How to Become a Better Climber – Lesson 4
This post is the fourth in my series about how to become a better climber. After the first three lessons you should be able to describe the physical challenges to fast climbing: The hill steepness and length, your body and bike weight. Now you know what you are up against and you can begin to plan your training. Always keep in mind what you are preparing for.
I am often asked how to plan for peak performance from a broad range of riders. The single best advice I can give you, is to start with the end. Write down how you should train the day before the race. Afterward write down how you should train two days before the race etc. This little trick keeps your focus on the event you are training for and makes sure that your tapering protocol is optimal.
Thus, if you have 14days or 14 weeks is not that interesting. It is clear that you can prepare better if you have 14 weeks, but sometimes that is impossible. Even with elite riders, race schedules and priorities might change throughout the season. Suddenly an athlete has the change to represent the national team, then that race gets a high priority and a short deadline.
In such situations, instead of trying to do the impossible, stick to sensible training planning techniques, starting with the end in mind. Sometimes one must accept that miracles are not made in 14 days or less. Instead, focus on the small changes that can be made and will have a positive influence on your performance (optimal tapering, optimization of bike etc.)
Your task today:
Describe how long time you would like to spend on your climbing project.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
always looking for cycling tips that can make me faster. Looking forward to more lessons in this series! Keep up!
I like this idea of “starting at the end.” Do you have any advice for someone who is planning to join an Olympic-distance triathlon? I’ll be doing this in about five months. I am very new to cycling as a sport, and I would appreciate any advice you have to give!