Training for hills without hills
grant1974
Posts: 262
in General Chat
Hi,
I'm lucky enough to live in the Cotswolds, so loads of hills to practice on.
During the week I commute to work a few times, unfortunately this route is lacking hills, it has a few lumps but nothing to get excited about. I have thought of changing the way I go, but I have a tight timeframe due to family commitments.
So is there any way to turn this route into a hill training ride?
Obviously at the weekend I hit the hills, I just wondered if I can use this ride in a more structured manor.
Any suggestions
I'm lucky enough to live in the Cotswolds, so loads of hills to practice on.
During the week I commute to work a few times, unfortunately this route is lacking hills, it has a few lumps but nothing to get excited about. I have thought of changing the way I go, but I have a tight timeframe due to family commitments.
So is there any way to turn this route into a hill training ride?
Obviously at the weekend I hit the hills, I just wondered if I can use this ride in a more structured manor.
Any suggestions
0
Comments
Rather than focus just on hills why not think about the A races you've lined up and the type of bike courses they have. You could probably use your flat commute rides to train specifically for them. Hill training is great for strength/force & muscle endurance but is not the be all & end all. Specificity is important.
For example if there are lots of corners why not try some accelerations. Even hilly tris have flat bits so practice & refine going aero. Do race pace intervals - very specific. Learn to apply your strength at speed (speed x force = power). Try doing some intervals at higher & lower cadence than race pace. Practice riding with a smooth pedal action.
Mix it up a bit & you should see the benefits come race day
Great advice though thanks...
On weekends, I just try to go out and find the hilliest loop I can, and keep circling it.
On weekends, I just try to go out and find the hilliest loop I can, and keep circling it.
Hi I can recommend this. My commute is fairly flatish but generally a downward gradient on the way in and obviously up on the way home. I do the same idea as above and it works a treat - I have to make sure I feel the burn in my legs. I top this up with weekend work in the chilterns - off road. I grew up in the peaks and I'm from the lakes originally so I know a hill or two.
Last year I entered an off road duathlon and despite racing against experienced MTBer's I was 5th on the bike leg.