Hows my training going?

kn0bby

So I try and get our 3-4 times a week, mid week I do 10-20 miles and at the weekend I try to get in a longer 30+ mile ride, managed 50 miles max so far this season, which I want to increase every weekend.

I ride on my own, I used to have a pal I cycled lots with but due to a change in circumstances he no longer rides. Now I am riding solo I don't have anything to compare my performance to or see how my training is going. I wanted to compare some rides to see how I am getting on.

Below is a typical mid week ride, when I say typical I mean with pace and elevation gain/loss. How am I getting on?
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/306754420

imposter2.0

'training' - for what? Not sure anyone would be able to judge how you are getting on, tbh.

kn0bby

Thats what I thought people might say, well it was worth a try.

Training to become a better cyclist, ride longer/harder. Want to complete my first century by the end of the summer.

imposter2.0

Join a club, ride in a group, introduce some purpose and structure into your riding by entering some events. All of that will bring on your fitness.

daxplusplus

Compare your ride times and distances over the last 12 months - are they getting faster and longer?

If they are doing neither then you've plateaued. That means your going to have try something new\different.

One thing about your ride - it's very flat. Is that deliberate? If you want to do longer distances then you will hit hills and you'll want to be able to deal with them in reasonable style. So at the very least it's probably an idea to start looking for some on your training rides.

kn0bby

Interesting comments...

Flat? I thought my ride was a good mixture of flats and hills, i've compared my cycle with other cyclists in my area using a Garmin and the elevation gain I thought was good.

Sounds like I need to step it up a gear..

imposter2.0

1200ft over 20 miles is not what I would call a 'flat' route by any means - but either way you can only ride the roads you've got. As before though, it's difficult to assess any type of improvement when we only have one set of data and nothing to compare it with.

Herbsman

Get a power meter

daxplusplus

doh! Sorry my mistake. I'm used to ready elevation figures in feet. So no, not flat.

kn0bby

No worries..

My ride today..
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/308685878

sloppyschleckonds

Is there a question in here or are you just going to post your rides every couple of days?

mrfpb

Hi

This is my latest training ride in your area. http://connect.garmin.com/course/3378072> As others have said, it's good to have a target. Mine is London to Brighton moonride in July. The Golden Pot - about three miles form your starting point in Alton is a similar height to Ditchling Beacon on L2B (but not a similar gradient the way I do it).

The circle I've posted on Garmin is one I gradually expand - I used to go Fleet /Odiham/Bentley/ Farnham/ Fleet - about 20 miles, but as you see it's grown over the year since I started - I intend to extend to Arlesford before the L2B.

mrfpb

I forgot to say that the route has no Data as the battery on my Garmin ran out a mile into the ride. Its also longer than intended, as I missed a turning around Alice Holt and headed out towards Frensham.
I ride a Ridgeback Speed - a 15kg commuter, so these hills are a bit of a challenge, particularly Folly Hill from Farnham to Hale, however I don't avoid them as they are my fitness indicator - (currently very poor).

supermurph09

How about comparing your Strava segment times?