Question: When I started cycling in the late '70s, coaches were of the view that building an aerobic base was very important – and specific. Training outside of the aerobic zone interfered with aerobic development and should be avoided at all costs. Does this compartmentalized view still hold up, given the increased knowledge we have of sports science? It seems to … [Read more...] about Is It Necessary to Build an Aerobic Base?
Coach John Hughes
Ask the Coach: Explain Lactate Threshold, Lactic Acid and Cramping
By Coach John Hughes RBR Reader Maude asks, “Over the past several years, there has been considerable discussion that lactic acid buildup is NOT responsible for cramping and after-exercise muscle pain. Yet you and other publications continue to use "lactate threshold" as some sort of line in the sand. I'd like to see an article discussing this area.” Maude, … [Read more...] about Ask the Coach: Explain Lactate Threshold, Lactic Acid and Cramping
Anti-Aging: Weekend Warrior Works
By Coach John Hughes Just hitting it on the weekend does about as much for longevity as exercising on most days of the week as long as the cumulative weekly amounts are equivalent. Standard Aerobic Exercise Recommendations The World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine and the US Department of Health and Human Services all recommend exercising … [Read more...] about Anti-Aging: Weekend Warrior Works
14 Tips for What to Eat and Drink on Your Century
By Coach John Hughes You’ve trained hard and you want to do your best. Now your success depends on your nutrition! Your goal could be to finish your first metric or 100-mile century. Or conquer a particularly hard 100. Or set a personal best in your club’s classic century. Or compete against others in a grand fondo. Or have more fun and finish your local century without … [Read more...] about 14 Tips for What to Eat and Drink on Your Century
Clothing for the Beginning Cyclist
By Coach John Hughes "When you don’t race, almost every shirt, sweater, jacket or coat you own is a cycling garment.” — Grant Petersen, founder Rivendell Bicycle Works. Rivendell is a good source for bikes and gear for normal riders, not racers. Any Active Clothing To start riding all you need are clothes you'd wear for anything active: shorts, shirt and … [Read more...] about Clothing for the Beginning Cyclist