Feb 18 2009
Riding and Weight Training
During the winter as my riding mileage drops, I focus my weight training more on my legs. I would like to do more weight work on my legs during the spring and summer months, but I just can’t find a balance between lifting and riding. To lift I need to take time off from riding for recovery and I just don’t want to give up riding every day during the warm weather.
This morning I went for a ride south over the I-205 bridge only to turn around and head north. The whole purpose of this was to see what changes in performance I have gained since I started putting more focus in training on my legs. I was amazed at the increase in uphill speed I had as I rode the two miles of incline over the bridge. After I rode up and over the bridge I headed up Ellsworth Ave. which is a half mile long hill and I was really impressed with the increase in endurance.
My time off the bike and cross training has significantly increased my performance to the point where I am wanting to continue this routine through the summer. The question is how can keep weight training my legs and still ride my bike everyday? I need to research this.
In the meantime I am going to continue my daily trips to the gym while riding my bike for basic commuting and trips to the store. Maybe somewhere along the way I find a balance.
