Preparing for Winter

First off, No we are not hibernating animals!

Here in Wisconsin we have a challenge ahead. With daytime highs in the 30s this week and certain to drop well below that in the months to come we have some indoor work ahead. So, are you getting back into things or just transitioning out of things?

For those of you who have been away from the bike for a while riding again begins with an initial preparation period. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons loose there ability to do maximal work in just a few weeks. Furthermore, they take a few weeks to get back up to speed. You should start with a few weeks of lower intensity, endurance paced pedaling. Some low intensity pedal speed drills are also appropriate. This period of anatomical adaptation is important. It should precede the higher force work in order to avoid injury. Most of us are capable of doing more, but we shouldn't.

For others, we have been on the bike right up until now. It was in the 70s just last weekend! From a physiologic standpoint we can do more work, but maybe we shouldn't. Taking a little bit of time to recharge is a good idea. Work on writing down your goals for 2009, or even just this winter. Refocus. Keep the drive strong by not diluting it by spreading yourself too thin. Take a couple weeks and then it is probably time to start the base work for 2009.