Training & Nutrition - Joe Friel. Tri Vs. Road

Hi all. I've been on a periodization schedule per Joe Friel's "Triathlete's Training Bible" for a bit now. However I've only been doing the cycling bit. I'm really not interested in tris right now, though maybe towards the end of next year. Right now my focus is on a road race on May 3rd. It's a 31 mile, dead flat course.
My question is this: Should I follow Joe Friel's periodization for triathlon and stay in a low aerobic zone for base training for the next couple of months, then do his build periods, then peak, then race? In other words, would following his training plan for the bike leg of a triathlon be suitable for the road race I want to do in May?
I have 4 months of training under my belt, and have been seeing marked improvement in the last couple of months. Obviously, I still need base, but should I perhaps include some power and speed workouts once or twice a week?
I'd just hate to get lots of good aerobic endurance (which is already pretty decent), and then lose all of my speed and power.

I've considered buying Friel's "Cyclist's TB", but have heard it's based a lot on power training (much like "TTB". I deal with it and try and fit in lactate zones as opposed to powr zones. Just wondering how much different "CTB" is from "TTB"), which I DEFINITELY do not have the money to get into right now.

I've also got CC's "The Lance Armstrong Performance Program: 7 Weeks To the Perfect Ride", also, and really like some of his workouts, but he doesn't really pinpoint where in relation to my race I should work on them. He mentions that trying to do them all at the same time doesn't work very well, but doesn't say how long I should do base, nor how much I should devote myself to it, as opposed to fitting in some power/speedwork.

I'd like to do one of those on-line coach things, but being a poor 20 year old, it just isn't really possible.

Thanks in advance,
Cole

Since nobody else has responded, I'll give you my best guess.

I'm not familiar with TTB, so I don't know the differences. What is unique about CTB, compared to other cyclist training books is the focus on planning your training schedule, and giving you some latitude as to how you work out. The periodization should be about the same for both. For racing, you need to work on your sprint which is pretty useless for time trialing. If memory serves, he calls for bringing that in last, after strength and endurance have been developed, and not for too long, maybe 4-6 weeks?

So, I'd stick with the periodization, and keep focused on base for now. The speed and power will come back around faster and better than you think. If the May 3 race is really important, set up your periodization schedule based on that, working backwards.

Thanks a lot for the reply. I thought it was just the kind of question a lot of folks would hop on. Oh well. :o
I got a CTB on eBay for a couple of bucks the other day, so I'd be happy to compare the two if you're interested.

Cole

BTW- UVA sure got crushed last weekend, eh? Being as how I live in Blacksburg and have a sister at UVA, that's pretty much all I heard about for 3 days. Ugg.
Do you do any of the races up there that the school puts on?

I like CTB and Friel's approach to training a lot. I haven't made the jump to power-based training either, and probably won't while the entry fee is ~$1000. I'd definitely be curious about the training differences for Tri cycling and bike racing.

Yea, UVa left Bleaksburg with their tails between their legs. Hope the Hokies can do better with the 'canes than the Hoos did. I'm not a big UVa fan, but on any given week my favorite team is the one that's playing Miami. ;)

I'm not a student, so I ride with CRC (http://www.cvilleracing.org/). I'm a roadie that races several times a year, mostly doing road races that don't involve too time much driving to/from, or dealing with No. Va. traffic. I was down your way for Mountains of Misery last summer. 120 miles finishing in thick fog on the climb to Mountain Lake... gawd that hurt.