CTS Training experiences - does it work??

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mtk
i'm considering signing up for one of the cts online training packages. who has tried it before and does it work?? any experiences and input appreciated.

thx,
mk

Should we assume no one uses CTS because no one has offered their suggestions?
I too am interested in CTS and would greatly appreciate someone's insight on the training program and online services.

thank you

I've been with CTS for about a year now, and have seen tremendous gains. I went from having difficulty keeping up with the medium-pace group in my club, to being one of the fastest in the fast group, and having no trouble hanging with the pack in my first few local cat 5 races. I signed up for the "expert" level of coaching and I get a good amount of personal attention from my coach, who is immensely knowlegable about training, racing, exercise physiology, and basically all issues that might affect serious cyclists (repetitve use injuries, fitting cycling into a busy life, etc.) The program is laid out very carefully, built around a full-year periodization plan. The workouts are varied and can be quite challenging, particularly during the specialization period, when you get into the anerobic speed and power intervals. I follow the program he sets out for me quite closely, and I e-mail him my HRM or powermeter files twice a week. I have the luxury of being able to train about 12 hours per week, so my coach is able to prescribe a fairly rigorous program for me, which probably helps explain the very strong gains I've made in just one year. My only criticism of CTS is that there's not much accountability, at least not in my own coach/athlete relationship. If I completely botch a workout, say if the effort level is way off of what was indicated, either too high or too low for example, I'll never hear a word about it. Sometimes I wonder how closely my coach actually studies the HRM/powermeter output I send him. Most coaches I've had in other sports will kick a little butt if the athlete isn't following instructions, but I've never gotten any criticism from my CTS coach, constructive or otherwise. Overall, though, its been an incredible experience and, although not cheap, well worth the money spent.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mindeman87
Should we assume no one uses CTS because no one has offered their suggestions?
I too am interested in CTS and would greatly appreciate someone's insight on the training program and online services.

thank you

I bought one of the lower-priced packages (4 month), and was not impressed. I realize you get what you pay for, but my coaches changed three times in 3 months, and none of them had any background in cycling. Most of the low-level coaches are right out of college. It would have been nice to have someone who understands what it's like to have a real job while training (and what it's like to be older than 35). The workout plans at the low-levels are simply cookie-cutter, so I would suggest getting one of the pricier plans, or just making up your own schedule.

You could also try RST (www.cyclecoach.com), the sponsor of this forum. All coaching is designed for each individuals needs, with no cookie-cutter approach.

At RST we work with various age ranges, from 18 to 55+, and with all levels (pro to recreational) and all types of riders (male/female, people with jobs/families, track, road, MTB, etc).

additionally, at RST you're with one coach, you don't chop and change.

check graham s's comments in this thread! http://www.cyclingforums.com/t104703.html

if you have any queries shoot me an email or a PM

cheers
ric

Search the site for other comments as this question has be asked a few times. I have been w/ CTS since November or so. I haven't made the kind of gains that TRD609 has, but I don't think that's CTS' fault. I don't always agree w/ my coach (on my 2nd one), and sometimes I doubt the quality of his answers to my questions. I'm on the Excel plan, which is cheap.