I'm an experienced marathoner who's making the transition to cycling. I've come to really appreciate the benefits of a structured buildup, and have had success in running with several running plans based on 18-24 week buildups (by Pfitzinger and Daniels, very well respected coaches.)

I've been looking for something similar for cycling. I'll admit that I'm new to road cycling and road training, although I've mountain biked a fair amount. I used the search forums and found a lot of suggestions for the Cyclists Training Bible, which I looked through and will likely purchase, but I'll also admit that it's surprisingly technical.

If there's no alternative, I'll end up going making a plan out of that book, but as one of the Amazon reviews of this book stated, "is there no middle ground plan?"

For example, this is a typical plan from a marathoner schedule from Pfitzinger's Advanced marathoning, used by dedicated amateurs as well as sub elite runners:

Mon: Rest
Tue: 15 miles, long run pace
Wed: 11 miles with 6 at tempo pace
Thu: 5 recovery miles
Fri: 12 miles long run pace
Sat: 6 recovery miles
Sun: 20 miles long run pace

The proper speeds to run are based upon results of a last race, and can be easily looked up in a chart or a web calculator - they seem to be fairly accurate. Makes training "cookbooklike", but it is very simple and effective. There are different plans based on one's goals, from racing 5ks, 10ks, to marathons. I like these plans also because I can ask other forumites who have done the EXACT SAME plan questions when I'm going along, and they'll be on the same page.

Obviously, customized training plans will offer highest yield for maximal results, but I'll definitely settle for slower gains with a "standardized" formula, if it has worked for many others.

Is there any similar "cookbook" for cycling? For racing short courses, long courses, and endurance events? Or is there a reason why cycling must be so complicated?


(In terms of my cycling goals, I'd like to be able to race a 25-30 mile distance faster than I do now, and then work toward 50 & 100 mile races in the far future)