Wellness, Wealth & Mindset Weekly (#042)
As the winter months approach, many cyclists face a common dilemma - how to maintain their training and motivation during the colder, darker days. In this blog post, we'll explore some insights and advice from experienced cyclists on how to approach winter cycling and make the most of it while having fun.
Winter Cycling and Building a Strong Base
The transition from the vibrant, warm months of spring and summer to the cold, dark days of winter can be challenging for any cyclist. However, it's during the winter that you have an opportunity to build a strong foundation for the upcoming cycling season. But what should you be doing during these months, and how can you stay motivated?
We asked some experienced cyclists, and their advice is simple: have fun. Making your winter cycling enjoyable is key to staying committed and motivated throughout the season.
1. Find What Makes It Fun for You
One cyclist shared his experience with Zwift Racing, a popular virtual cycling platform. He highlighted that he genuinely enjoyed Zwift racing because it made high-intensity training exciting and engaging. When you look forward to your workouts, you're more likely to stick to your training plan.
2. Create a Mix of Activities
If you're not into racing, you have the freedom to explore various cycling activities. You don't necessarily need to follow the typical periodization of taking it easy in the autumn and building up from there. In fact, you might want to do the opposite - ride as much as you can into the winter until the weather becomes too harsh.
Mix up your cycling routine with activities like Zwift, cyclocross, gravel riding, mountain biking, or any other discipline that piques your interest. The key is to make your winter cycling fun and engaging, so you'll look forward to each ride.
3. Avoid Overdoing It
Our experienced cyclist also emphasized the importance of not overloading yourself with training hours, especially if you have a full-time job and are dealing with dark, cold conditions. Overtraining can lead to sickness and demotivation, which might affect your cycling enthusiasm when spring arrives.
By embracing a more enjoyable, balanced approach to winter cycling, you can ensure that you're mentally and physically prepared for the challenges of the upcoming season.
4. Keep It Enjoyable
In a nutshell, the advice from these seasoned cyclists is clear: make your winter cycling enjoyable. Find what excites you, mix up your activities, and avoid the trap of overtraining. Embrace this mindset, and you'll be more likely to stay motivated and ready to tackle the spring and summer months with vigor.
In conclusion, winter cycling doesn't have to be a grim, exhausting experience. It's an opportunity to have fun, explore different aspects of the sport, and build a solid foundation for the upcoming cycling season. So, as the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, remember to keep the joy alive in your cycling journey.
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