How long is a "short" ride?

[li10up]

I've been riding regularly for 2 years now. However, I still haven't been able to get in the "training" mode. My typical ride currently is between 20-25 miles and I ride 3 to 5 times a week...which is about to change because of the shorter days. I try to push myself but haven't done intervals or hill repeats per se. I've read about people doing "short" training rides where they do intervals. So, typically, how long (mileage and/or time) is a "short training ride" vs. a "long recovery ride" for someone new to training who does my general distance?

[blueskies]

My short rides are about an hour. The training plan that I followed specified rides by time, not distance. My easiest rides (recovery) & hardest rides (intervals, hill repeats) were both about an hour, typically. My long rides would be at an easier intensity than the short, hard rides, but not as easy as recovery. That's just my experience.

[crazycanuck]

my idea of a short ride is 30km..

ask me again when i'm back on my bike :o :) !

c

[jusdooit]

If you had asked me this 6 months ago I would have said 10 miles; 3-4 months ago, 15; 2 months, 20. But since I have been off the bike for 3 weeks now and sidelined for the remainder of the season, 1 mile is a long way. For me short has always been about half to 2/3 of my most regular distance covered. So if you normally ride 20, the about 10-12 would be short.

[sandra]

hijack, justdoit, what happened?

[crazycanuck]

jusdooit..what happened? are you ok?

i hope you heal qucikly! take care of yourself !

c

[jusdooit]

I had a grease fire about 3 weeks ago. I got 2nd & 3rd degree burns on my left hand trying to keep my house from going up in flames. Don't know if it was the best decision I've ever made, but I'm not homeless. My forefinger and thumb were the most affected, along with the webbed area in between. There's just no way it's reasonable for me to ride, and trust me I've tried. But long term recovery is more important to me than short term satisfaction. I started therapy today, the wounds should be healed in 2-3 more weeks, but it will take until close to the end of the year to really recover.

[sandra]

Ouch! Burns are very painful! Keep that hand elevated.

I had a burn like that to the lower part of my leg and it was one of the most painful things I've every experienced. I hope it heals quickly, but you are smart to take it easy.

[boy in a kilt]

I've sustained all manner of injuries, but nothing hurts quite like a burn. And they all itch like hell when they are healing. It's like having a case of chiggers that won't go away.

[blueskies]

It must mean something that the three of us who answered this question are all temporarily benched from cycling...

Jusdoit- sending good thoughts for your recovery... Sounds painful!

[crazycanuck]

yerp, i'm benched for 6 weeks...:o

jusdooit-owie...can you do long walks or swimming? once my knee's better i shall be doing alot of walking and hopefully some deep water running..

c

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It must mean something that the three of us who answered this question are all temporarily benched from cycling...

Yeah....it means you have more time to sit and answer questions! ;) :D :p

My regular rides vary between 13 miles and 50 miles. So for me a "short ride" is about 10-15 miles. Or sometimes I just think of a short ride as being about an hour's worth.

[blueskies]

Yeah....it means you have more time to sit and answer questions! ;) :D :p


And we're all thinking even a short ride would feel so good. :)

[KnottedYet]

I've been riding regularly for 2 years now. However, I still haven't been able to get in the "training" mode. My typical ride currently is between 20-25 miles and I ride 3 to 5 times a week...which is about to change because of the shorter days. I try to push myself but haven't done intervals or hill repeats per se. I've read about people doing "short" training rides where they do intervals. So, typically, how long (mileage and/or time) is a "short training ride" vs. a "long recovery ride" for someone new to training who does my general distance?

Aren't you still dealing with lung issues? It might be best to stay out of "training mode" and not push yourself until the goober in your lung is removed, do fun rides instead for now?

[Aggie_Ama]

I don't do any hill repeats or speed workouts. I just enjoy riding, although I may start doing hill repeats as I am such a hill slug. The short rides are 13-16 miles. My long rides are generally 50-60 miles unless it is an organized ride then it is whatever the longest distance is. The goal in my house is 100 miles a week, how we get it varies.

[Jo-n-NY]

My short rides are 12-15 miles. That is also my out door after work ride. My after work rides now are trainer miles which go more by time - 30-50 minutes.

I am so sorry to hear about you ladies with injuries. Justdooit, that burn sounds horrible. Looking on the better side, you saved your home. I hope you are better soon!

~ JoAnn

[li10up]

Aren't you still dealing with lung issues? It might be best to stay out of "training mode" and not push yourself until the goober in your lung is removed, do fun rides instead for now?:D :D :D I like the way you worded this. That's the type of attitude I want to have about this whole thing. Especially since right now it could turn out to be nothing. I'm looking toward the future. If things turn out well I want to work on getting stronger over the winter. Just riding for fun is very enjoyable but it's not helping me keep up with the pack on group rides as much as I'd like.

[indysteel]

J-

My short rides are my weekday 24-mile training ride. I warm up beforehand, too, so it ends up being more like 29 miles. Of course, with daylight decreasing, that ride is over until April. :(

I, too, think you should just have fun right now. From a training perspective, now is a good time to keep the intensity of your workouts a little lower anyway so that you build or rebuild your aerobic base. Come early spring, (assuming your lung issues are sorted out), start building some intensity back in. I used the strong winds that we get here in the spring to my advantage in that regard.

[RoadRaven]

Um... for me a short ride is 45 minutes, or 20-25kms... A short recovery ride is 30-40 minutes (though I prefer about an hour)

For my partner a short recovery ride is 56km (a set course he has), a short training ride is about 60-80kms.