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Finding Time to Train on Your
Bicycle
Enjoy your Bicyce RideFinding
time for a bicycle ride can be a tough challenge in
today's crazy modern world. Commitment to family, work, sleep
etc, can leave very little time to spend on a bike or
even to train at a vigorous level.
However, it is mostly a matter of being organized and proper
planning to find the time for bicycle exercise and
training. The following are tips to finding the time to
train.
Bicycle training - set goals for yourself. You should have a
long-term objective like riding a long distance or
competing in a race. Short-term goals are vital as well for
gaining an understanding of how you are progressing. These
could be anything from quicker training times on your favorite
route or riding 50 miles without a break. Once the short-term
goal is achieved, set another until you eventually achieve your
long-term goal. It is best to keep a bicycle training diary so
you can evaluate your progress.
Do not waste time. When you do have time to get out and train,
do not waste the opportunity. If you plan an early morning
bicycle ride, make sure your bike is ready to go, clothes
prepared, water bottles are filled and gear are ready the night
before. Self discipline will play a major part in achieving
your objective.
If you cannot find sufficient time
on certain days to ride, then do not feel guilty or get
angry. You may feel inclined to go out the next day and
ride double what you normally would ride. This will only
lead to over training or injury. Accept what you cannot
control and realize that some days you just will not be
able to train.
If you cannot train during the day, then put a reliable lights
on your bike and ride at dawn or dusk. Similarly, your can also
use your lunch hour for a hearty ride. There is a saying
- 'if your physically fit -your mentally fit'.
Make sure that when you do go for a ride that you train hard.
When time is limited, hills, simulated time trials and
intervals provide an especially good workout. Heart-rate
monitors and cyclometers can be used for feedback to ensure
that you are getting maximum results from your bicycle
training.
You can combine activities. Ride your bike to work or use your
bike to run errands. If you cannot ride all the way, drive part
of the route then bicycle the rest. If you do not have time to
ride outside, use the time spent lounging in front of the
television to ride a trainer or a stationary bike.
If you cannot ride your bike find other activities to take its
place. Participate in high-intensity spin classes, lift weights
or run. You have to be willing to compromise some days.
45-minutes in a spin class is not as good as a two-hour ride
outside, but it is better than no training at all.
Try not to put things off. For instance, if you have a worn
tire, make sure to go ahead and replace it before you head out
on your lunchtime ride. It is far quicker to replace parts at
home than have things break down on a ride.
The important thing to remember is that a bicyce ride should be
fun. If you are dreading having to train it will be hard to
keep with it and stay motivated. Try to vary your routes, ride
with like-minded friends or go mountain biking.
There is always a way to ride your bike and get in a good
workout even if you are busy. You just have to use a little
imagination and be reasonably flexible with your
schedule. Remember that, not only will you enjoy your
cycling, but the health and respiratory benefits are
enormous
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