I've been off the bike for 3y now and i'm very unfit :eek: Has anyone else tried to make a comeback after such a long lay-off and what was your expierence ?
Just some background info: 2003 MLSS was 285w / 64kg / 21y old / 2y cycling. My previous training schedule was not very consistant (although I did manage 3-4 cycles per week totaling 8h at L2/L3) ...beer/women/beer/women/beer/women... Now: 17d training / FTP ~ 205w* / 72kg / 24y old.
I'm planning to train mostly indoors this winter and I have 10-12h to play with - i'm a exercise phsyiology student. The aim will be to build most of my time within upper L3 and L4 training zones (using Dr Andy Coggans training levels).
*(tested using 2*20min:1min rec protocol with SRM pro cranks)
I've been off the bike for 3y now and i'm very unfit :eek: Has anyone else tried to make a comeback after such a long lay-off and what was your expierence ?
Yep, In twenty five years of cycling I've made a couple of comebacks. One from a long term illness and one just from life changes. I wouldn't worry about it too much, at 24 you're still relatively young and you should be able to regain and most likely exceed your previous fitness. One nice thing about come backs is that you start over or from a lower point on fitness, but everything else you learned about cycling like strategy, tactics, bike handling, etc. come back really fast. Just knowing how to ride in a group and paceline effectively is a big head start over folks that are truly beginners.
As an exercise physiologist you're in a better place than many to start slow, pace your re-entry and structure a sensible training plan. I expect you'll find your form quicker than you think.
