commuting as interval training
 

I used to get really frustrated with the stop-and-start nature of my commute from the suburbs into downtown Boston. then I read a bit about interval training and helped put my mind at ease.

now I push as hard as I can until an interruption, and then getting going as soon as I can after the light changes / traffic gets out of my way. call it a poor man's interval training.

I tend to use the commute to work this way, and then take a slower, more leisurely route on the way home. this keeps my heart rate more in the so-called "fat-burning zone". I don't have any idea whether this actually makes a difference, but given that I'm tired at the end of the day and don't want to deal with the hills, it works for me.

It's a good idea, Mtalinm. I do the same thing on the quieter stretches of my commute too and it's helped improve my endurance and my speed. It's pretty easy to hammer for a minute or two then leisurely pedal for another minute or two.

I did this on my Xtracycle on my way to work after swimming a mile. Then on my way home. Then I'd go for a run.

I got 15th in my first triathlon in March.

My point? It works. :)

Stoplight intervals here too. It's also good for sprints training.

Have done intervals all my life in athletics and definitely use my commutes for the same inherent thing.

Scott

I do it, but not intentionally - just like pushing it hard and stop lights make me stop!

i do as well but on the hills which on my 22+ mi/round trip daily commute are spaced about right distance apart to sort of recover between. sometimes I hammer away for the intervals and sometimes I don't. Also depends on day of week (how tired I am by Friday....).

My big intervals are jamming for the traffic lights that don't respond to bikes. I promise myself I'll ride easy to work to prevent sweating and then I see that green light, I'm like one of Pavlov's dogs :lol: Kinda like a town line sprint.

You can also pratice your trackstand at the red light.