A commitment to training and a deep down desire to perform and compete, is essential to cycling in general. If you choose to commit to marathon mountain bike races or stage races, proper preparation is is what lets you get to the finish still feeling somewhat human. Being able to perform in such a challenging format of cycling isn’t possible for all us straight ‘off the couch’. We have to train. We have to suffer. And then we can reap the benefits when our targeted events roll around.
But does this always work out? Life can get in the way, with commitments to family, friends, work and the other things that make our existence what it is. Although I have a basic understanding of what’s required to get myself into form, sometimes it is a case of not caring if I am only accountable to myself. Rain pounding on the window doesn’t always hammer the tune ‘trainer session’ into my sleepy brain. Although I know sore legs benefit from being turned over easily on the road, my snooze button gets a heavy workout on Monday mornings.
Thankfully, help is on the way. I’m about to commence nine weeks of personal training with Vision Personal Training, under the guidance of Ryan Sippel. Vision caters for a variety of clients, who often have weight based goals. There are plenty of people there who want to lose weight, and other who are looking to gain it in muscle to enhance their physique.
After consulting with Ryan, my goals were a little different:
1. Improved muscle recruitment in my glutes and hamstrings
2. A stronger core
3. Increased upper bank strength
These are three weaknesses I have personally highlighted that hold me back when on the bike. When I get tired, I slump over the bike, slide forward a little and neglect the true driving muscles. The actions and exercises required to train these weaknesses are known, but that is only part of the solution. I need accountability. I require someone who is making sure I get the most out of my time. A personal trainer is the start of this – and so far a better option than the gym I joined seven weeks ago, but haven’t yet crossed the threshold of.
Nine weeks takes me to the end of January. I like to train, and I like to improve. So hopefully Vision Personal Training can help increase my performance for 2011. Maybe I can gain another few UCI points, or even just sneak above a third place in a local race!