Getting Up In The Morning
Indoor training can be a challenging endeavor, especially in countries like Denmark and Canada, where the weather conditions often limit outdoor activities. The lack of sunlight, cold temperatures, and long winter months can make it difficult for individuals to find the motivation to keep up with their training routines. However, there are ways for athletes to stay motivated and make the most out of indoor training no matter where they are from.
Recently, one of our staff members, Virginia, moved to Denmark from Canada. She quickly realized that the weather and winter conditions were going to be the same. Riding outside in the wet and cold was something that didn't bother her too much, but eventually, it became difficult, especially with her upcoming races in the gravel season. To start more structured training, she turned to Zwift as her go-to platform for indoor training. Zwift is a virtual training platform that allows cyclists and runners to engage in immersive virtual rides and runs. With Zwift, athletes can join a global community of like-minded individuals, participate in virtual races, and explore various virtual worlds all from the comfort of their own homes. The interactive and competitive nature of Zwift helps make indoor training more engaging and enjoyable.
Virginia has always found that structure and training are easier when she has someone who holds her accountable for her actions. Bruno from Velo Cartel has spent the last two winters training her and helping her maintain a good base throughout the winter to prepare for the start of spring riding. However, this season is looking a little different with races. When January arrived, it was time for Virginia to get focused.
Living in a tiny traditional Danish apartment in Copenhagen, it isn't easy staying motivated to train. Setting up the bike on the trainer and realizing the setup wasn't ideal. Having to use the window ledge for the computer and accessories, it’s easy to feel uninspired in the environment. That's when she was introduced to a local brand called TONS, which specializes in making at-home fitness corners more inspiring.
The ability to quickly and easily set up her new TONS accessories made the space more comfortable and motivating. When you spend a lot of time on the indoor trainer, it’s important to make your training space cozy and user-friendly. Motivation can be easily lost with indoor training, and it's all too easy to convince oneself not to ride that day due to not having the bike set up or things being in the way. However, something as simple as a proper laptop stand was enough to get Virginia motivated to get on the bike.
With the right setup and equipment, indoor training can become a more enjoyable and motivating experience for athletes. Having a dedicated space with proper tools, such as a laptop stand, can make the training area more comfortable and convenient. By eliminating any barriers or inconveniences, athletes can easily get on their bikes and start their workouts, thereby increasing their overall motivation and consistency.
Training for Cent Cols
Training for Cent Cols is a demanding endeavor that requires specific preparation and dedication. Here are some tips to help you train for this challenging event:
Build endurance: Cent Cols involves long and grueling climbs, so it's crucial to focus on building your endurance. Incorporate long rides into your training regimen, gradually increasing the distance and elevation gain.
Hill repeats: To prepare for the intense climbs of Cent Cols, include hill repeats in your training. Find a challenging hill and repeat climbing it multiple times, focusing on maintaining a steady effort and improving your climbing technique.
Strength training: Strengthening your leg muscles is essential for conquering the demanding ascents of Cent Cols. Include strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg presses in your routine to improve your climbing power.
Interval training: Cent Cols requires sustained effort over long periods. Incorporate interval training sessions into your training plan to improve your ability to sustain a high level of intensity for extended periods. Alternate between high-intensity efforts and recovery periods to simulate the demands of the event.
Mental preparation: Training for Cent Cols not only requires physical preparation but also mental resilience. Prepare yourself mentally by visualizing the challenging climbs, setting goals, and practicing positive self-talk to stay motivated during the event.
Remember, training for Cent Cols is a long-term process that requires consistency and patience. Gradually increase the difficulty and duration of your training rides, and listen to your body to avoid overtraining. With proper training and determination, you can conquer the Cent Cols challenge.
