Change
Some say that change is one of the most difficult and stressful things that a person can go through. My Family and I have definitely had our share of major changes in the past….and here we are going through it again. I think it takes a certain kind of person to actually bring these changes on themselves, but because my Wife and I are that kind of person, it seems to fit us quite well.
So here I am, totally surrounded by change in many aspects of my life….but all the while my cycling regimen remains the same. What gives? When I go out for a ride, each day is pretty much the same. I race off like wildfire and do my best to keep it up during the entire ride. Every long once in a while I throw in a few intervals or maybe some hill repeats, but 90% of the time my ride looks pretty much the same.
“If You Always Do What You’ve Always Done, You’ll Always Get What You’ve Always Got”
This quote sums it up, exactly. I’ve been happy with where I’m at with my riding, but I really haven’t seen great strides in my performance this summer. I get so caught up in just trying to perform as well as I have in the past that I forget to mix it up with some training that will help improve me and my cycling. In my ride yesterday I was thinking about this and decided that I really need to get a hold of a good training program. So that is exactly what I’m going to do.
As my personal world continues to get all turned around, I’m going to shake up my cycling with a few changes as well. How about you? What do you do to change up your rides? Do any of you have suggestions on a good training program to follow?
Welcome to Texas 🙂
Change can be good.
We moved to Texas 3.5 years ago from St. Croix, and it opened up a whole new world for us form a bicycling perspective. Have bike carrier, will drive. Before, we were stuck on the rock. Austin is biking mecca. I went to school there, and I would love to live there. I hope your family feels the same, and that you enjoy the changes in your cycling as well.
Thanks Pamela…..I’m looking forward to hooking up with you and Eric very soon. We can talk and reminisce about our days in the Caribbean and the beauty of Texas.
Darryl
Change is a wonderful opportunity for growth and new possibilities. As I too embark on a huge move I see that I am blessed to have two incomes, one which is not affected by even a move. As far as cycling, intervals are so important to taking you to another level. Many people train too often at the same pace. The body adapts to what you do so if you do not make changes it will not grow. The Friel book is great for a reference. Plus all out VO2 max sprints are so much fun!
Safe travels buddy and we hope to see you soon!
Yes, good luck with your move Shannon. Looking forward to seeing you before 2010 is over.
Darryl
I was thinking the same myself this week too. Maybe dial in some interval training on my commute. My weakness all through my life isn’t endurance, it’s always been a lack of pace, rugby, army, cycling you name it.
I guess I’m built for comfort not speed!
I’m in the same boat as you and have been thinking about this for a little bit. Since returning riding back July I’ve built up a good base but need to start changing things up in order to keep making progress. I did this last year when I followed a century training program and it worked great. Now I’m thinking I need to get into another training program so my workouts serve purpose besides building base miles.
I know some folks build their own plans using Joe Friel’s book. There also plans available online through some of the coaching websites. There’s also Victor over at Bicycle Lab who can put one together.
Good luck with the move too. I think that’s a huge change that will make a big difference in your cycling.