(Non) Training Plan

I have always been, well, a shitty trainer. I am so spontaneous that a normal workout schedule is nearly impossible. I will go a week with only a few short 20 mile rides than randomly bust out a 150 mile solo hammerfest the next. It all depends on what I’m feeling like in the moment. IS this good for performance training. Probably not. Did it work? I did finish the Tour Divide. When I first got into cycling I would follow a week plan from VeloNews for one day but when intervals would come up  I’d opt to time trial it. Was this lazy or poor commitment? Neither. I knew what I wanted to do and I did it. This strategy won me many races and, more importantly, kept my love for the sport alive and well. So many people I used to race with as a junior racer have moved away from racing or quit cycling altogether due to grueling training plans and rigidness. The bike should be fun! Hell, If you are not having fun you are doing it wrong!

That being said I understand the huge physical and mental challenge I am about to face in the Triple Crown. I am by no means taking this challenge lightly (read my last blog post on fear) as a result, I’ve been trying to fill in the gaps I have noticed with my mind and body with training.

Let's talk about the Arizona Trail Race. I mean the race has a 20+ mile hike through the Grand Canyon in which your bike has to be on your back! That’s fucking insane! Or the Colorado Trail Race in which you climb 70,000 feet in 500 miles! And don’t let me get started on the Tour Divide. I will be riding around 180 miles a day for 15 days!

Pain now will make these experiences less painful later. My training plan for the races is to do hard things any chance I get and enjoy the grind. Sure, I will have intervals, weight training, and long tempo rides but I will also explore new places, ride for fun, and enjoy to process.

I am a firm believer in the idea that if you are not having fun you are doing it wrong. This is the main catalyst behind my (non) training plan. I will ride for fun and, in turn, get faster and better.

I like to keep my training relatively quiet, but that being said please follow along on my strava and Instagram to see what weird rides or training ideas I am doing!
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“Ride as much, or as little, or as long, or as short as you feel. But ride” - Eddy Mercx
 - Dylan