French Vanilla

Three interesting studies on our favorite subject. (French vanilla ice cream after sex). Er, I mean, testing and training. All of the above indicate, suggest and conclude that:

Study One: RPE is as important, or even more important than training with power.

Study Two: Peripheral adaptations rather than central adaptations are likely responsible for the improved performances witnessed in well-trained endurance athletes following various forms of high-intensity interval training programs.

Study Three: HIT and MAX intervals work.

Again, let's use the best tools we have access to. The heart rate monitor can provide some invaluable data to improve your times. A LeMond Revmaster spinning at a 120 cadence at 80% of MAX RPE is a quality interval. A CompuTrainer to test FTP and TT trending is quality saddle time. I have a friend who, due to the terse economic times in which we cope, now only runs. He says, all he needs is a pair of Sacony's and sunglasses. (Editors note: This being the Northwest the shades are optional--but look good). He uses the running shoes A LOT. And as a result wins many events outright. He uses tools (hills, wind, trails, rain) to become a better runner. He is also very disciplined, eats well and laughs a lot. He threw away his HRM years ago, quit the gym, and sold his bike. Then ran himself fast.

Let's use the tools that allow us to improve. Training with a group is one. Being dedicated to your fitness is another. Using the foam roller still another.

You are getting the idea?

The video is from Team 19 Sports in Park City, UT. Rob talks about all the cool stuff that this amazing tool does. There are a couple of issues in the video that I should point out:

1) The production company that produced the video mislabeled the product in the clip ID, calling it Compufit vice CompuTrainer. I think it is pretty clear from the video what he is referring to.

2) The load generators come from the factory with a strip of protective tape over the power switch to eliminate any start-up blown fuses. When they zoom to a close up the tape was very clumsily removed and looks like shit. That was them, not us!

3) They are watching video produced by our competitors at Cycle Ops. As you can see, they strapped a camera to the bike frame and started to ride. It is, choppy, with all kinds of movement and road vibration. But it is close up and in the pack. We have debated the merits of each POV many times. I prefer smooth and steady, as you probably know by now. Having my competitors video show up in a promo piece kinda stings, but hey, we're all cyclists here right?

4) Rob kinda disses spinning a little, but that's OK. We have heard it all before.

Alright VBA, there is some scholarly data for your review. Use the best tools you can afford, have fun doing it, stay consistent and manage your stress.

Which reminds me that I need to stop by the Safeway for some ice cream.