Training?

[D4MJT]

So, I'm on a real health push this year, I dropped a load of weight last year, but I really want to increase my fitness this year, instead of just being "less heavy" as it were.

My question around training is this really: Currently my riding style is that I settle into a ride, and generally complete it tired but in a form where I could continue. I don't really jump on and hammer it until I can't go any further. This is allowing me to extend my rides from the minimum 7 miles to home, up to 10-15 miles each way depending on time constraints. I'm comfortably completing these rides, and I've noticed over 2 seperate 30/35 mile weekend rides, that my fitness is improving, as I'm noticeably 'less sore' after the last one than the first.

But...

Would I be better off keeping to the 7 mile minimum distance commute, but effectively smashing it every day to try and get the time down? On an average run I cover 6.7 miles in 25 minutes ish. It's not lightning quick, but it's better than I was, and there's some traffic to contend with before I can open it up.

If it adds anything to the mix, I'm needing to start running 3 nights a week soon as well, as I'm running a 10k in June and I need to start training for that.

Sorry if that's an essay, I just wondered if some rather more experienced riders might have some advice! Cheers!

Edited by D4MJT on Tuesday 2nd April 15:24

[anonymous-user]

I was told to vary your training routes so your body doesnt learn the routes. Not sure if its true but I can see the logic where, as an example, you know that your need to keep some energy in reserve for the hill that you know is at 6 miles...

Try basing your fitness on overall average speed regardless of the distance rather than the time taken to complete a set route too. You can be really geeky and have a simple graph to track progress too!... also dont underestimate the value of something like Strava if you dont already use it. Finally, accept that some times you will be quicker and some times you will be slower as you can never have the same conditions or preparation but most of all, just enjoy it!

[Fozziebear]

I'd just enjoy the rides mate. Have a bit of fun with strava and try to beat certain sections of your rides home. Try some variations to the routes you ride, add an extra hill?, add an extra mile just to shock your body. As for the running, I'd just go out once a week and do 5-10k steady, unless your hoping to break the 30min barrier, your doing enough miles on the bike not to worry about the running