Best way to train on CT?

Triathlon Forum
1

So I’ve spent a bomb on this device to keep my from dying of bordom.

Had it for more than a month, rode it in Ergo mode, rode a number of courses on it, saw my wattage and used the spinscan.

BUT…what is the BEST way to TRAIN ON THE CT??

Strictly ergo mode and pedal away @ say 200W for 2-3 hours?

Or ride your A race course 10,000 times?

Or simulate Hill riding on one of the course to built strength??

Suggestions anyone?? Thanks!

2

Those are probably the top 3 ways I’d say NOT to use a computrainer. For some good workouts, read Joe Friel and also look at Coach Michael McCormack’s website. http://www.triathloncoach.com/ His ergo meter workouts using a benchmark LT are killers but highly effective, short workouts. My wife and I also just do Spinerval tapes with the CT on a flat, 10K loop course I made myself.

3

Those are probably the top 3 ways I’d say NOT to use a computrainer. For some good workouts, read Joe Friel and also look at Coach Michael McCormack’s website. http://www.triathloncoach.com/ His ergo meter workouts using a benchmark LT are killers but highly effective, short workouts. My wife and I also just do Spinerval tapes with the CT on a flat, 10K loop course I made myself.

4

I’ll disagree with SSN on this one. I’ve done all three of your trio at times. That’s one of the advantages of a CT - it gives you many options to structure a workout. There isn’t necessarily any right way or wrong way. Personally I don’t find the spinscan all that useful but some people swear by it. Use it as another tool to work on whatever you need to work on. Since I don’t have power on the road, I use it a lot to work on smoothing out my power profile over varied terrain and for power-based interval training. I also like riding its version of courses upon which I will be racing, although I haven’t hit the 10,000x mark yet :wink: I’m not sure why one needs a CT to do a spinervals tape, but if it floats the boat why not?

Dan

5

Yeah, I hear you about the fact that there isn’t a RIGHT or WRONG way. But what is the MOST EFFECTIVE WAY???

I’m 20 weeks away from my first IM. ANd I think being EFFICIENT is the key here.

and I’ve done Spinervals on the CT before too!!! ahhaha :slight_smile:

6

What are you trying to accomplish? What do you need work on?

You can do any and all kinds of training on the CT, from big gear hill work, to motorpacing. You have some time before your IM, so you will probably want to do periods of the various training. If you don’t have a coach, seriously think about getting one. (I know, more $) Michael McCormack www.triathloncoach.com is a great coach, and makes great use of the CT in his programs. His approach utilizes shorter, more focused workouts, instead of just banging out miles.

7

<< I’m not sure why one needs a CT to do a spinervals tape, but if it floats the boat why not? >>

I use my computrainer in ergo mode with Spinervals. I use the power numbers instead of Coach Troy’s gears for intervals. For example… if Coach Troy says “Big Ring on front and 15 on back” then I would set my watts for 250 or what ever… it makes Spinervals a little more measurable.

8

<< I’m not sure why one needs a CT to do a spinervals tape, but if it floats the boat why not? >>

…it makes Spinervals a little more measurable.
Good point.