billsmetro

what do you all suggest? I am fit 63, run about 34 to 40 miles a week and before it became freezing rode a specialized mtb about about 100-120 miles per week on pavement and asphalt---got a indoor trainer and CAAD 10 for christmas and am eager to get moving---some of the sufferfest previews seem pretty intense for a noob

sstang13

For now, just ride. When you are fit enough and have the base miles in, you can start training.

jrobe

I have virtually all the Spinervals, CTS and Sufferfest videos (WI - long winters). The Sufferfest and CTS videos are more difficult and shorter workouts. The Spinervals range from easier aerobase workouts to more difficult anaerobic workouts (ie. lots of variety). In the winter I typically do one long workout per week (2-3 hours), 2-3 hard intense workouts and then 2-3 easier aero base and recovery workouts. I usually do 3-4 Spinervals workouts and 2-3 CTS or Sufferfest workouts per week.

You need a variety of workouts to set up a good winter training regimen.

billsmetro

thanks---like i said i run when im not riding and although i have riding winter gear it stays single or low teens here (central nebraska) for weeks at a time--too cold for biking-for me-will review those other videos and pick a few for the variety you mentioned

fstshrk

Sufferfest videos are all I do during the winter. They are fun to do and very motivating.

Beaker

Consider a $10/month subscription to trainerroad.com. Assumes that you have a speed/cadence sensor like the Garmin GSC10 though...

dalameda

+1 for trainerroad. It comes with a lot of different workouts and training plans.

billydonn

Check out the pics of indoor training at the Omaha Velo Garage in the 50+ forum. Most of our workouts are shown there in pictures and they are based on perceived exertion levels. A heart rate monitor and cadence meter are nice but not absolutely necessary. A power meter is best of all but expensive.

I agree that putting in some base miles at moderate effort levels like 70% is a good idea for you but there's no harm in single leg drills and things like that. Get a fan to put on yourself for thermal regulation.

Dont do super long trainer sessions or you'll die of boredom. We are usually done in an hour. 90 minutes max.

if your goal is to maintain your general fitness you don't need to get real complicated with this. Riding a road bike fast under real conditions is another matter.

billydonn

Another thought:
turbocrank.com looks like an interesting idea, but I have not used it.

Beaker

Key thing with trainerroad is that it's interactive and takes feedback from your bike via speed/cadence/HR sensors to your laptop/Mac via a $30 ANT+ stick. For those who don't have the $$ for a computrainer/bushido etc, it's a game changer.

tanguy frame

sufferfest Angles and Downward Spiral make a nice starter kit.

hhnngg1

Trainerroad is definitely the best if you want to invest about $80 in the needed hardware. Totally worth it.

Otherwise, Sufferfest is fine - just scale down the levels to yours until you can really hammer. (THey're hard as death if you truly do them at the 'correct' intensity.)

DGlenday

My CompuTrainer class uses Ergvideo.

How do they compare with the other systems?

oespinoza83

TrainerRoad + Sufferfest = only trainer workouts I can enjoy

simonaway427

Sufferfest if you want to be entertained on your trainer.
Sufferfest + Trainerroad if you want to get serious on your trainer.

rangerdavid

I'm doing the Intermediate base builder I series on Trainer Road. On the off days I'll do a CTS workout or a Sufferfest video. Sufferfest has actual race footage and really motivating music, but they really kick your ass. Mix 'em up. It's difficult to build a lot of mileage on a trainer in the wintertime, but you can still do great workouts, and get in good shape this way.

billsmetro

thanks all i will review all the data submitted and get riding