Level Training - waste of time for a normal cyclist?

[Steve vRS]

I have started trying to only do 'level 2' rides (130-140bpm for me) through January and February. However, I ride a 30-40min commute every now and again which I've been told is too short for a proper level ride so I just ride normally. I also want to get some hill practice in as I am in for the Fred Whitton!

I am training for the Sportive season and also to try a few local TTs and cat 4 criterion races.

So, am I wasting my time in level training as not every ride is a level ride and should I just go and enjoy my rides and push myself- chasing segments? I'm never going to worry any leaderboards, either real life or Strava but have improved my cycling through 'normal' rides over the past 3 years.

Steve

[Steve vRS]

The area where I live is fairly rural and flat so not hard to maintain a steady HR - even on my commute. To be honest, I just don't feel like I've worked hard enough!

Does it ruin 'the plan' if you do a couple of 2hr level 2 rides with a couple of balls out rides each week or is it all or nothing?

Steve

[Steve vRS]

paulmon said:

Just hit the hills and everything else will come. When I was training for the Fred this time last year I started down a similar path to you trying to dissect everything but in the end you just need to ride. Try and plan one big ride a week and make sure to include plenty of elevation. Aim for 1000ft every 10 miles and you'll be OK, maybe not right away but certainly by the end of Feb. Start with 40-50 milers and work your way up to something approaching the 100 mile mark.

P

I can do long distances and I can climb hills. Both together is the issue! The problem living where I do is that I have to ride almost 20 miles to find a cat 4 hill! I have been known to do hill repeats up a local 'rise' to compensate.

Steve

[Steve vRS]

paulmon said:

Stick the bike in the car and drive to them. I spend a lot of time riding around Hebden Bridge. Rather than ride the 15 miles across Manchester to get there we meet somewhere closer and do a loop. (where do you live BTW?).

P

I do take the bike in the car up to West Cumbria when I visit my Mum and Dad. There are a lot of hills there!

Between Warrington and Manchester btw.

Steve

[Steve vRS]

I tend to head towards either Frodsham or Alderley Edge. I've been up Shaley Brow and Parbold Hill a few times but I've got to get through Warrington to get there which is a pain.

Steve

[Steve vRS]

Well my Garmin has died and has been sent back to them for replacement. This means nothing is being measured- speed, distance , HR, cadence etc.

So I am measuring my rides via an iPhone in my back pocket, forgetting about levels and going like fk.

Not scientific but fun

Steve