Road cycling to fitness
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I love going cycling, getting pretty addicted to it, but I I'm not sure it's all that great for functional fitness. Good for cardio vascular conditioning for sure, but for training muscles - it's a very restricted and specific excercise that is continually repeated so I try to mix things up in the gym a bit - but nowhere near JKs definition!<br><br>
While training over the winter, (when I can) I've noticed the old leg muscles are definitely recovering quicker. Did two good sessions this week (40km each) within only one rest day in between - previously I was needing 2-3 days recovery. <br><br>
I really can't wait for Spring when I can do a bit more, especially in the evenings. It's very frustrating looking forward to cycle all week while at work, only to find it's blowing a gale and raining over the weekend. -
<p>Hang in there bro, you are setting a great foundation for when the weather improves and you can do more riding!</p>
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Did the 120km today. I am in bits. Had to cycle into a brute of a NE headwind for much of the return which was cold as well as hard work. I did it in a shade under 5 hrs, I could find out exact time but that would involve moving.<br><br>
I now plan to eat my own bodyweight in pasta as soon as I can raise myself from horizontal. -
<p>Hey Cookie, good effort mate. If you ever feel the ride was too long spare a thought (blatant plug incoming) for my cousin who is cycling the length of NZ to raise money for his nephew.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.facebook.com/RideforDallas/?pnref=story'>https://www.facebook.com/RideforDallas/?pnref=story</a></p>
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<p>He is a mountain biker but don't hold that against him :whistle:</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Paekakboyz" data-cid="561570" data-time="1456703791">
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<p>Hey Cookie, good effort mate. If you ever feel the ride was too long spare a thought (blatant plug incoming) for my cousin who is cycling the length of NZ to raise money for his nephew.</p>
<p>Â </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.facebook.com/RideforDallas/?pnref=story'>https://www.facebook.com/RideforDallas/?pnref=story</a></p>
<p>Â </p>
<p>He is a mountain biker but don't hold that against him :whistle:</p>
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</blockquote>
<p>Â </p>
<p>There is some crazy people out there.</p>
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Got a mate whos running the length of the south island!!</p> -
Bloody one holiday and one bout of Manflu later and my fitness is shot to buggery.<br><br>
Got out on the bike today for first time in ages. Now the clocks have gone forward it's great to cycle in the early evening. Cold crisp sunny day - beautiful. Also tried out my new jacket, thin, light, windproof and breathable - just kept at a nice temperature, amazing bit of kit! -
Been smashing out the rides this week - 20 milers on Sun, Mon and Weds and 30 miler today. Better weather and now lighter evenings.<br><br><br>
Have previously been suffering with e odd migraine after rides which I put down to dehydration. Been experimenting with electrolyte drinks (always been sceptical about these things) and have not had a migraine since using them.<br><br>
Now I'm a convert I'm trying recovery drinks see if they make a differnce. Early signs are they make a difference. -
Gym: KBs, dips, press ups, pull ups etc, punchbag followed by a core session. Core session was first class I'd done in gym for ages. Many of the girls put me to shame - still it's great incentive for holding your planks etc and not being first to collapse.
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Key test for the recovery drinks this week. I plan hi intensity rides today and Friday followed by long ride on Sun (gym on Sat), so let's see if the old legs are still working by the end of the week. Will also be saying hello to my little friend the roller. #shudders#
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<p>That sounds like a cool week of training mate. Will be a good gauge of how things are tracking - hope you get decent weather!!</p>
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<p>Go hard bro!! </p> -
Two 25 mile sessions this week with some hills thrown in - practising staying in the saddle and powering up the slope, which is harder on the legs (rather than riding out the saddle, harder on the lungs).<br><br>
Have to say the recovery drinks seem to work a treat. A little bit of soreness today, but not much. Gym session today, KBs, pull ups/dips, core stuff and a few 3 minute rounds on the punch bag.<br><br>
Longer cycle ride tomorrow.
