Why Winter Training is the Way to Make Real Gains

​So often is the case that cyclists and triathletes fall into a seasonal pattern of gung-ho intensity in the spring and summer and relative hibernation in the fall and winter.  These athletes often fall into the trap of feeling the pressure of the impending summer events as ​the ski season comes to a close. 

Regardless of whether you’re planning your first Fondo or going for your 10 time Leadville belt buckle, the game we are all in is a long process to success. One of the things I love most about endurance sport is its ability to keep you honest. It would be extremely rare to see a high level of success in this space with little or no preparation. I love the fact that when you see someone committed to their 

 training, meaning that they work hard and are focused on what they need to improve, gains are made. It is not magic, and has very little to do with talent. It’s consistency, and hard work.

The challenge in the fall and winter is maintaining that consistency. What I am advocating here is not the same level of intensity of you might have in the summer, but rather maintaining a few rides a week. Some choose to travel to a warmer climate to gain those winter Km’s, some hit the streets and trails with their winter bikes, and some settle in for the winter on their turbo trainers. The key here is maintaining a level of consistency.

Being a coach of a vast variety of athletes, my preference in the winter is the turbo trainer. It is the one time of year that we can have a National Elite Level Champion riding shoulder to shoulder with a novice. Not only that, but both riders can achieve the highest level of excellence in achieving their individual training goals.

For more information about what we do for winter training, click here!