Winter time means shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, some rain and in some places even snow (us Southern California peeps don’t know about that). It’s hard to get out on the bike, take a lot more motivation than on a nice bright warm summer day. Most days there is no going out. It is sitting indoors logging hours on a stationary trainer, or as many know it, a Turbo trainer.
Winter is the time to set the stage for next season though, it’s in this time where you lay your foundation for what’s ahead. This time of year is Base training time, setting a new base for your future fitness. Those hours of Turbo Training time can be a tough pill to swallow. It can be boring, monotonous, and tough to focus. With all that it still a great time, there is so much benefit that comes from that times. You can set specific intervals of work, no having to stop at lights, or the terrain messing with things. You can set specific blocks in those legs, no distraction. You can also use the time to get tougher, those are hard hours, sucking it up set up that mental toughness. At the end of it you feel great (all be it tired) but it was worth it. When the weather gets better you’ve been killing the game indoors and are ready to hit the road with some good conditioning and have the best year yet.
Set up your turbo room however works best for you. I’ve got my TV, speakers, and of course a fan to help. I like to watch Cyclocross races, Formula 1, or even some FINA swimming events. I’m not a big fan of watching a show or movie, I don’t really conentrate so I pass on those.
30 Plus 