Training & Nutrition - Is it worth it to add a lunchtime ride?

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Spreggy
03-21-08, 12:38 PM
Once the temp gets another 5 degrees F higher, I will be out every morning extending my commute to a 30 to 40 mile ride. It's five miles to get back home at night with no time to take longer, which I usually take easy in zone 2 and do fast spins or one-legged drills for technique. Weekends will be group rides.

Would adding a lunchtime ride help? I don't want additional stressful intervals, because they will be done in the mornings. I'm thinking Z2 for 45 minutes.

Whatcha think?

Also, have any of you had any luck organizing a regular lunch run with others around town? Any advice there?

Enthalpic
03-21-08, 05:47 PM
It won't do much fitness wise, as you are already doing a pretty good amount of volume. It will, however, stretch out the legs and burn some calories. Personally, I wouldn't do it as the extra saddle time might decrease the quality of your harder -and more important- rides.
msincredible
03-22-08, 01:31 AM
Could be great for mental health though!

cyclezealot
03-22-08, 01:39 AM
I like the idea. It would make work more acceptable. A 20 minute ride. Not enough for me. I'd probably get fired for forgetting to come back by the time the bell rang.
chris838
03-23-08, 08:34 PM
Seems like a nice ride during work could help relieve some work time stress.
mariposabc
03-25-08, 12:23 PM
I think it depends on what your goals are whether the extra lunchtime miles will be of any benefit. Similar to you I ride to/from work and often add extra distance in one direction. So at lunch I've found it more valuable to do yoga, pilates, or other abdominal/back strengthening exercises or even just go for a walk. All are beneficial to cycling, even the walking as it provides some relief to the bent over cycling position.
nafun
03-27-08, 03:24 PM
Well, if it were me, and i rode 30-40 miles to get to work, i would benefit more from eating a big lunch!
Spreggy
03-27-08, 06:49 PM
I think it depends on what your goals are whether the extra lunchtime miles will be of any benefit. Similar to you I ride to/from work and often add extra distance in one direction. So at lunch I've found it more valuable to do yoga, pilates, or other abdominal/back strengthening exercises or even just go for a walk. All are beneficial to cycling, even the walking as it provides some relief to the bent over cycling position.

That's not a bad idea, I've been wanting to add cycling-specific yoga to my overall fitness plan.