Wellness, Wealth & Mindset Weekly (#033)
Are you tired of getting left behind during your weekend rides? I know I was. For years, I struggled to keep up with the pace and felt like I was barely surviving each group ride. But then, I stumbled upon some straightforward solutions that completely revolutionized my cycling experience. Today, I'm here to share my journey from being a weekend warrior to a stronger and more consistent cyclist.
The Wake-Up Call
As an amateur cyclist, I was content with my weekend rides. I believed they were sufficient to maintain my fitness and enjoyment of the sport. However, everything changed when I joined my first cycling club. Suddenly, the pace was much faster than what I was used to during solo rides. I found myself trailing behind, struggling to catch up, and even slowing down the entire group. It was a humbling experience, to say the least.
Week after week, the same scenario played out, leaving me wondering why I wasn't improving despite putting in the effort on weekends. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks—I was a weekend warrior. I was expecting a couple of intense rides to make up for an entire week of inactivity. It was like expecting to excel at work by showing up only once a week. This analogy applies to cycling too.
The Turning Point
I understood that if I truly wanted to elevate my cycling performance, I needed to make a change. I couldn't simply rely on weekend rides to see progress. So, I began implementing a few key strategies that made a world of difference.
1. Incorporate Midweek Rides
I started adding two one-hour rides during the week. One ride served as a recovery session, allowing my muscles to loosen up and reducing the risk of burnout. The other ride focused on threshold training, pushing my limits to improve my Functional Threshold Power (FTP). This helped me cycle at higher intensities for longer durations.
2. Embrace Commuting
If your schedule allows, commuting by bike can significantly boost your cycling time. I decided to bike to work a couple of days a week. The key was to keep the pace moderate, saving my energy for the weekend rides. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in extra exercise without sacrificing family or work commitments.
3. Strategic Rest
One of the game-changers was making one of my rest days the day before the group ride. Just like preparing for a race, I pampered myself with proper rest, nutrition, and hydration. This ensured I started the ride with my body in peak condition, maximizing my performance during the group ride.
Achieving Balance
It's essential to find the right balance between your cycling goals and your life commitments. You don't need to become a full-time cyclist to see improvements. By incorporating quality workouts and adequate recovery into your routine, you can effectively bridge the gap between your weekend rides and the rest of your life.
Conclusion
If you're tired of struggling to keep up with your cycling group, I urge you to consider these simple solutions that changed my cycling journey for the better. You can transform from a weekend warrior to a more powerful and consistent cyclist. Remember, it's not about cycling more—it's about cycling smarter.
If you're ready to take your cycling to the next level and want a training program tailored to your busy life, comment "COACHING" in the comments section below. I'll reach out to you personally and send you all the info about how it works, what it costs, etc.
Let's ride stronger and faster together! 🚴♂️🚴♀️
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