As the coronavirus (Covid-19) spreads across the world many cycle events have already been cancelled. Many more predicted to not take place in 2020. So what do you do if your event has been cancelled? Well, I share some tips and advice to keep you on track with your training.
Like many of you out there, I too have had my cycle events cancelled due to coronavirus. Now although this is a shame the health of us and others is more important. This will contain this virus from spreading further. The initial feeling is of anger which can lead to depression and a “why bother” attitude however it is important to not let this spiral.
“Out of adversity comes opportunity” Benjamin Franklin
Here are my top tips on how to stay motivated and come back stronger
- Maintain fitness – You have worked hard to build fitness so you don’t want to lose or waste it. Some events have postponed to later in the year while others are still to be confirmed. I would look to adapt your training plan to maintain fitness at your current level. Keep training but go back to the base phase and you can then work back from the new event date to periodise your build.
- Stay motivated – This can be hard for those who enjoy training with others as club rides are being cancelled. There are however a number of online training platforms such as Zwift that allow you to train indoors with others. Many clubs and groups are putting on “virtual club rides” so that the social element of training remains.
- Back to basics – This is a great opportunity to go back to basics and learn the skills needed to become a strong, efficient, fast cyclist. This can be working on aspects such as your pedal stroke, cadence and position on the bike etc. It is not all about training harder but rather smarter. These are all of the skills that I focus on with my Ride Harder Plan along with targeted, structured training sessions.
- Work on your weaknesses – Often we neglect what we don’t like or not good at, it is human nature. This low hanging fruit can reap big rewards so now is the time to look back over your training and identify areas of your weakness. Plan your sessions/intervals to include any duration or intensity intervals that you are lacking.
Do you lack the motivation to get on the turbo?
Check out my last blog here with some top tips from Nicky – The mind coach
This is a good opportunity to get ahead of other athletes and come back even stronger for when you finally compete in your event. It is going to be a tough few months but it will pass and we will come out the other side. Those that stayed focused will be glad they had!
Stay safe
