Question: This is a general question, but first a statement. Often, the physiology journals report of 12-week training periods with reports of X% improvement compared to the control group. About 7 years ago I completed a local century in about 9+ hours, which included off-bike time. I prepared with attempts to ride faster. I attempted this with most of my riding at "greater … [Read more...] about How Much Can I Realistically Improve at My Age?
Coach John Hughes
On the Rivet IV: Improving Performance Through Positive Thinking
By Coach John Hughes What you think influences how you feel, and how you feel affects your performance. For example, on my trainer I can put out about 5% more power if I’m thinking, “I feel strong and I can nail these intervals” than if I think, “This is really going to hurt”! Further, I’ll put out more power if I get on the trainer and really focus on my … [Read more...] about On the Rivet IV: Improving Performance Through Positive Thinking
Fit for Life IX: The Four Pillars – No. 4 is Enjoyment
By Coach John Hughes Let’s review. Your goal is to stay as fit and healthy as possible for the rest of your life, what the gerontologists call "squaring the geriatric curve." You can control the rates of decline of your different physiological systems. How? By following the Four Pillars, which I've been detailing in a series of columns over that past month. (Each of the … [Read more...] about Fit for Life IX: The Four Pillars – No. 4 is Enjoyment
Fit for Life VIII: The Four Pillars – No. 3 is Recovery
By Coach John Hughes Cycling legend Ned Overend on training: “I do exactly what I’ve always done; it just takes me longer.” Overend, now 62, won the first UCI World Mountain Bike championship in 1990. Last year “Deadly Nedly” took second overall in the Iron Horse Classic Omnium in Durango. He was third in the Durango to Silverton road race, which goes over two passes, each … [Read more...] about Fit for Life VIII: The Four Pillars – No. 3 is Recovery
Fit for Life VII: The Four Pillars – No. 2 is Intensity
By Coach John Hughes “I have a new approach to being a ‘Superager’,” says Elizabeth Wicks, who just turned 73. “You must expend enough effort that you feel some 'yuck.' Do it till it hurts, and then a bit more." As I write this, I’m sitting near my father-in-law, Dick, who turns 90 this year. He’s riding his trainer at a steady 80 rpm! He gets around with a walker and needs … [Read more...] about Fit for Life VII: The Four Pillars – No. 2 is Intensity