Commuting as training...
08-06-08, 10:55 AM
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Commuting as training...
...or as a part of training.
I was discussing this with a fellow commuter, and we've both noticed that our "non-commute" riding is a lot better than we would have expected at this point in the season, particluarly climbing.
At the moment our "working theory" is that since our commutes involve numerous traffic lights, that they are basically a mixture of 0-to-25 MPH hard sprints, easier riding as we try to time lights, and stops when we get caught at one. In other words a kind of randomized interval training.
I was wondering what some of the more "pure roadies" thought of the theory.
I was discussing this with a fellow commuter, and we've both noticed that our "non-commute" riding is a lot better than we would have expected at this point in the season, particluarly climbing.
At the moment our "working theory" is that since our commutes involve numerous traffic lights, that they are basically a mixture of 0-to-25 MPH hard sprints, easier riding as we try to time lights, and stops when we get caught at one. In other words a kind of randomized interval training.
I was wondering what some of the more "pure roadies" thought of the theory.
08-06-08, 11:04 AM
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Sorry, I'm not a pure roadie, but as a fellow commuting roadie or road commuter (?), I think this makes sense. I have one route where I need to maintain 25 mph to make a series of lights, then swing into the prevailing wind for the last 400 m. I always try to drill it there. It's not a pure sprint, more like a leadout. It's helped my Saturday riding, I'm sure.
08-06-08, 11:22 AM
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Fellow road commuter (and club rider). No doubt, commuting helps...especially if you do the type of riding you described. If you piddle along at 11 MPH all the way, it probably doesn't help nearly as much.
08-06-08, 11:24 AM
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Commuting helps me a ton for my weekend rides. I sprint as much as I can while commuting or running errands and this has paid off by me being able to keep up with super roadies on the weekend while I'm still rollin in my hybrid with road bar drop ends.
08-06-08, 11:46 AM
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It helps if you incorporate work into the commute......stop sign sprints become intervals......hills can be handled tempo or in a higher gear for strength training. Early in the week it serves as a recovery spin. It all helps in some way.
08-06-08, 11:49 AM
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I'm starting to commute to work on the bike again, I'm planning on using the 7 minute ride as a recovery ride.
08-06-08, 12:17 PM
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I'm commuting to work about 8 miles one way with avg speed 18mph. In weekend I do long rides, so I can see improvements each weekend and day. But the other problem came up - the saddle. The longer or often you're riding then the more understand your position, saddle, pedals, tape, clothing and so on are not right. So you're starting to spend more money on bike. It's a kind a sickness.
I'm still can't find good saddle(Marco, Terry, maybe will try fizik)
I'm still can't find good saddle(Marco, Terry, maybe will try fizik)
08-06-08, 01:14 PM
#8
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Training is training. If you're riding, it's probably good.
I commuted different routes for different jobs. One was about 12 miles each way, another about 18.
I think commuting had a motivating effect on my riding - inevitably I'd feel late and ride harder. Problem was there were real consequences to blowing up, but just as real consequences to not going hard enough. It's like time trialing but for real.
I saved my commute days for dry days.
I won my series handily after commuting 2-3 days a week (18 mi each way) for about 1.5 months (Feb and Mar in CT - cold). Had an awesome year that year and I think commuting for a while helped my base immensely.
cdr
I commuted different routes for different jobs. One was about 12 miles each way, another about 18.
I think commuting had a motivating effect on my riding - inevitably I'd feel late and ride harder. Problem was there were real consequences to blowing up, but just as real consequences to not going hard enough. It's like time trialing but for real.
I saved my commute days for dry days.
I won my series handily after commuting 2-3 days a week (18 mi each way) for about 1.5 months (Feb and Mar in CT - cold). Had an awesome year that year and I think commuting for a while helped my base immensely.
cdr
08-06-08, 01:17 PM
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__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
08-06-08, 01:21 PM
#10
Making a kilometer blurry
Absolutely. The commute is adding fitness.
08-06-08, 04:36 PM
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A teammate of mine uses his commute for training and he's a solid Cat3. Of course, his commute is about 25 miles one way.
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"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo daVinci
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo daVinci
