In general, running can be a beneficial cross-training activity for cyclists, but there are certain factors to consider when prescribing frequency, duration and intensity. You should think about your age, goals, physical history and type of cycling you do before programming too much running into your training plan. Your training phase should also be considered. For instance, if you’re in the middle of racing season, you likely won’t be doing as much running.
Read moreI Hate the Hill of Life, I Love the Hill of Life
My favorite spot on Dump Truck trail to have a "stop and smell the roses" moment.
I think we've all been there. In fact, I KNOW we've all been there. It's a great day. You get your cycling stuff on and head out to the trails to do hill repeats, because you know they will make you stronger and you want that edge for the next race or event.
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Increase Power and Speed with Complex Training
It's time to dive a little deeper into the secrets of pro athletes when it comes to sport specific strength training.
Complex Training has been used by pro athletes for a long time and now becoming more widely used among us mere mortals. It can be used year around (timing it with the rest of your workouts is however very important) to increase your SPEED, POWER, IN-RACE ACCELERATIONS, and PERFORMANCE ECONOMY. So no matter what kind of endurance athlete you are you can benefit from this type of workout.
Read moreStrength Workout to Increase Muscular Endurance (video)
The best way to increase your strength is with functional strength training or "weight training".
Mountain biking and cyclocross racing are unique in the fact that they demand a lot more from your upper body and core compared to Road Cycling. Every time you go through a technical, rocky up hill section or whenever you dismount or remount on the CX bike you use core and upper body muscles.
Read moreTransitioning to Cycloross (part 2)
Transitioning to Cyclocross (part 1)
Off Season Training for Endurance Athletes
If you are a cyclist or runner then strength training is more than just gaining power; which can actually help you with your speed or power at race pace.
As cyclists and runners we tend to move our legs in one plane of motion and therefore use only certain hip muscles while others get a little neglected. Those neglected muscles are necessary for stabilization as well as helping us avoid injury when we fall or move in other directions than forward.
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