Increasing cycling threshold

Lets see if anyone else responds to this thread. If you are totally uncomfortable with spreadsheets, I can put something together.  The groups would be for motivation and not competition? Because I wouldn't know how to score or assign point values - that would take a lot of thought and after work, I'm not much for thinking creatively on my own

thanks!

Norine

I am familar with spreadsheets, what eactly do you mean by "increasing your cycling threshold"?

Sorry I don't know how to do spreadsheets, but I'd love to be on a team!

I'm down with kristinc0916. I know there's a lot of people signed up for this so it might get pretty extensive as far a a spreadsheet goes. I would like to be on a team if not for motivation but for a little more accountability. Count me in. There could be some smack talk too but only because I am legally obligated to smack talk kristenc since she is from Jersey and I used to live across the river in Philly.

I'll start with "I hope you drive that trainer better then you drive your car!"

because we all know Jersey dwellers can't drive.

Just kidding but I thought I would try to get everyone into it before the work really starts in weak 5.

-Chris 

I am in, I can't help with the spreadsheet.  I am going to jump on the scale and check punds and % body fat today, a little self motivation.

Joe

It looks like there's only about 8 or so of us interested in making this a team type challenge. What it we build in time trials to see how we are progressing. Possibly 1 per week as a nice "added" workout.  We have LTHR testing in week 3 and the holiday break shortly after that. If everyone has a bike computer that can track distance we can do a time trial and who ever has the best overall time wins for the week we can break it down into 2 teams and have an overall winner and a team winner. Winners get cool sig lines for the week, losers have to get an avatar of the winners choice as well as a "not so cool" sig line for the week. We could also keep track of goofy stuff like weight loss, pictures of "cycling calves" I'm just throwing out ideas. I might be able to struggle through some spreadsheets if we keep it pretty simple. I am in it for the motivation and accountability. We could start the time trials at the end of week 2 since this is kind of short notice. PM me or post here and we can make it happen. I've never done a BT challenge but I like to think I'm a fast learner.

-Chris

This sorta is fitting in with something I had in mind...bascially trainer hours (or road hours if you're fortunate to live in a warmer climate) tied in with weight loss.  I had thought about counting up the hours and then using the number of pounds lost each week as either a multiplier or a bonus number that would be added to the hours.  Weight gain (perish the thought!) would count for a deduction from the number of trainer (or road) hours.  Using time is better than mileage, that way strong riders who cover more miles don't have an advantage over someone who may ride 15 mph.

Does any of this make any sense?  Anyone else who thinks we might be able to have a go based on this?  I'd appreciate any input, and also maybe using Chris's idea of having a time trial (weekly?  twice per month?) and somehow factoring that in too.  Well, we've got nearly 2 weeks to come up with something, but I'm on board with whatever is decided.  Even mini-teams would be OK (3 person teams?).

Whatcha got for ideas?!?

Edited to say I only favor a cycling challenge because I can't do any running due to lingering injuries.  I'm such a weenie!  LOL 

Thought Id chime in and say.. while Im not in for the challenge at this stage (its race season here) I can offer some assistance with spreadsheets/teams/running a challenge if needed... feel free to PM me if anyone needs anything

Cat

OK, here's what I've come up with for a challenge.  Cycling related for the month of December, build a base and shed a few pounds along the way.  If you're interested, details are HERE!

Cycling Threshold was moved to the mentor forum.

Edit to say: That thread is where he's posting the link to the wo's and answering questions.

I think people are tracking their progress in several challenges.  I'm just trying to do all 3/week in the December Pick A Challenge.

It is my impression that there is some sort of correlation with speed as per a bike computer, (preferably with cadence?) and the 20 minute and 5 minute threshold test when the test is repeated in the spring. I think that we should see a higher speed based on the same cadence and HR/RPE we were at during the first test.

Did that make sense?  

Heck yeah.  I'm just looking for something before them since I'm an impatient jerk!  I really look forward to gaining 1.5+ mph with the same cadence next year!