General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Requesting any bike trainer training tips Rss Feed  
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2008-08-11 2:45 PM

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Subject: Requesting any bike trainer training tips
So, I decided to get a bike trainer last week, and as luck would have it, NJ is experiencing some stormy weather today, so today is the day to try it (other than the 5 minute "gotta try it" time) for training.  Today is a 90 minute zone 2 day.  Since I'm used to hills and scenery, is there any different mindset I need to have to enjoy staying in place and keep it fun/engaging?  I've already decided having music will be a treat.  Thanks in advance for any tips!


2008-08-11 3:08 PM
in reply to: #1595040

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Requesting any bike trainer training tips

Back in my days when I'd do 3 hour trainer rides I'd play epic type video games or watch movies.

Just remember that a trainer ride is a constant effort compared to riding on the road where you can coast, soft pedal downhills, etc.  Doing a 90 minute trainer ride will feel (and probably physically be) more taxing than a similar road ride.

Have a towel handy to wipe away the sweat (I usually keep one draped over my aero bars while I ride) and if you have a fan, have it blowing directly on you.  And keep some windows open if it is not a million degrees out to help with ventilation.

2008-08-11 3:09 PM
in reply to: #1595040

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Subject: RE: Requesting any bike trainer training tips
my trainer lives in front of the tv, so i just pick a good show and get to work.  i think some people do movies for long rides.  i just put the remote control on a table next to me so I can reach it and i'm good to go.
2008-08-11 3:19 PM
in reply to: #1595040

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Master
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Subject: RE: Requesting any bike trainer training tips

Similar to what Rick and others have said.  I did several 3 plus hour rides this past winter on the trainer as I live in Chicago.  I usually just watched movies, I gave Netflix a good workout.  With no coasting on a trainer it really gives you a good workout.  I was more wiped out after riding 3 hours on the trainer than I was 5 hours on the road. 

Be sure to have a fan blowing on you and a towel handy.  I also ride on the trainer with a headband on to help with all the sweat. 

2008-08-11 3:24 PM
in reply to: #1595040

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Subject: RE: Requesting any bike trainer training tips
I keep a towel on my handlebars for easy use and my bike is set up on top of an old yoga mat to prevent pools of sweat on the floor.  I normally watch a movie on DVD.  And I also normally wear my "headsweats" visor to help absorb the sweat.
2008-08-11 4:05 PM
in reply to: #1595040

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Subject: RE: Requesting any bike trainer training tips
I do two types of workouts on my trainer. One is interval type work where I am mixing up intensities similar to a short bike race 30 to 45 minutes. I have a few DVD's of point of view racing and I try to match intensity of attacks, etc.

The other workout I do is long, steady rides. I've built up to 1 hour 45 minutes and have been increasing that at a steady rate for several months. TV is a must for this. Watching the Olympics while riding has been great motivation. The 4 x 100 freestyle last night was awesome.


2008-08-11 8:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Requesting any bike trainer training tips

Get a very comfortable seat.

I like playing the Wii and getting in a double workout. 

 

2008-08-11 10:26 PM
in reply to: #1595916

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Subject: RE: Requesting any bike trainer training tips
Christris - 2008-08-11 9:10 PM

Get a very comfortable seat.

I like playing the Wii and getting in a double workout. 

 

Umm...yeah, I understand that now.  "The Boys" were more uncomfortable than my legs, which was hard to do, since my legs were on fire.  I had to keep on shifting my body on the bike, which got me out of good routine a lot.  Thanks everyone for your advice.  Sweat catchers of all types helped, and yes, keeping a 85+ pace for 90 minutes was pretty tough.  Hills are harder in the short-term, but never catching a break and keeping pedaling is tougher in the long term.  Hopefully spending some time on the trainer will get me ready to keep a steady pace up hills, rather than just slogging through them.

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Requesting any bike trainer training tips Rss Feed