The winter/inside season is ending quickly and it is time I access my winter progress. However before I do that a few words about winter training. I like the indoor season for many reasons. I have access to many great riders so I can look at their form, ask them questions and I never get dropped, a fact that always inspires me. A few weeks ago I was able to ride next to, and talk to Bryce, an accomplished long distance rider, and ask him a ton of questions concerning my upcoming races and got some pretty good advice. Inside workouts are also easier to accomplish, as opposed easier to do, which they never are, because inside there no car doors to avoid or traffic to dodge and there are absolutely no potholes so I am able to totally concentrate on my cycling goals. The final benefit is that I am able to watch myself in the mirror while I ride. I can see if I am moving too much and practice on keeping my body still. This skill is still elusive and is taking up a ton of my time.
Bottom line: I had a great winter season. I think I am stronger both in watts and mentally. I have a better idea of what my strengths are and I know what I can accomplish. Solvang had a very positive effect in my training but I have been able to hone those lessons inside.
The major lesson I learned this indoor season was mental toughness. When I changed my mantra from “rotation/hydration” to “I know I can, I know I can” my riding greatly improved. I don’t think the mantra made me a better rider but it did give me more confidence, which has made all the difference in the world.
Letting my mantra take all the credit for my improvement is not totally fair. I am a stronger rider. My weight to power ratio is slowly increasing. I can tell I am getting stronger because I can outlast many people on climbs. I may lose ground on the flats but I can make up time on the climb. Of course weight/power is an exact term and success is a relative term based on that day and the ride, but my spirits are high and I am feeling good. What a great way to start the outside season and with the weather warming…..
I will see you on the road.
