On a similar note: when is it appropriate to "train through" a race? Or is this really an [pre]-excuse for poor performance?
As BikeSnobNYC puts it:
Despite the fact we're still in the middle of the Tour, the fact is that road racing season's basically over anyway. The astute rider has already written it off and begun focusing his or her attention on cyclocross. The key to a successful racing season is to always live a minimum of four months in the future, mentally-speaking. That way you can dismiss your poor performances as simple preparation. Sure, you may not get anywhere near the front of the pack in a road race this summer, but you're just trying to get some intense mileage in so you'll be ready for cyclocross season. Poor mountain bike racing is even easier to rationalize--you're just doing that to improve your bike-handling. And of course once 'cross season does begin, you're still under no pressure to get results because, really, you're just doing it to maintain your form during the off-season. With the right attitude, you can surf an entire year of racing like a great big wave of mediocrity. Winning is for dopers and sandbaggers.
Without discounting the few remaining road races this season, I’m already thinking about my approach for next season. Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Posts
3 comments:
I would definitely argue that racing is not the best training. I think most athletes need some level of racing to get in that final bit of intensity and neuromuscular specificity. But beyond that it limits your training load and most people will typically write off a day before and after a race which means you just killed almost half your training week for one hour of racing.
Setting aside the physiological aspects I think there should be a balance but that's up to the individual (and usually his wife :) ) If you're young and single, race as much as you can.
And of course, all this simply highlights another beauty of 'cross. No one can race a full road season, there are just too many events from Feb to Oct. But race a single 'cross season, no problem.
All good points, Chris... but:
Training is like dating and racing is like sex. I prefer to race a lot--even if it's not very good--than to train a lot for just a handful good results.
But that's me. Maybe other guys enjoy going to the lame movies, talking about her friends, paying for dinner, etc.
Oh! and time trialing is like "racing", but by yourself.
We should all time trial every once in a while. It's healthy.
Post a Comment