Lance Armstrong Training Prg

fixed said:

Does anyone know any specifics on Lance's training program? I'm really just curious because I'm trying out this thing in Chris Carmichaels book (lance armstrong performance program) thats like 7 weeks. It just seems a little light. There are 3 2-3 hr rides/week and then 30-45 min rides for the rest of the week. I have to assume lance and other pro's are riding more than this. Do I just need to beef up the program in the book or do I need to find something else. I have the time and want to ride more so.... I gues this might be a good question for you coaches out there. I have 3-4 hours a day (and maybe more) to train all winter. I'm looking to do my first real racing next season, i'm really getting into this biking thing. Is a couple of long rides with shorter recover rides really best or if I have the time is it more beneficial to work harder. I assume working harder is better...and if so are there programs out there for that.

fixed

It's highly unlikely that LA's programme is detailed in any book. additionally, trying to emulate the training of a pro (or anyone else) is a seriously bad idea. You need a programme that is specific to your needs, not someone else's that has been modded.

Your best option is to get in touch with a coach, who can coach you and produce a programme that is specific to your time available, your goals, and your current fitness levels. If you'd like some coaching, please feel free to contact myself, Michael, or Andy at RST and we'll help you out.

Cheers
ric

Joe Friel's 'Cyclist Training Bible' is a good book to plan you training time and intensity. In the book he has a set of tables that will help you plan and progress your plan.

Ric,

I'd love some coaching...but unfortunately I'm poor and can't afford it. My goals are to do the state races this next year and build up some experience. I would definately like to explore working towards becoming a pro. And I have plenty of time. My issue was that it seems most training programs are built around people that don't have time or don't want to spend the time cycling. So how can I put together a serious training programs on the cheap? Mainly I'd like to train at or near a 'pro level' during this winter and see how I do this coming season. My races will include a weekly crit series, the state road race and tt, and any other races I can afford, along with some track racing. My fitness level is already relatively high. According to the book I'm doing now I'm 'advanced.' Any suggestions on how to proceed?

fixed said:

Ric,

I'd love some coaching...but unfortunately I'm poor and can't afford it. My goals are to do the state races this next year and build up some experience. I would definately like to explore working towards becoming a pro. And I have plenty of time. My issue was that it seems most training programs are built around people that don't have time or don't want to spend the time cycling. So how can I put together a serious training programs on the cheap? Mainly I'd like to train at or near a 'pro level' during this winter and see how I do this coming season. My races will include a weekly crit series, the state road race and tt, and any other races I can afford, along with some track racing. My fitness level is already relatively high. According to the book I'm doing now I'm 'advanced.' Any suggestions on how to proceed?

you're correct most books on training are aimed at people who are short on time. these books are also often not aimed at people wanting to turn pro. just adding in extra volume may not be the way to go.

you can ask us some specific questions which may help advance your training knowledge. books on exercise physiology are also good -- but won't give you answers such as go out and ride for x hours at y intensity. also, search through some of the responses that have been made at this forum, there's good info out there.

Additionally, each one of the coaches at RST offers a 'sponsorship' type programme. we understand that not everyone can afford coaching and thus, every year i offer at least one much reduced coaching package to a rider. Michael and Andy will do the same.

The rider in question needn't be an up and coming racer -- it could be to help someone do a sponsored bike ride of importance. or something else. if you (or anyone else) is interested in this opportunity (although i have my quota of sponsored riders) then you should apply in the first instance to me -- [email hidden] with a CV/resume of results (etc), a letter explaining why you want coaching, what your goals are for the coming season, and long term goals, and how you feel that we both may benefit from such a relationship.

The three coaches at RST will then go through the applications, and we may ask more questions or interview selected riders prior to announcing who will benefit.

Ric

Yeah,I agree, Joe Friels book "The cyclist's Training Bible" is quality stuff.Its only about a tenner or so and is quite detailed.If you cant afford a coach this is worth a look.It caters for all levels,from people training five hours a week to people training forty hours a week.