We’d like to share an enlightening e-mail about indoor training from ultramarathon cycling legend Lon Haldeman — followed by Coach Fred Matheny’s response. Lon won the first 2 Races Across America in the early 1980s and set numerous endurance records. Now he operates PAC Tour, which has given thousands of riders the chance to cross…
Question: You’ve mentioned you’re fighting aging by riding hard at times, even during winter. I’m 59 and would like to know more about your program so I can stave off the Grim Reaper. — Melvin C. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: No training program will keep Mr. Reaper away if he has your number. But as…
Question: I’m 40 and have been increasing my training annually for the last three years. I accumulated about 4,000 miles last year and regularly rode or raced 50+ miles on both Saturday and Sunday. I did fine on Saturday, but I noticed a lack of power for the Sunday event. Maybe it’s my age. Do…
Question: I want to race this season but I don’t want to come in last. I can ride 19 mph for hours and can cover 21 miles in an hour at an all-out pace. Is this fast enough to hang with the main pack, or should I even bother? — Robert P.
Question: I want to improve my power at lactate threshold (LT) so I can excel in time trials and on long climbs. But I don’t know how hard to ride during LT training. Lab tests are expensive, I’m told that heart rate is unreliable, and I don’t have a power meter. Is there a simple…
