Bike Forums - Training plans for Masters...are they too much?

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- - Training plans for Masters...are they too much? (https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1217115-training-plans-masters-they-too-much.html)

I'm only 53, but found a reasonably priced coach via Training Peaks about 2.5 years ago. 4 years ago, I had a series of set backs...knee cleanup surgery and pacemaker (pure electrical problems). Tried to get "back in to shape" on my own and that didn't go well. This was the first time I had ever hired a coach and had been "stubborn" in the past, thought I could do it on my own.The best help my coach provides is balancing hard intervals, with long Zone 2 workouts, true recovery spins (very low effort) and rest/recovery days off the bike. As also mentioned above, my latest challenge is how to balance maintaining mobility & flexibility with all the training I am also doing. You're on the right path of looking for some plans to follow and just thought I might offer a couple of my own experiences I've gone thru.

Cheers,
Mike

Depends on what you're trying to do. If racing, you might do well with a coach who can give feedback, advice and adjust your plan as necessary.
Most of the 50+ training plans I see basically follow the formula of "high intensity still OK", no more than 2 hard rides a week, with more rest in between.
That actually does work OK for me; but I find I have to manage my rest as equally as carefully as my training. Usually, though, life just gets in the way (a lot) and that sort of takes care of itself.

Other reading I've found is that there can be two much of an aerobic strain on the body as we age, resulting in a 'haywire heart', a potentially sport-ending heart arrhythmia. I keep that in mind as well,
but those life interruptions seem to keep training stress at bay

Read "Fast after 50" by Joe Friel. IMO he has a lot of relevant info explained well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy (Post 21798701)

AT 75, I've been riding and doing weights for the past couple months, coming off a long period of taking it easier than I would have liked to and having my fitness go in the toilet. I'm now able to ride or lift every day. Two lessons: everyone is different, and it depends on the intensity of your workouts. I'm doing ~120 miles/week plus 2 days with weights. In my 60s I lifted the same day I rode. Had to quit that in my 70s. My training goal is 154 miles and 9800' in July, so I started this program in October. I've been doing this ride every year for the past 5 years. I'm not an athletic person at all, untalented except for an ability to research, plan, and execute. I'm good at that. I'm slowly getting in shape and will gradually add in intensity in early 2021.

Good luck! It is nice to be retired. I am not quite there yet but really close. Once I retire, I will have a lot more time for my day job of riding my bike. Over the last week with the Thanksgiving break, it was awesome to be able to ride during the day. I look forward to the days when I can go out during the day and not be dependent on riding at the end of the day. That way I can keep a yearly schedule in tact. My goal is to ride across the U.S. My way of seeing America. Hopefully, the wife will run SAG for me.

john

Quote:

Originally Posted by rutan74 (Post 21811813)

Although . . . one may find that the other things one can do when retired also take up a lot of time. I think I got in as much or more training when I was working and could sluff off more chores onto my wife. That stopped when she started working out as much as I.

Another vote for reading ’Fast After 50’.

I bought that for myself a few years ago as I was approaching 50 and my main takeaway was keep on the intensity, but watch the volume and prioritize recovery. I should re-read it though probably.