Monthly Archives: August 2023

Why I Love (and Hate) Bicycle Racing: A Confession

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Bicycle racing: it’s a love-hate relationship if there ever was one. On the one hand, it’s an exhilarating and rewarding sport. On the other hand, it can be frustrating and grueling, with all sorts of problems popping up along the way. As a seasoned bike racer, I feel qualified to share my thoughts on this bizarre love-hate affair.

First, let’s start with the love. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line, especially if it’s a tough race. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pushing yourself to the limit and coming out on top. I also love the camaraderie of bike racing. It’s a tight-knit community, and there’s nothing like the support and encouragement of your teammates and competitors.

But with the love comes the hate. Bicycle racing can be a frustrating and grueling experience, especially when things don’t go according to plan. Flat tires, crashes, and mechanical issues can all ruin a race, and it’s easy to get discouraged. It’s also a physically demanding sport, and the training and preparation required can be draining.

But in the end, it’s all worth it. The highs of bicycle racing far outweigh the lows, and it’s a sport that I will always love (even when I hate it). It’s a love-hate relationship, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Except maybe a new bike. That would be nice.

The Benefits of Cycling for Stress Reduction

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Are you feeling stressed? Do you find yourself constantly worrying about work, relationships, or the state of the world? If so, cycling may be just the thing you need to help you relax and unwind.

Cycling is an excellent way to get some exercise, enjoy the great outdoors, and clear your mind. It’s also a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, here are some of the ways that cycling can help reduce stress:

1. Cycling Helps You Disconnect

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like you’re always connected to technology and the demands of work and family. Cycling gives you a chance to unplug and disconnect from all of that. As you pedal down the road, you can focus on your breath and the rhythm of your movements, rather than the distractions of your phone or computer.

2. Cycling Boosts Endorphins

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can help improve your mood and reduce stress. Cycling is a great way to get your heart pumping and your body moving, which can help trigger the release of endorphins and give you a natural high.

3. Cycling Helps You Sleep Better

One of the biggest contributors to stress is lack of sleep. Cycling can help you get better quality sleep by tiring out your body and mind. It also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the natural internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and wake up.

4. Cycling Encourages Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaged with your surroundings. Cycling is a great way to practice mindfulness because it requires you to focus on your body and your environment. As you cycle, you can take in the sights and sounds around you, and be fully present in the moment.

5. Cycling Builds Confidence

When you set and achieve goals on your bike, it can give you a sense of accomplishment and build your confidence. This can help reduce stress by giving you a positive outlook and a feeling of control over your life.

In conclusion, cycling is a fantastic way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. By disconnecting from technology, boosting endorphins, helping you sleep better, encouraging mindfulness, and building confidence, cycling can help you feel happier, healthier, and more relaxed.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and hit the road. Your mind and body will thank you.

Want a little more stress reduction? Learn how to draw a bike, and doodle your way to relaxation between rides.

How to Incorporate Interval Training into Your Cycling Routine

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Are you tired of the same old cycling routine, riding the same route at the same pace day after day? Do you want to improve your cycling performance and make the most of your time on the bike? If so, it’s time to incorporate interval training into your cycling routine.

Interval training involves alternating high-intensity efforts with recovery periods. By pushing your body to work harder during intervals, you can improve your cardiovascular fitness, increase your power output, and build your endurance.

But how do you get started with interval training? And how do you make sure you’re doing it right? Here are some tips to help you incorporate interval training into your cycling routine:

1. Start with a Warm-Up

Before you begin your interval workout, make sure to warm up properly. Spend at least 10 minutes riding at an easy pace to get your blood flowing and your muscles warmed up. This will help prevent injury and prepare your body for the harder efforts to come.

2. Choose Your Intervals

There are many different types of interval workouts you can do on the bike, including:

  • Tabata intervals: 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 rounds.
  • Hill repeats: Riding up a steep hill at a high intensity, followed by recovery riding downhill.
  • Fartlek intervals: Alternating between hard efforts and recovery periods, without a set structure.
  • Tempo intervals: Riding at a high intensity for a set period of time, followed by a recovery period.

Choose the type of intervals that best suits your fitness level and goals.

3. Gradually Increase Your Efforts

When you first start doing interval training, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your efforts over time. Begin with shorter intervals and fewer repetitions, and increase the duration and intensity as you get stronger.

4. Focus on Your Form

During interval workouts, it’s easy to lose focus on your form as you push yourself to the limit. But maintaining good form is essential for preventing injury and maximizing your performance. Make sure to keep your shoulders relaxed, your elbows bent, and your core engaged.

5. Monitor Your Heart Rate

To ensure you’re working at the right intensity during your intervals, monitor your heart rate. Aim to work at 80-90% of your maximum heart rate during high-intensity intervals, and bring it back down to 60-70% during recovery periods.

6. Incorporate Recovery Days

Interval training is demanding on your body, so it’s important to incorporate recovery days into your routine. On these days, ride at an easy pace or take a day off from cycling altogether to allow your body to rest and recover.

Incorporating interval training into your cycling routine can help you improve your performance, build your endurance, and make your workouts more challenging and interesting. With these tips, you can get started with interval training and take your cycling to the next level.