OK, so my name is not Fred but I’m a Fred and not proud. I don’t want to be a Fred. I’ve been running for a few years, swimming for a year and my financial position allowed me to buy a Scott Plasma LTD, minus the Zipps but with mavic cxp33/Ultegra 32 spokes for my 220lbs. I have never even ridden a tri-bike until I bought this thing and barely even rode a bike. I got fit and bought a Kinetic trainer and want to ride 4-5 days per week until I can get outside in a couple months. I can’t stand the thought of owning such a nice bike but sucking on it. I have a couple spinerval tapes, time trialpalooza(1.5 hours) and tough love???(3 hours). I’m up to about 2:15 on the 3 hour tape.
What else should I be doing? I feel like I need to work on technique and keep logging hours. I feel comfortable on the bike in aero but feel like I lack power in aero as opposed to upright and further back on the saddle. Is there any drills or websites that have drills that you recommend?
Fred, just stay where you are and keep reading. Some really good advice and coaching is right here…they might however call you a poser untill you actually start getting into it. Good luck to you!
Stick to it. Remember, less weight is as good as more watts. I’m in the process of losing some weight as well for the upcoming season, it isn’t fun but necessary.
Also, find yourself a decent local coach to teach you all of the basics of swimming form and to bounce questions off of. He’ll also get you into a formatted workout plan rather than just riding.
And remember, when it comes to training, More is MORE. I wasn’t sure if I believed that, but I upped my running a ton this year (for me at least!) and was very pleased with the results.
first of all you have your name working against you for cycling. I think going right to a good bike is a good idea. it saves money on the buy-entry-level-upgrade-in-six-months-lose-money plan. and lastly, just ride often and frequently and most things will take care of themselves. mix it up with long easier rides and shorter high intensity rides.
Make sure you read up on proper nutrition/recovery. You want to make sure you are getting as much as you can out of the workouts.
Second, since you are just starting out and excited and want to ride a lot, you have to learn to listen to your body and avoid injuries. It is better to go slow sometimes and avoid an injury as opposed as going all out and then sitting on the sidelines for a few weeks/months.
I can’t stand the thought of owning such a nice bike but sucking on it.
!!! EUREKA!!! I just had an epiphany!!! If I upgrade and get a much nicer bike, through shame, it will compel me to get out on it more, thus making me a better and stronger cyclist!!! Thank you, Fred!
On the trainer, practice getting in and out of the cleated pedals so you don’t kill yourself when you go outside. Shorter workouts are ok for a beginner, too.
I can’t stand the thought of owning such a nice bike but sucking on it.
Which is why when I got a Cervelo P3 in 2004, I went from a ~1,000 mile per year rider to 4,000+ miles per year. It made a huge difference in races. It’s a great source of motivation.
