Winter training costs $1000.00 ?

[Obsession: Bikes]

Just noticed the thread about how to spend $1000.00 for winter training tools and could not help but add my two bits.
Your heart and lungs can not tell if you are X country skiing, running or biking but your head sure does. There will be no substitute for going hard when you go hard and going easy when you are supposed to go easy. The best plan is to have a plan. Read some books, interview some coaches develop a plan that is adaptive to you and the weather.
If you are burnt on riding - don't, there are so many cool activities that keep your aerobic system in the game and freshen your head.
Many coaches recommend indoor soccer, long fast hikes and other simple exercises for the purpose of getting your aerobic system charged and rebuilding your psyche. These exercises work for the " off season" by getting your head out of the riding season as well as building vital core strength and they are practically free. However at the end of the day you still need to ride, after all you are racing bikes not playing soccer, X country skiing or hiking next spring.
A well balanced plan which takes into account rebuilding the spirit and drive while managing your energy and muscles is key. One of the best programs I've heard of involves having two plans. Plan A is the high goal and Plan B is the low option. The B plan is used when the weather turns on you or you just feel bad. In the absence of the B plan you can easily over do it and not achieve your goals.
In the winter keep riding your bike - just be very picky on where and when. Use the various spin classes available ( call 6049852213 for a start) to train your legs and mind for the task you wish to perform at. When the weather breaks grab the moment and log those big miles. And at the end of the day enjoy what you are doing by finding activities that make sense and recharge your psyche.
As the winter ends and the weather improves drop the non-bike related activities and get specific to your goals. Stay on with the spin classes as they are fantastic for controlled work outs and demonstrating improvement.
As much as I pay myself to sell the latest, greatest training tools to guarantee you a fitter stronger body it really is you that makes the
difference. You write the plan, you log the miles, you hire the right coach, you do all the right things to satisfy your goals. $1000 might be what you spend but I am not so sure you need to. You will get the most by hitting the season with the right attitude, being fresh and being properly prepared for bike racing.
The Obsessed