Daveyboy

This is my first full year of racing 'cross and I'm learning a lot about racing and having a blast as well. But one thing I'm finding is that my conditioning is slowly going downhill. It seems that I started the season (Sept) in pretty good form coming of off many road miles in the summer. Most, if not all, of those miles (at least the long training rides) have been on the weekend.

However, during the race season I haven't been riding much, if at all, on Saturday in order to 'save it' for race day (Sunday). So, I haven't been getting in any long rides (long for me would be at least 2+ hours at tempo). My 'training' consists of 1 hour of hill repeats Sunday after racing, and a couple hours on the trainer during the week (usually intervals.) I'm starting to think I'm being short-sighted by not including a longer tempo ride on Saturday. Is there really that fine of a line between maintaining form and tapping yourself out the day before a race?

Due to my circumstances (work & family) Saturday is pretty much my only option for longer rides. I realize that if I don't put enough training miles in then I can't expect to be in top form. But, I'm curious what others may be doing to stay 'race ready' during the season. Do you just suck it up and ride whenever you can?

Andy_K 

Bike to work. I get in about 2 hours a day this way. I've actually backed off my regular commuting mileage to be more rested for races. I live 12 miles from work. Biking only takes me about 15 minutes longer than it would to drive.