How do you handle wind--spin or mash?

Triathlon Forum
21

Spin; RPM’s 86-98.

Dave from VA

22

Thanks Lee. That’s why we put on the 12/25, huh?

23

Maintain regular cadence adjusting gearing as necessary to keep HR in line. Some people immediately drop into easier gears and increase RPM which is not necessarily the best thing to do (people do the same things approaching climbs). Then you feel like a hamster on the wheel going no where until your speed drops enough to make you feel normal again. But then you’re going even slower and more pissed off.

I shift when HR jumps and sustains +5bpm. Sometimes HR will jump, peak, and return as you get used to it. Just like surging in running. I like to keep gearing and rpm for a minute to see, then I focus on rhythmic breathing to take my mind off of the wind and loss of speed. Zone out and see if you can keep the same gear, it takes practice, but will get better over time. Negative mental outlook will cause you to slow down, I guarantee it.