Cycling Training Tips and Advice

So you're a cyclist and you're keen to get started on a training regime? Great. But don't rush into anything until you've planned everything to the enth degree. If you glean all the advice you can get you hands on, you will be well on the road to fulfilling your training potential.

Discipline is the one thing all serious athletes require in order to reach their goals. It is the common element that can be found resident within all those that we look up to in the sporting arena and aspire to be like. For me the simple action of getting out of that warm bed early in the morning is the hardest step of all! Discipline demands that you make decisions ahead of time. There will be no saying no if it is too cold or too hot. There will be no question as you lay your head on the pillow of whether you will be rising the next day with the sun or not. Discipline is often the difference between the great and the good.

Even serious cyclists are human and that is why they need extra motivation to keep on keeping on. The best way to stay motivated, in my opinion, is to train in a group. The best groups are between four and six cyclists. Don't let the group become too large as in a big group you will not be as conspicuous if you're absent one day. You must be conspicuous so that you can be chased up. It's all about accountability through a sense of belonging and responsibility to the group. Guilt is not necessarily a bad thing and if you're feeling guilty about letting the rest of your group down, you are more likely to stay regularly involved. This in turn will lead to greater levels of fitness, strength and endurance in you, which is a huge part of your aim in training.

There are many benefits in being part of a smallish cycling training group. The healthy competition factor can be an incredible booster and help us push the front wheel over the line of comfort, and consequently make us better and stronger riders. As a group, setting a time occasionally to reach a particular destination, or setting a time for a section of the ride, adds variety and keeps the competitive edge alive and well. Be honest with each other, set goals and offer advice to each other. This will greatly aid your development as a cyclist.

When riding in a group, consider carefully the various abilities within the group. Not everybody will be identical in strength, endurance and mental stamina, but everybody can have a useful ride. Make sure the youngest and fittest memebers of the group are lead wheel and that you are training in a time trial formation. Then go for it! Weaker riders should stay at the back for longer stretches. Sometimes you can adapt so that the fittest riders reach the top of steep hills first, then turn back and rejoin the rest of you before heading to the top again. This way everyone gets a work out.

Assess the group's weaknesses and strengths. Some are sprinters, some climbers and some real all rounders. The group factor can really come into play to help each other overcome individual areas of cycling weakness. Help those that hate the hills, and steadily speed up the non sprinters. Changing your route will assist this. Also having a short loop circuit when hill training can be fun so the better riders can surge ahead and catch the group. In essence you are still training together. Finishing off the session with a group handicapped sprint can be great enjoyment and leave you feeling like you have really pushed yourself.

Keep in mind that relationship is an extremely important factor in your training success. This is not given nearly enough credence, in my opinion. Train in a group, not on your own. Don't just ride with your training group, socialise with them and get to know them and their families. These informal connections will build understanding and trust. This in turn will make you feel more responsible to your training group and you wont be as inclined to let them (and yourself!) down by not turning up to training sessions and so on. Perhaps you've noticed the tendency of runners, cyclists, swimmers and other athletes to achieve personal bests in team events and/or relays. This is no accident! As individual competitors, you will be positively influenced by having your fellow-trainers around, encouraging you and inspiring you.

It is vital that you enhance the effects of your hard work and training by intaking the correct amount of food and drink for you. There are subtle differences in what cyclists believe is best to consume before, during and after a ride. However, most cyclists are agreed on the need for amino sports fuel and protein drinks. Amino Sports Fuel drinks are best taken before or during training, and these aim to replace the electrolytes you are using up. Protein shakes/supplements are best taken in the hour after you conclude your training to aid the recovery process of your muscles and prevent injury. You may as well have every advantage, afterall, you're doing your part in putting in the hard yards.

Keep safety as a priority. Before a single pedal has turned, quickly discuss the safety issues of the route - transition points, equipment, high traffic areas, weather conditions and clear signals that all the group can understand and react to. Be aware of when others and yourself are becoming fatigued. Let each other know. Accidents invariably occur when riders' reactions and senses are marred due to physical stress and exhaustion. That's why it's good to finish with a predetermined safe stretch home.

Being a serious cyclist is whole lot of fun and it's also terribly hard. It was never meant to be worked out on your own. Train in a group and enjoy all the benefits that brings. Listen to as much advice as you can find and implement the tips which make the most sense to you. With consistency and determination, you will be on your way to achieving all that you dreamed you could!

Article Source: http://www.globetrekkerarticles.com

Colin Johnson has been a creative fitness expert and elite sports coach in a variety of fields. He strongly endorses whey protein shakes for muscle repair and development and Amino Sports Fuel for lasting energy.
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