Email to my Coach

It has been a while since my last blog post, and it does feel good this morning to once again be putting my cycling thoughts to file.

I am a mid of the pack racing vet (masters) cyclist, no podium finishes (yet), and I have been utilizing the services of a cycling coach for about 2-3 years now. Every once in a while, like most average racing cyclist, I question the benefits of having a coach. What do you think?

Below is an email I sent to my Coach this morning,

Hi Michael,

Yesterday morning I woke at 04h15 for my FTP session. I was really not in the mood to get out of bed, and dragged myself to the bathroom. I was contemplating whether to go out, whether to postpone to the pm (risk cancelling altogether in the pm) etc. Was also thinking what (good) excuse I am going to give you for missing the session and so on. Eventually got dressed and got out onto the road, still in 2 minds, swept with laziness. 30 min later I was at the start of my lap, and feeling warmed up, but still a bit lethargic. As the intensity of the climb picked up, I got into it more and by the time I reached the top I was happy to be out and take in the views on the horizon, the quietness and freshness of the morning.

By the time of the 3^rd lap, it was lighter, and I could better see my power numbers on the Garmin. I decided to try and micro control my power output to try and keep it more constant. I found that my attempts were working, and I was quite eager to see the graph. From the graph below you can see the difference on lap 3.

Next week I will make a change with my lights so that I can have visibility on the Garmin throughout the 4 laps, and again work on keeping a more constant output.

The other point is that Lap1 – 294W, LAP2 - 297W, LAP3 – 301W. LAP 2 is better than LAP 1 because LAP1 was a lethargic start. LAP3 was higher because of my more constant power through the lap. I am also happy with the spike at the end of the lap.

Your thoughts?

My third point is about my coach. If it was not for him I would probably have skipped yesterday’s session. And, because of his inputs I am working on my micro control of power output (keeping it more constant), which is leading to improved performance.

Thanks coach.  

 

Let's Ride !!!