Question: I'm a 49-year-old cyclist who enjoys riding centuries at a 5-hour pace. But I also like to time trial and want to break the hour for 40K next season. Can I train successfully for fast time trials AND fast centuries? -- Aaro H. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Yes. You can do it if you work on speed as well as endurance. Training for long rides like centuries gives … [Read more...] about Can I Go Fast for 40K and 100 Miles?
Cycling Past 40
Should I Stop Leg Weight Training in Season?
Question: I've been doing twice-weekly leg exercises in the gym since last season and have made significant progress. At the beginning of March, I cut back to one session per week. Experienced racers say that a weight program should be discontinued during the season, but some coaches claim that if you stop lifting, all the gains will be lost. What should I do? -- Erik M. Coach … [Read more...] about Should I Stop Leg Weight Training in Season?
What’s More Effective: One-Leg Squats or Two-Leg Squats?
Question: I'm a 42-year-old recreational rider who does squats to build leg strength. But I've read that specificity is important in weight training to transfer the gains to the bike. Assuming that's true, should I do single-leg squats instead of regular squats? -- Joe F. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Good question, Joe. A number of strength-and-conditioning experts … [Read more...] about What’s More Effective: One-Leg Squats or Two-Leg Squats?