Endurance 😮💨
Endurance is something most of us cyclists strive for; especially if our interests lean towards long-distance rides. The word, however, can mean different things.
There’s the endurance required for long, moderately-paced events, which is aerobic endurance. It’s all very well to develop a large base of such fitness; but the trouble is that it doesn’t prepare you for anaerobic efforts.
No matter how long I can ride on flat ground, or how fast; hills not only slow me down a lot, but the extra effort needed to climb exhausts me in no time. I became acutely aware of that while riding Tour de Cure through hilly terrain. I didn’t live near the TdC course; and the weekly training rides weren’t enough for me to develop proper climbing legs!
Working Up 🏋🏻
Many a book and website say, you’ve got to train both your aerobic and anaerobic systems. Yes, you need to be able to ride long miles; but exclusive focus on long, moderate rides won’t develop the force you’ll need for hills.
Force development, I admit, isn’t fun. It means very hard efforts that have me gasping for breath; and convince me that mountain biking at altitude isn’t for me. But I’m working up to longer and longer efforts. There’s no great hurry at this point; and I’d rather get into stuff like this slowly and carefully.
These two ways of training develop both your slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers. The former are at work during those long, moderate efforts. Need to get over a hill? That’s when you need trained fast-twitch muscles!
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ABOUT ME
I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story.
I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling!
Website designed by Cecile Levert
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DISCLAIMER
I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.
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