Monday, March 10, 2008

begin week 1

Today is the start of my "pre-planned" training program from LWCoaching. I went with the time crunched expert plan since I'm a time crunched expert level racer. It wasn't a big mental task figuring out which plan to work with. I have to admit though, even Lynda's time crunched plan is pushing it hours wise for me. I should be able to get it to work though. If nothing else, I'll be able to use the specific workouts she prescribes and cut down on the total duration if needed but keep all of the quality stuff. I know life will still be throwing me lots of roadblocks along the way but at least the plan will give me some focus for once and focus is one thing I've been sorely lacking. Yesterday, to kick things off right, I did the lactate threshold test to set me heart rate zones and I have to admit, I've got a lot of work to do. Thankfully I still have two months to get into race shape before my first race.

One of the great things about Lynda's packaged programs is that while you aren't paying for a real one-on-one coach she is really good about helping you alter your plan via her on-line forum so if something comes up to throw you off schedule she can get you back on track. Pretty sweet if you ask me. Plus, if you're an idiot (like me) and screw up you plan on training peaks while trying to shift things around she'll come to your rescue. I had the plan for a total of 3 days and I had already totally screwed up the format. I e-mailed Lynda and within an hour she had me straighted out! How's that for service?

8 comments:

rbilson said...

I am using her plans as well. Good stuff. Are you doing the base plan or the build/peak plan?

Unknown said...

Not a bit late to start with the base. not sure how it works over in the US but we've started our season and the base training was done back in the miserable jan/feb mornings. Our team has a coach, every week we get our schedule and get together twice a week for training. The other days are up to you.

rick is! said...

I'm starting the build/peak/race plan right now. I'm going to be able to work it to build/peak twice this summer to hit my biggest races...

Hilton, thats pretty sweet that your team has a coach. Thats gotta be a big help. I know I've always struggled with having structure.

Unknown said...

It's great having the support and motivation of the team around you. I find there are advantages and disadvantages of riding alone or in a group. Are you training solo? Takes a lot of determination and discipline that way.

rick is! said...

90+% of my rides are solo because of my schedule and family constraints. It just isn't condusive to group rides. That being said, once everyone gets riding around here (usually in late april when the weather is finally nice) I do one long group ride a week where I get to go out and bleed from the eyes.

Unknown said...

"I do one long group ride a week where I get to go out and bleed from the eyes."
Hehe, I know what that feels like. One of the advantages of training by your self is the flexibility of going out when you have that spare second. Nothing beat's that group ride though with the assing about and mini-races between your mates.

mandy said...

Why isn"t part of your training involving coming to my Gravel Grinder?
Can't hack it?

rick is! said...

you know, I had actually considered it but with my time constraints this spring/summer I just don't think it can happen.