Training & Nutrition - Am I the only one disappointed with Joe Friel's Training Bible?

not specific enough for me. Maybe it's for advanced riders who know all about intervals, etc

he spends the first 105 pages talking about the importance of annual plans, periodization, motivation and commitment, natural ability, stress, tapering, etc, etc; without actually telling me how to go a ride my bike! Then, after 108pages, his first training routine is "race training": build a base, then get your fitness from racing twice a week. Jeeez, thanks Joe, I
paid $42 Aus for that??? :)

I think it needs to be the second, or third, book you buy about training. A certain level of experience/knowledge is assumed in his book. I wouldn't put it in the fireplace just yet. Maybe you want to go buy Carmichael's Ultimate Ride or Burke's Serious Cycling and use them together. Many also like Dave Morris, but it's based on power, which required a Powertap, SRM, etc.

In the end nobody is exactly right about anything, IMO. They all have views and opinions. It's best if you attempt to absorb them all and formulate what works best for you. Best of luck.

thanks.
I have one of the Armstrong/Charmichael books which I got more out of.

i agree. it's very conceptual and not enough examples of specific workouts.

one thing that was confusing to me is the two a day workouts. are you supposed to do the same workout in the morning and evening, or do two different workouts?

also, the number of reps\sets\how long to do intervals, etc is confusing. each week you build up training hours, but how does that correspond to adding additional reps? it's not really mentioned.

i know it'll be different for each rider, but it's hard to figure out if you don't have a coach or some prior experience. i say the book needs to be supplemented with something else.

it's very conceptual and not enough examples of specific workouts.
.that's what I was trying to say :)

is the LeMond book better?

What is the name of the LeMond book? Is it geared more for road riding or does it apply to both?

the one I had in mind is Gerg LeMond's Complete Book of Cycling

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399515941/102-0373599-1984931?v=glance&n=283155

Thanks. I just picked up the $1 used one. Look forward to it. The top review was very interesting.