Post by Paulinblack on Dec 18, 2015 23:36:44 GMT
I'm not sure whether I need to do this or not, but am feeling in need of a little boost. My weight loss has plateaued and is going in the other direction and may spiral with Christmas looming! (I will get back on the calories in vs calories out monitoring after Christmas) Also, I am worried about whether I am doing the right thing with my training for the Velothon. I want to give myself a boost and focus in the new year. I should be able to complete the Velothon, but I want to do it well and keep up with people much thinner than me.
My shift pattern is 8 days long, so all my planning will revolve around 8 rather than 7 days. My rough 'training plan' is to continue to commute to work 4 days out of 8 with 1-2 small 30-40 minute gym/spin sessions during night shifts. Then, I'd like to add an additional 1 hour gym session once per week when possible. Cycling will account for one hillfest (because I like my 'Canard' route and can fit it in time wise) and one long 30+ ride ride (Exploring different areas as I need to make these long term commitments 'fun'). If weather is bad, the gym session will replace a ride. I also want to build the 'long' ride from 30+ miles up to the occasional fondu. I know I will struggle to get time for many fondu's, but I need to break the mental barrier I have about them.
I 'think' I can fit all of that in 'most' weeks. There will be the odd rest and recovery that will be thrown in when I have other commitments. The thing I am not sure about is whether I am training effectively when I do this stuff. I'm never sure whether I am cycling fast enough, setting enough resistance on the spin bikes and cross trainer etc.
I really don't understand the FTP stuff and I don't understand how to use the HRM monitor to train effectively. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me. Ideally, I'd like someone to explain how to do the FTP thing either on my bike or on a spin bike (I don't have access to a Wattbike). I'd then want to know how to use the HRM both during the ride and analysis after the ride to make sure I'm on track.
I have about 20 weeks to prepare. It would be good to lose a stone in that time as well as getting fit enough to do the 86 miles including 2 big lumps! Any help and advice would be welcomed.
Thanks
P.S. I'm not posting for sympathy or for attention. I really am not a detail person and am extremely out of my comfort zone thinking about FTP and HRM monitoring.
My shift pattern is 8 days long, so all my planning will revolve around 8 rather than 7 days. My rough 'training plan' is to continue to commute to work 4 days out of 8 with 1-2 small 30-40 minute gym/spin sessions during night shifts. Then, I'd like to add an additional 1 hour gym session once per week when possible. Cycling will account for one hillfest (because I like my 'Canard' route and can fit it in time wise) and one long 30+ ride ride (Exploring different areas as I need to make these long term commitments 'fun'). If weather is bad, the gym session will replace a ride. I also want to build the 'long' ride from 30+ miles up to the occasional fondu. I know I will struggle to get time for many fondu's, but I need to break the mental barrier I have about them.
I 'think' I can fit all of that in 'most' weeks. There will be the odd rest and recovery that will be thrown in when I have other commitments. The thing I am not sure about is whether I am training effectively when I do this stuff. I'm never sure whether I am cycling fast enough, setting enough resistance on the spin bikes and cross trainer etc.
I really don't understand the FTP stuff and I don't understand how to use the HRM monitor to train effectively. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me. Ideally, I'd like someone to explain how to do the FTP thing either on my bike or on a spin bike (I don't have access to a Wattbike). I'd then want to know how to use the HRM both during the ride and analysis after the ride to make sure I'm on track.
I have about 20 weeks to prepare. It would be good to lose a stone in that time as well as getting fit enough to do the 86 miles including 2 big lumps! Any help and advice would be welcomed.
Thanks
P.S. I'm not posting for sympathy or for attention. I really am not a detail person and am extremely out of my comfort zone thinking about FTP and HRM monitoring.