Training & Nutrition - I'm riding slower now, what gives?

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bikeme
11-11-12, 01:23 AM
I've noticed that my times for mtb climbing have slowed. I'm now posting my 3rd best, 4th best, or slower on Strava on several segments. This baffles me as I feel pretty good going up these climbs. Now, I have been off the mtb a lot, mostly focused on my road bike. Times for climbing and TTs have steadily improved on the road bike though. Is it unfamiliarity with the mtb and/or my road climb hills are just not as much of an anaerobic grunt? Or, something else? Thanks.

late
11-11-12, 10:27 AM
You get better at what you work on.
achoo
11-11-12, 11:56 AM
And more you do, the less likely any individual effort is going to be one of your better ones.

gregf83
11-11-12, 03:08 PM
How long are these MTB segments? Mountain biking requires technique in addition to raw power so perhaps you're just rusty?
Carbonfiberboy
11-11-12, 08:04 PM
Most MTB racers train mostly on road bikes. However, as you have found, MTB races emphasize anaerobic power. So that's what you have to add to your road workouts. Hard, steep, short (by road standards) climbs done at the hardest pace you can maintain, especially the starting climb, done almost cold.
bikeme
11-14-12, 11:44 PM
How long are these MTB segments? Mountain biking requires technique in addition to raw power so perhaps you're just rusty? They are 1 to 1.25 mile switchbacky singletrack climbs that most guys would small ring but I can do in my 34 middle. You make a good point about technical--looking back, since I haven't been mtb'ing, I'm not bothering to cut off angles/corners on the trail to cut distance/time like I would in a race or when I'm doing them more frequently. I've been just going straight down the middle of the trails.
bikeme
11-14-12, 11:47 PM
Most MTB racers train mostly on road bikes. However, as you have found, MTB races emphasize anaerobic power. So that's what you have to add to your road workouts. Hard, steep, short (by road standards) climbs done at the hardest pace you can maintain, especially the starting climb, done almost cold. Good point. I need to add specific hills/hill sprint road days.
Garfield Cat
11-23-12, 07:37 AM
You're in So Cal. ever heard of Dan & Randy Profeta? Give them a call at their shop.

http://www.trailsendcc.com/TECC/Contact.html