Cycling Fitness / Training Advice

Andrew Jones: "Measurement of the Maximum Oxygen Uptake (VO2max): VO2peak is no longer acceptable."
http://m.jap.physiology.org/content/early/2017/01/26/japplphysiol.01063.2016

I didn't leave the office until 7-something, 40min home because I'm riding a fucking dual-sus mtb, 20min undress and hang all the wet clothes + shower, 30min eating dinner, 3hrs spent examining TABR route (instead of working on various broken bikes). Up before 7.

Ah the real world. No thanks.

I try not to measure or think about my heart otherwise I feel all the missed beats and arrhythmias etc

HR strap = obliviousness.

HR strap and no HR data on head unit - only powerz. Only look at HR drift on PC later.

Now into build phase. Intensity of intervals requires more rest before and after. Tempted to put in distance on rest days in subconscious attempt to reduce efforts and pain on interval sessions.

Anyone eat/do gels on turbo?

I don't bother with HR strap during rides. I did throw it on for the LOLs during some turbo workouts last year but I really don't care about HR since I use power for everything. The exception being I've started monitoring HRV again in the mornings.

Eat pizza gels on turbo? Of course.

Eating gels on training rides is bad enough, eating gels on the turbo is completely mental.

No, doing 120+ minutes on the turbo meaning you need to eat during it is mental. I've just started longer sessions and they suck. 4, 5 or 6 x 20 at sweetspot. Bleurgh.

Tosh.

Training involves training the gut to digest what you will be using in races as well as the rest of it (legs, CV, core, whatever). If you're tapping out 200W while watching a Simpsons episode then it's probably not necessary but if you're doing an 8hr tempo ride on a turbo then fueling is important and fueling like you'd be racing is also important.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lCti9d1b2k

Anyone eat/do gels on turbo?

I've stopped using gels completely. I now use maple syrup instead. Much easier on the stomach.

Though rarely on the turbo unless doing loooong sessions.

Gross. Tried Torq?

I think 8hr tempo rides may possibly make you an exceptional case. Personally speaking the longest race I'll do is 120km, you don't need to train your gut for that. If I did 2hrs + on a turbo I'd be minded to eat normal food (dates, nuts etc). You could even put a lovely little spread of food on a plate next to you because you know, you're inside on a turbo, rather than struggling to get something down mid-race hoping that someone doesn't attack before you've finished chewing/swallowing.

Specificity.

Are you going to be eating dates and nuts during your event? If so, great. If not, there's not much point spending your training time eating food you'll not use during your events.

If I'm racing on gels, I'm training on gels.

8 hours on a fucking turbo?!?!

Just an example to make a point. There's people who never do more than 45min and some people who ride one for a week. Dismissing fueling options, just because you're riding a static bike is silly, is the main point.

The amount of events that will require careful fuel training is pretty limited to long distance time trialling though isn't it. If you're doing multi-day ultra cycling you'll be eating anything you can find. If you're domestic racing a few gels for anything with any distance. Smashing gels on your turbo just because you're doing a tough turbo session is a great way to rot your teeth.

Not at all. Sprinters are doing very short events but have to compete in heats over a day or days. Knowing what works before and after races is critical!

Road racers enter events understanding they might not finish with their teeth anyway so that points somewhat moot.

Torq

I've always found it one of the better ones, but Maple Syrup is delicious. It also contains a good number of minerals and anti oxidants. And did I mention it's delicious?

I can get behind maple syrup. Doesn't it get a bit expensive? Difficult to carry as well

Interested on how you carry maple syrup? Squeezy bottle? I've swapped from gels to Lucho Dillitos recently and don't think i'll be going back to gels.

Glad you asked!

This
http://m.costco.co.uk/view/p/kirkland-signature-100-pure-grade-a-dark-amber-maple-syrup-6-x-1l-175275

Works out cheaper than gels (or at least the same as).

I carry it in this
http://www.alloutdoor.co.uk/hydration/accessories/hydrapak-soft-flask-250-collapsible-gel-flask-250-ml.htm?opt=34592&gclid=Cj0KEQiA_eXEBRDP8fnIlJDXxsIBEiQAAGfyoTPLeU8opLv7O7Lr_R2bvWgJdnDaH_lZjEFxq2B9Z_YaAqDm8P8HAQ

I've only ever smothered it on pancakes but with that review I'll have to give it a go sans-pancakes!

6 x 1L?!

Game on!