally, stopped thinking with my "laptop" awhile back and have tried to use my larger head.
Not so with "Richard Cranium" his Mom always called him "Little Dick" after his Dad.
Rock on:D :lol: :beer:

Dig,
Some responders screen names say it all.
I, personally, stopped thinking with my "laptop" awhile back and have tried to use my larger head.
Not so with "Richard Cranium" his Mom always called him "Little Dick" after his Dad.
Rock on:D :lol: :beer:

Sorry Richard but I couldn't help myself.
God, I feel so bad...........;)

I'm with foehn, I think...but that may be because I get a paycheck whether I bust my butt or just put in time. In the last few years, as I approached (and passed) 60, I've begun turning down those "challenging" projects and assignments when I can, to allow more time for things I WANT to do. I don't want a promotion and I have enough money to get by, and other things have become more important.
Since your work situation is different, though, I agree with the post that suggested trying to squeeze in a mid-week ride as often as you can. At least for me, that makes the difference between being able to maintain or maybe even gain a little and slipping inexorably back.

For years, I could only get riding at the weekends and my fitness kept to a level. However- I knew that I had to get some extra fitness in 2003 and started going to the gym once or twice a week. Those weekend rides only took in about 40 miles but with the extra in the week at the gym- My fitness shot up. Then this year We decided to get in one extra ride- right through the winter and drop the Gym. No fitness has been lost but posssibly some muscles that were trimmed at the gym have been lost. But I don't use them for cycling in any case.

Only problem is that you may have to put a bit more effort into those weekend rides- get the heart rate up to a respectable level- get the legs burning and possibly do a few more miles than you are currently doing. Other than that- get a set of lights and ride when ever you find time available- aswell as the weekends.