I’ve been a cyclist for a few years, and although I lost 15 pounds when I first started riding, I just can’t seem to lose the next 15 – despite riding about 10 hours a week. What gives? – Mark R. – Milwaukee, WI I travel and participate in a lot of events, from charity …
Before I move on to other topics, you have to check out this article from the New York Times. There have been plenty of studies that have verified the efficacy of the high-intensity training principles behind the “Time-Crunched Cyclist” and “Time-Crunched Triathlete” books and training programs. The articles referenced by the NYT extends the premise …
By Chris Carmichael Although many ski areas around the country are lamenting the lack of snow this winter, it’s still plenty cold enough out there to make cycling and running outside a significant challenge. This year is a little different than prior years for me, in that I have a 6-day mountain bike stage race …
By Chris Carmichael Progress. It’s what we’re all after, what athletes train hours, months, and years to accomplish. You might have personal or competitive goals driving you forward, but behind all of those there’s the necessity to make progress. And so we test ourselves. We do field tests, lab tests, test ourselves against our buddies, …
By Chris Carmichael I’m writing this article as wind-driven snow pelts the window of my office, reminding me more than ever that this is peak indoor cycling season! I’m a firm believer in utilizing relatively short and hard indoor training sessions, as opposed to mind-numbing endurance sessions staring at the wall or watching the entire …
By Chris Carmichael, One of the biggest questions I get at this time of year is, “What should I be doing in the dead of winter so I’m ready for a Spring Training Camp in February or March?” For many athletes, a CTS Spring Training Camp is the start of the season and they come …
By Chris Carmichael There’s a good reason the biggest diet books of the year are released right after the new year; despite our best intentions to eat less, exercise more, and maintain some sense of restraint during the holidays, the endless gauntlet of party trays, buffets, and family feasts beats us into submission. Nearly all …
Indoor training season is upon us and although I’d rather we’d all rather be riding outside, the truth of the matter is you can make huge gains with relatively short workouts on the trainer. Below I’ve included a few tips for maximizing your time on the trainer. I’m excited for the winter because two days …
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase, “It’s always darkest just before the dawn.” Well, the darkest point within an athlete’s training plan is often right about the time of their last big training block, which is typically about a month out from competition (sometimes closer, depending on the event). You’re fatigued and the workload of …
By Chris Carmichael Coming into a major event like an Ironman triathlon, you have likely left very little to chance. Your hydration and nutrition strategy has been tested in training, your equipment has been scrutinized for optimal fit and comfort, and you’ve been focused on your training for many months. That level of preparation maximizes …