Comments on: Diversity Rules but Consistency is King

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:19:13 +0000

Jason,
I am BIG on recovery. In fact, I’ve been writing a post about it in my head for a few days now. You are absolutely right… nobody is giving the couch the credit it deserves.
My coach and I had a big ho-down about recovery the other day. I am the type who will overtrain if allowed to… he set me straight (and sat my ass on the couch for two days after a brutal three-day training barrage that left me nearly lifeless).
Recovery is when the magic happens. It’s when the rebuilding happens. I am constantly adjusting my schedule (and did this prior to having a coach as well) according to the results I’m getting, and the feedback from my body. Working it all in is a challenge for a lot of us, I think, but who doesn’t love a challenge? :)

As far as being on the bike everyday, I think it’s fine. It’s what you’re doing on the bike… rest/recovery can be active – but you actually have to be diligent about those “recovery workouts” giving you true recovery. Many people aren’t good at this (they get out there and just start hammering, no matter what) and for those people, it might just be better to mix in some full days of rest off the bike.

The key is to plan and then track. Tracking let’s you know what you did, so you can see what you should do. If you don’t have information, you can’t make informed decisions about your plan.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:07:38 +0000

What do you think about rest and recovery? Are those on the bike every day going to keep gaining over time or suffer fatigue and burnout? Nobody seems to give the couch the credit it deserves as a valuable training partner. Most people seem to think recovery is something you drink or a supplement you use to keep banging out reps. If you have a nice schedule do you stick to that or listen to your body? Trust me, I’m so a.d.d. I’ve been typing and retyping this for an hour. I like to hike, run (hard on my knees,) bike, and inline skate, and now having seen some really cool alternatives to boring gym routines on youtube I would like to start doing anaerobic exercise. Not to mention I gotta fit the dog in too!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:58:40 +0000

Timely post, cuz. We’re thinking along the same lines. I’m looking forward to geeking out on the planning and reaping the rewards of it this summer!

By: iride

iride — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:55:58 +0000

I’ve gotten pretty overwhelmed in the past with other “bikers” and “skiers”. The absolute singlemindedness with which some people can pursue a single sport just astounds me. So it’s nice to hear that someone else is as ADD about sports as I am.

By: UltraRob

UltraRob — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:23:46 +0000

Although my long distance cycling requires lots of time on the bike, I also like to mix it up. During the winter I like snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Summer I like to hike and backpack. I only run when something big and scary is chasing me and I like to keep those situations to a minimum.

I think the key is learning when some other activity is too close to a big event. Close to events I think you need to be focused on the primary sport but other times cross training is beneficial both physically and mentally.

By: Steven

Steven — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:13:25 +0000

I've reached the point of diminishing returns on the "just ride your bike" model of training. My training plan doesn't have me on the bike every day, and this time of year it doesn't have me on the bike (outside) at all! Fortunately everything fits in with "the plan": more running and yoga in the fall and winter, more weight training in the winter and spring, more cycling in the summer and fall. I totally agree, planning is the key. Don't know how you fit softball in there though!

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:05:44 +0000

Okay, I’m sitting down tonight with my notebook and planning out my fitness year. Last year the plan was all about the Leadville 100 MTB. This year, so far, no goals, no plan. No wonder I’m going nowhere.

I’m gettin’ me a plan. A diverse and consistent plan.

Preach on sister.