TE December Indoor Cycling Challenge

[Veronica]

Avoid the holiday 5 pound gain and join the indoor cycling challenge! You can do your choice of videos, rock out to music, watch a movie or Dancing with the Stars. You just gotta ride your bike - rollers, trainer, spin classes. Whatever. And I don't really care if you want to count your outside time as well. It's YOUR goal. :p

How many hours can we spend collectively riding indoors? 100? 200? I figure I'm good for 10 - 2 hours per week, plus an extra hour each week I'm off.

I've set up a google spreadsheet to track progress. It is open to editing by anyone who has the link, so if you want to sign up, I'll send you the link in a PM.

Happy Riding!

Veronica

[jusdooit]

I do, I do. Please send me the link. Thanks for your hard work!

[ridebikeme]

I'm definitely interested as well! Hoping to get some more outside time before returning to the trainer fulltime for the next few months. :rolleyes:

Happy Holidays everyone and thanks for trhe effort V!

[Owlie]

Sure! I'm off the outside-bike for the moment as it is. :)

[maillotpois]

I'm in!

[Tri Girl]

I'm IN!!!
I commit to 30 hours of riding in December- that's roughly 7 hours a week. Shouldn't be too hard since almost 4 hours a week is spent commuting.

Yay! I'm so excited to have a challenge. Now... if the pain in my leg turns out to NOT be a stress fracture and I'm able to run again soon- my cycling time might go down and the running time up. However, if it IS a stress fracture, my cycling time might shoot up to 50 hours in December. I'll find out Friday. ;)

[pll]

I'm in! My total trainer time might be in the 15-20 hours range for December.... My running needs to pick up again.

[bmccasland]

I'm in! Am supposed to ride my trainer, part of the continuing project to make friends with my repaired knee.

[solobiker]

Count me in!!:D

[jyyanks]

I'd like to join as well. Thank you!

[Veronica]

I forgot to say - I put the start date in so if you wanted to start earlier - you could. Or start later. :p

I was hoping I could start today, but my head and neck are still not 100% after crashing from my handstand on Sat. and they were aching after my day with the kiddos. My kids were great, amazingly quiet this morning. :D

I don't have ride time planned until Thursday now - which is the first.

Veronica

[Bike Writer]

I'm in. I'm aiming for 2 hours a week for a total of 8 hours for December. I'm shooting low and fully expect to make it.

Great idea and very inspirational!

[Catrin]

With my neck injury I think I want to set my time lower than I would like - so if I exceed that it will be good. I think 5 hours a week is reasonable, between spinning classes and trainer time.

[Bethany1]

I'm in. I could use the extra incentives.

[pinsonp2]

I would like to participate as well. Please PM me the link. Thanks for taking this on for us.

P2

[Blueberry]

I'm in!

I will put an hour goal down - but I'm modeling my personal challenge after the Spinervals challenge and will check in here to remain accountable. If I meet the hourly goal, great - but my goal is to get myself more used to riding and get rid of the excuses. To that end - I am planning to ride the trainer or outside every day in December. Even if it's 2 miles or 15 minutes on the trainer. Whatever - as long as it's riding. I am giving myself 4 rest days for the month - in part to accommodate a trip that may preclude riding (since we won't be staying in a hotel with a gym probably) and in part to make sure I don't kill myself.

[Jo-n-NY]

I am in also as I am preparing myself to ride no less than 300 days in 2012 beginning Jan. 1st. no less than 6.2 mi.

~ JoAnn

[Blueberry]

I am in also as I am preparing myself to ride no less than 300 days in 2012 beginning Jan. 1st. no less than 6.2 mi.

~ JoAnn

That's a cool goal! I might have to borrow that for 2012.:)

I'm going through some major life changes (for the best, but very scary), and I'm trying to get myself in a better place fitness wise to best prepare myself!

[Catrin]

I am in also as I am preparing myself to ride no less than 300 days in 2012 beginning Jan. 1st. no less than 6.2 mi.

~ JoAnn

Oooooh, I LIKE this one :) I may have to consider a version of this for myself. Having a trainer makes this possible!

[Jo-n-NY]

I cannot take credit for the 300 days of cycling idea. I got it from another forum:o

[Norse]

Count me in too please. No snow here. Only cold. So, no snowshoeing or x-country skiing, yet, to keep me motivated for off-season fitness. Thanks for doing this! :)

[five one]

I think I need this motivation. Please count me in.

[limewave]

Count me in. My goal will be 24 hours. I'll also be running a lot in December, so getting in my bike time will be a challenge!

[Miranda]

sending PM for link...

[Miranda]

So how do we put our entries in? Just calculate the % and add to it as we accumulate in the column next to the starting date?

Sorry couldn't type more early had kids chattering in my ear to use my puter.:rolleyes:

[NbyNW]

Me too, please! Thanks for starting this. I've had a goal of 15 min. 3X a week but it has been challenging to set aside the time!

[Veronica]

So how do we put our entries in? Just calculate the % and add to it as we accumulate in the column next to the starting date?

Sorry couldn't type more early had kids chattering in my ear to use my puter.:rolleyes:


As you put in your hours and minutes it will automatically calculate the percentage for you. I like to put it in as I go, so I can see my percentages go up. :p


Veronica

[Reesha]

This is a GREAT idea. I have the hardest time staying on the trainer more than 45 minutes at a time. Maybe this will give me some incentive....

[Catrin]

This is a GREAT idea. I have the hardest time staying on the trainer more than 45 minutes at a time. Maybe this will give me some incentive....

I've noticed this same problem, the first 45 minutes aren't a problem, it is staying on there longer than that. I am hoping this challenge will help me in more than one way, even if I do wind up having to moderate it a bit due to my neck injury.

[Giulianna23]

I will be doing stationary bike at my gym , would love spinning classes but because of the schedule I am unable to take them..so I am gonna have to keep doing just the stationary bike and the other cardio machines. I Do minimum of 30 intense minutes 5-7 days a week plus some other 15-20 minutes at a different cardio machine + 30 strenght workout and abs.

[carlotta]

I'm in, although I have no way to ride inside so I'll use it to motivate me to keep up the commutes through December :)

6 hours a week is reasonable, that'll give me a little leeway if the weather gets really nasty....

[grey]

I'm in. I just managed an hour on the trainer. I have the Krietler killer headwind version - I actually like it - got it for $20 from a cycling friend who termed it "brutal" and said it sat in his basement for years. Think it's really good for me. Out here it's very hilly/mountainous, so it's more like interval training where you push hard up the hill/mountain and then rest on the way down. The trainer is great for increasing the endurance to pedal all the time. I might come out of winter a bit stronger than going in. :)

My three dogs are hilarious though - the oldest (10) barks at me until I tell her to shush, so she leaves the room entirely. The other two just watch me with worried expressions.

My goal is an hour or more per day.

[limewave]

I'm planning on doing the lord of the rings trilogy this month. And I'm hooked on Lost (on netflix). I have plenty of trainer riding material!

[Susan Otcenas]

I'd like to join. I do 3 coached sessions a week at a cycling studio, though I'll be gone for a week over the holidays. Maybe I can find a gym in upstate NY (where my Dad lives) to stay moving the week I'm there....

[Bike Writer]

Ok, it's the 30th of November and I officially start tomorrow, this evening is set aside to put the trainer tire on my old bike and set up the trainer so I'll be good to go. Just in time, we were greated with our first real snowfall of the year this morning. Sloppy streets = me indoor riding. Wimpy me.

[Miranda]

As you put in your hours and minutes it will automatically calculate the percentage for you. I like to put it in as I go, so I can see my percentages go up. :p


Veronica

Thanks, V! :)

[Aggie_Ama]

In! I am generally lucky enough to be able to ride on weekends, the only thing is with short amounts of daylight I have to go to spin on weeknights. I love it once I am there but it is hard not to point the car straight home. I think two hours a week is a good challenge, that would be two classes. I do have one 42 mile mountain bike race this month so that may require some lighter workouts that week.

[Owlie]

I should put the bike on the trainer, huh?

[Catrin]

Veronica - thanks for doing this!


I'm planning on doing the lord of the rings trilogy this month. And I'm hooked on Lost (on netflix). I have plenty of trainer riding material!

I've been thinking about doing the same LOTR trology, and I've the extended version. This is a good idea for weekday evenings. So far at least I've been able to at least get short rides in outside on the weekends, and this Saturday looks hopeful. I keep putting off getting the special trainer tire until I know I am inside for the season...

I also do two spinning classes a week, so my hours include that. I did lower my hours from 20-18 for the month, just thinking about my neck. I don't want to set too high a goal but if I can do more than that it would be great!


I should put the bike on the trainer, huh?
It would probably help out a bit :)

[Reesha]

I'm going to use this just to count my hours on the bike in general. Today I happen to be biking home outside!!! :) Otherwise I'd be on the trainer tonight.

[Blueberry]

1/1 (Rides/Days in December)

45 Minutes down - a Spinervals.

[Zona]

Please count me in also, I did 2 hrs yesterday but that was still Nov.
I plan to do an hour and half after dinner
PLease send me the link also
I will commit to 5 hours a week min.

Still plan to ride outside as much as possible, the next three days are going to be nice here.

[Veronica]

46 minutes with Coach Troy doing Recharge. It's a good video to do after a tough day to spin out your legs. Yesterday was leg day with Shawna. Man, my glutes are sore! One legged squats in the hack squat machine...

I listened to Christmas carols from A Very Special Christmas vol. 1 and 2. :p

Veronica

[Owlie]

Half-hour down.

[Catrin]

1 hour down, 17 more to go. Hopefully more than that but we will see how my neck does :)

[Owlie]

1 hour down, 17 more to go. Hopefully more than that but we will see how my neck does :)

How on earth do you spend that long on a trainer?! My attention span gives out at far less than that!

[Catrin]

How on earth do you spend that long on a trainer?! My attention span gives out at far less than that!

Tonight I was in spinning class, and I always start early to warm up as it is a kick a*s class. I am moderating things right now for my neck but I still want to warm up.

So far the longest I've been able to tolerate the trainer is an hour, but that last 15 minutes is hard...good movies help :)

[solobiker]

1 hour down...19 to go. Does not sound too bad :rolleyes: Tomorrow I hope for the same. Maybe some quality time with Coach Troy vs a movie.

[Tri Girl]

It appears I have a stress fracture in my tibia, so there will be no running for me for at least 6 weeks. I'm glad that I have this challenge to keep my sanity. :)

[Veronica]

Ohh... that's sucky. At least it's winter. I know, that's not much of a bright spot.

Veronica

[Norse]

How on earth do you spend that long on a trainer?! My attention span gives out at far less than that!

I can go up to about 1 and 1/2 hours on the trainer. That usually involves either Coach Troy, watching a sporting event on tv or listening to tunes while spinning along with a Global Ride or Bike O Vision DVD.

[pll]

How on earth do you spend that long on a trainer?! My attention span gives out at far less than that!

I 'videotize' myself -- I placed a TV with a blue ray player (one that has a USB port) in front of the TV. I do a workout from "The Sufferfest" series or put a recorded episode of something. However, before getting sufferfest videos last winter, I could never tolerate more than 30 minutes of the trainer.

[limewave]

Riding the trainer is a difficult thing.

Our LBS has a set of 4 computrainers in the shop. I try and get there once a week to ride with friends. The nice thing about the computrainer, you get to ride with your friends even though we're all at different levels. And having company helps the time go by.

[Aggie_Ama]

I could never do more than 45 minutes on a trainer, I can do a 45 minute spin class with a good 20 minute warm up. Something about being there with a group of people suffering and an instructor with contagious energy helps.

[Tri Girl]

Doing more than an hour on the trainer is soooo hard for me. I had a friend that trained for an IM doing ALL her miles on the trainer (she lived in Minnesota and trained during the winter for a spring IM). Her longest ride was 7 hours. I would have surely lost my sanity long before the 3 hour mark. ;)

Why do you like the Sufferfest videos so much pll?? What about them made you get past that 30 minute barrier?

[pll]

Why do you like the Sufferfest videos so much pll?? What about them made you get past that 30 minute barrier?

The music is *very* helpful for me, as well as the structured workout. I tried some other DVDs and I found I hated the talking and the overload of information, plus the music was bad. The guy who does the Sufferfest has some quirky sense of humor and the video includes some heckles. Instruction, quirky comments and heckles are flashed on the screen, there is no talking on the video. And the price is right for me ($12 versus $30 for a DVD).

ETA: 7 hours on the trainer? OMG.

[Blueberry]

2/2

30 minutes tonight. Was intended to be easy. I got carried away near the end.

[Veronica]

I did 3 hours once with Coach Troy's Tough Love video. I'm going to have to do it again this winter. I like the DVDs where I can turn off the music and listen to my own stuff.

I did 2.5 hours once using two different videos - Mental Toughness and Hillacious. That worked well because I used the change of video break for the bathroom and to refill my water bottle.

Veronica

[Owlie]

Even with movies (in this case, Dad's Army episodes), I can only manage half an hour. I have the attention span of a small fish. :o

[Tri Girl]

The music is *very* helpful for me, as well as the structured workout. I tried some other DVDs and I found I hated the talking and the overload of information, plus the music was bad. The guy who does the Sufferfest has some quirky sense of humor and the video includes some heckles. Instruction, quirky comments and heckles are flashed on the screen, there is no talking on the video. And the price is right for me ($12 versus $30 for a DVD).




Great to know! Thanks for the info. I'm always looking for *something* to make indoor riding during the winter a little less painful. I'm putting one on my Christmas list. Is there any one that you like more than another?

[Owlie]

I did 2/3 of my goal time (half hour) today. Really not feeling so great right now...

[pll]

Great to know! Thanks for the info. I'm always looking for *something* to make indoor riding during the winter a little less painful. I'm putting one on my Christmas list. Is there any one that you like more than another?

In order of preference, I like these the most: "Downward Spiral", "Angels", "Hell Hath no Fury".

[grey]

Tonight I was in spinning class, and I always start early to warm up as it is a kick a*s class. I am moderating things right now for my neck but I still want to warm up.

So far the longest I've been able to tolerate the trainer is an hour, but that last 15 minutes is hard...good movies help :)

I have a hard time for the first 30 mins. My goal is an hour at a time, so once I hit 30 I know I am halfway there and the second half doesn't seem so bad.
I'm on the kreitler wind machine - if I play something cool on the headphones and close my eyes I can pretend I'm outside.

[Blueberry]

3/3

Another 45 minutes done. Was curious about another ECT, so did the warm up and watched part of it (sort of did the workout - still a good workout for me!) - then DH took over the TV for aero base.

[Owlie]

Doing more than an hour on the trainer is soooo hard for me. I had a friend that trained for an IM doing ALL her miles on the trainer (she lived in Minnesota and trained during the winter for a spring IM). Her longest ride was 7 hours. I would have surely lost my sanity long before the 3 hour mark. ;)


SEVEN HOURS?!

Maybe it's my choice of material. I can't afford new stuff, but I have plenty on my laptop and my DVD collection. I'm mostly watching old TV shows, so half an hour seems like a natural stopping point. Maybe I'll try for two episodes as this muscle heals.

Tri Girl, sorry about your stress fracture. At least you're not missing the good weather, right?

[jusdooit]

I "cheated" today and did a 30 mile outdoor ride. But it's back to the trainer early next week.

[Miranda]

I "cheated" today and did a 30 mile outdoor ride. But it's back to the trainer early next week.

That's not cheatin... that's awesome (aka outside vs inside).:cool:

[Jo-n-NY]

I am not sure how the spreadsheet works. Do I put in some kind of symbol before the new time I am keying in?

[Dog]

I'm in! I'm still riding outside and doing 1 to 2 Spin classes a week. Can you please send me the link. Great idea....I love it!

[pll]

I am not sure how the spreadsheet works. Do I put in some kind of symbol before the new time I am keying in?

Enter 1 hour as 01:00 or 40 minutes as 00:40 and you will be set...

[Reesha]

Got two hours in on Saturday to make up for my flake out on Friday. I'll do my first sufferfest vid tonight! :dread:

[jusdooit]

Yes Miranda it was wonderful. And I got to ride with friends I hadn't seen for a while.

[Miranda]

Yes Miranda it was wonderful. And I got to ride with friends I hadn't seen for a while.

Good!:cool:

I teach Spinning year round. There are some students that do not exercise outside at all. When the weather is half-way do-able outside it's hard for me to be inside! Though I'm grateful to get paid with having class attendance and to see my members I love.

Glad you got to see your friends also.:)

[Veronica]

Today's video was Dropping the Hammer. Love it/hate it. It's a great workout, but it is hard.

Veronica

[Jo-n-NY]

Enter 1 hour as 01:00 or 40 minutes as 00:40 and you will be set...

Thanks, I thought so. I didn't seem like they were adding up so I thought I was missing something. The percentage line is messed up. I will PM Veronica since I have no idea how to do formulas in excel.

[Catrin]

55 minutes today. I've started watching the extended version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. have to be on the bike to watch it - whatever works :rolleyes: My neck was starting to tense up so it seemed a good stopping point.

Yesterday I hiked for 2 hours on the mountain bike trails in my favorite park...my hiking partner is also off the mountain bike for a time. We enjoyed the hike but were both wishing we had our bikes with us!

[Veronica]

Thanks, I thought so. I didn't seem like they were adding up so I thought I was missing something. The percentage line is messed up. I will PM Veronica since I have no idea how to do formulas in excel.

You need to use a colon between your hours, minutes and seconds. I fixed it.

Veronica

[Jo-n-NY]

You need to use a colon between your hours, minutes and seconds. I fixed it.

Veronica

Thank you!!!

[Blueberry]

4/4

30 minutes on the trainer today. Felt like crud but I did it.

[Reesha]

Ohhh goood. Did The Sufferfest "Angels" for the first time today. I don't think I can feel my legs.

1 very hilarious yet miserable hour. I feel great!

[Reesha]

The best prompt on the screen during the whole climbing-fest:

"CONTADOR ATTACKS!!! KICK HIS @SS!!!!!!!!!"

[Norse]

Temp is in the 20's here with a little snow on the ground. So yesterday I put in Global Ride's Maui Rollers, turned on the music, turned off spoken coaching and just rolled along for 55 minutes doing lots of climbing with beautiful scenery. :)

[Owlie]

I did an hour yesterday, accompanied by YouTube episodes of TV shows. It was nice having breaks to load the videos.

[Reesha]

It might be worthwhile to get Netflix Instant... lots of TV shows/episodes to choose from. You'll never be bored!

[Veronica]

58 minutes of Hillacious today.

Veronica

[Catrin]

It might be worthwhile to get Netflix Instant... lots of TV shows/episodes to choose from. You'll never be bored!

This is great, and I actually replaced my insanely-expensive-yet-no-time-to-watch-cable with streaming Netflix to my television. It works well and is a LOT less expensive.

1 hour spinning class tonight.

[Owlie]

15 minutes on the trainer, with just music. (I had fun trying to sing along with the Lion King songs I'd put on that playlist!) I need to remember to do this when I get home (after I've had a snack, of course!), since that way the heating is OFF.

Last night took more out of me than I thought. I didn't feel too bad, but I lay down last night and was hit by a wave of tiredness. My side is feeling better, but I don't want to push it with hard gears just yet.

[Norse]

A little over 20 minutes this morning doing "fat burner" intervals (2 minutes at max effort, 2 minutes off, repeat...) with the tv flipping between 2 different music channels. This week is a holiday killer of eating out for various biz functions - lunch AND dinner out yesterday, lunch and dinner again tomorrow, office shindig Friday.... Uffda. I need lots of fat burner this week.

Hey Owlie - you made it an hour on the trainer! Good for you!

[maillotpois]

Finally got to a computrainer class last night - nothing indoors last week! I did do 65 miles outside on Saturday, though. :)

This is such a tough time of year with holiday functions, etc. Thanks for the extra motivation.

[Catrin]

No riding today, inside or outside. I figure my body needs to rest today so am allowing it to do so - just need to get the sedation out of my system. I will see how things feel tomorrow, but will either do the trainer or the ArcTrainer at my fitness club.

[Owlie]

I'm taking the night off too. I feel terrible for no adequately explained reason.

[Blueberry]

Took it really easy last night (felt like crap). 35 minutes of hard intervals tonight.

6/6 done.

[jusdooit]

Great group trainer ride at LBS tonight (1.5 hours). Hoping to get an outside ride in later in the week.

[makbike]

I signed up today and would like to entry my rides thus far for Dec. How do I enter each individual day?

[Veronica]

It's not set up for individual days, just tally your total so far.

Next month maybe I'll make it more sophisticated. :D

Veronica

[Bike Writer]

Having this challenge is much better than just riding on a trainer without one. It helps to keep me on track during this crazy hectic busy time plus I LOVE seeing the goal percentage go up after an entry :D

I use spreadsheets for logging my mileage and time for outdoor riding but never thought about setting a specific target for the trainer. This is fun!

[Veronica]

I have a much more complicated spreadsheet that I use to track my daily training. I have goals every month for running, swimming, biking - indoor and out, yoga and working with my trainer. I have never gotten 100% of my goal for all of those in a month. :rolleyes:

But a goal should be a bit of a stretch for you. :p That's what I tell my students anyway!

Veronica

[Blueberry]

I signed up today and would like to entry my rides thus far for Dec. How do I enter each individual day?

You can enter a comment on your total, if you want to track day by day. It won't tally, but you can see it....

[Norse]

I have a much more complicated spreadsheet that I use to track my daily training. I have goals every month for running, swimming, biking - indoor and out, yoga and working with my trainer. I have never gotten 100% of my goal for all of those in a month. :rolleyes:

Veronica

I have an "old-fashioned" non-computer, hand-written bike log that I use when I get serious about my training each year. I usually start it in March and go to the AIDs ride in July. I log bike time, strength and core conditioning and yoga. In addition to being able to look back at prior years and see what worked well, and what did not, it forces me to be disciplined because I don't want to put a big 0 in for the day. This TE challenge is likewise very helpful in getting me motivated to put in the time on the trainer when I would rather just sleep in! Thanks again for doing this!

[Catrin]

I decided to get slowly back to my usual exercise after the cervical spine injections yesterday. I skipped my usual Wed. evening weights, but put in 35 minutes on the trainer. Hope to put in a full spinning class tomorrow night :)

[Owlie]

I woke up at 4am for no good reason today. Skipping today, will do 1:30 (split up--morning and then when I get home in the evening) tomorrow. Right now I'm going to eat dinner and pass out!

[Susan Otcenas]

My cycling coach mixes up the motivation quite a bit. Some days we have scenic cycling videos (where it's shot from the rider's perspective, so you rarely/never see a bike, just the road and scenery ahead) which he sets to music at whatever cadences we are working at for the day. Other times we use Robbie Ventura videos to simulate races, sprints, pacelining, etc. On time trial days, we usually get treated to footage of Lance, or even better, Fabian Cancellara, again set to music by the coach to keep us pedaling at certain cadences. There are days with no video at all, where it's just music and drills, but that's OK too. All in all, a great combination. Definitely never boring!

I've tried to sit on the trainer in my garage and I simply can not motivate myself to do it for long. Boooooring, and more importantly, I just don't push myself the same way I do in class.

[Miranda]

My cycling coach mixes up the motivation quite a bit. Some days we have scenic cycling videos (where it's shot from the rider's perspective, so you rarely/never see a bike, just the road and scenery ahead) which he sets to music at whatever cadences we are working at for the day. Other times we use Robbie Ventura videos to simulate races, sprints, pacelining, etc. On time trial days, we usually get treated to footage of Lance, or even better, Fabian Cancellara, again set to music by the coach to keep us pedaling at certain cadences. There are days with no video at all, where it's just music and drills, but that's OK too. All in all, a great combination. Definitely never boring!

I've tried to sit on the trainer in my garage and I simply can not motivate myself to do it for long. Boooooring, and more importantly, I just don't push myself the same way I do in class.

I totally heard that lol. Even as an instructor I can usually push it just a little bit more when someone else is mixing up the fun.;)

[Aggie_Ama]

Have had a cold all week, finally feel like I am getting the upper hand but not ready for spin class yet.

[Susan Otcenas]

Hour-long cycling class at 6am today. Focus was on cadence drills today, with most of the work done at 100 and 105 rpm. When I first started working with this coach (15 months ago), my natual cadence was ~ 80rpm. Now I am closer to 95rpm. So, these drills DEFINITELY work!

[Giulianna23]

Starting spinning classes today .....yay!! :)

[pll]

Hour-long cycling class at 6am today. Focus was on cadence drills today, with most of the work done at 100 and 105 rpm. When I first started working with this coach (15 months ago), my natual cadence was ~ 80rpm. Now I am closer to 95rpm. So, these drills DEFINITELY work!

It would be great if you or someone described some of those cadence drills. I have slowly managed to increase my cadence from ~60-70 or so to about 80 (with some bursts of 90-100+), mostly through consistent riding, but also with some obsessing about my cadence during rides. Using the trainer (as much as I hate it) seems to have helped.

Re a previous comment about the intensity of the workouts, for me the trainer has been a good opportunity to push really hard (to the point of getting sick) because I'm in the comfort of my place. I can collapse comfortably on my floor, if need be. :D

[Blueberry]

8/8 done.

Have been doing my own intervals - and my average HR/mileage comparisons tell me I'm working harder than some of the ECT's:rolleyes::rolleyes: Yesterday was easy. Today was not. 45 minutes.

[Susan Otcenas]

It would be great if you or someone described some of those cadence drills.

Sure!

So, this morning, after a warmup, we had 3 main worksets.

1st workset, 20 minutes:
1 minute pedalling at 105rpm, at mid zone 2 intensity (around 80-85% of threshold power)
1 minute at 85rpm. No adjustment to the tension knob, just a reduction in rpm. Yields ~ a mid-zone 1 intensity effort (60-65% of threshold power)
REPEAT 10 times to get to 20 minutes

2nd workset, 13 minutes:
5 minutes at 100rpm, varying zone intensity via the tension knob only, as follows:
1 minute at mid zone 3 (100% of threshold power)
1 minute at low zone 2 (75% of threshold power)
1 minute at high zone 3 (105% of threshold)
1 minute at low zone 2 (75% of threshold power)
1 minute at mid zone 3 (100% of threshold power)

3 minutes of active recovery in mid zone 1 (60-65% of threshold power) at rider's preferred cadence

5 minutes at 100rpm, varying zone intensity via the tension knob only, as follows:
1 minute at high zone 3 (105% of threshold)
1 minute at low zone 2 (75% of threshold power)
1 minute at mid zone 3 (100% of threshold power)
1 minute at low zone 2 (75% of threshold power)
1 minute at high zone 3 (105% of threshold)

3rd workset, 6 minutes:
1 minute pedalling at 105rpm, at mid zone 2 intensity (around 80-85% of threshold power)
1 minutes at 85rpm. No adjustment to the tension knob, just a reduction in rpm. Yields ~ a mid-zone 1 intensity effort (60-65% of threshold power)
REPEAT 3 times to get to 6 minutes

Cooldown.

There was also a few minutes Z1 recovery between each workset, for a total of an hour-long workout.

We ride on Cyclops stationary bikes equipped with power meters. We've all been tested, so that we know what our threshold power is, and what all of our intensity zones are. Each of us has a laminated card on our bikes, so that we don't have to do math or remember our zones. :-)

These classes are coached, and he's excellent. He continually gives us cues, reminds us where we are supposed to be, encourages us, corrects our form, etc.

Of course, a workout like this is totally tranlatable to what you do at home, even if you don't have a power meter. You can go by perceived exertion, heartrate, etc.

Hope this helps!

Susan

[pll]

Thanks! I will have to print that tomorrow and try it.

[Catrin]

1 hour on the spinning bike tonight and I felt great! I was pretty much able to do everything in class at close to my old intensity, the injections are working :D

[Reesha]

I'm so proud of myself for keeping up so far. I'm only 40 minutes off my 1 hour a day goal, but a few outdoor rides should really take care of that!

[jyyanks]

Ugh hit a snag! I was doing well and then both kids got walking pneumonia so haven't done anything since Monday!

[Owlie]

Ugh hit a snag! I was doing well and then both kids got walking pneumonia so haven't done anything since Monday!

Oh, it's okay. You have an excuse. I don't really have one, and I haven't done anything since Monday either. I got half an hour in today, despite my intention to get up early.
My side is still bugging me, so I haven't been able to do intervals or anything other than low-resistance. Any day now, muscle...:rolleyes:

I've finally found something that will hold my attention--documentaries!

[Giulianna23]

Yesterday I survived my first spinning class after yearsss..... woohoo...I did way better thatn I thought. :)

[Catrin]

Yesterday I survived my first spinning class after yearsss..... woohoo...I did way better thatn I thought. :)

Yayyyyyyy! Where did you go? It wasn't the Westview Healthplex by any chance was it?

[Giulianna23]

Yayyyyyyy! Where did you go? It wasn't the Westview Healthplex by any chance was it?


NO...I went to the Avon LA Fitness Gym ...I started going there about a week ago.

[Catrin]

NO...I went to the Avon LA Fitness Gym ...I started going there about a week ago.

I was just curious, we had a new woman in spinning class last night who did very well, especially for someone who said she had never been in spinning class before. I thought it might be you :)

[Reesha]

Oh, it's okay. You have an excuse. I don't really have one, and I haven't done anything since Monday either. I got half an hour in today, despite my intention to get up early.
My side is still bugging me, so I haven't been able to do intervals or anything other than low-resistance. Any day now, muscle...:rolleyes:

I've finally found something that will hold my attention--documentaries!

You know, I did two hours while watching Hellboy, a fast pased action flick and it wasn't even close to as good as the POV footage used in the Sufferfest videos. I guess it really makes me feel like I am going somewhere. I even lean into the curves a little bit with my body (or so my partner tells me lol!).

I should try documentaries, though. Variety will be critical!

[Owlie]

You know, I did two hours while watching Hellboy, a fast pased action flick and it wasn't even close to as good as the POV footage used in the Sufferfest videos. I guess it really makes me feel like I am going somewhere. I even lean into the curves a little bit with my body (or so my partner tells me lol!).

I should try documentaries, though. Variety will be critical!
It works because I'm a nerd. It doesn't take much to get me to watch a documentary (that isn't on the History Channel).

I will warn you, however, that watching one about the 1918 flu pandemic is not a good idea. It is especially not a good idea when this one contains an interview with someone who lost both parents and her brother within 3 days. :(

[pll]

Owlie: Where did you watch the documentary about the 1918 pandemic? I'd find that interesting, most likely not for the trainer. I read the book by Gina Kolata and it was super interesting. And I enjoy documentaries, too.

[jyyanks]

It's so funny - I would never choose to watch a documentary but if i happen to stumble upon them. I'm completely hooked. They really do hold my interest more than a regular sitcom/news program.
Kids are on the mend so will try to get back on track tomorrow.

[Owlie]

Owlie: Where did you watch the documentary about the 1918 pandemic? I'd find that interesting, most likely not for the trainer. I read the book by Gina Kolata and it was super interesting. And I enjoy documentaries, too.

It's the PBS Secrets of the Dead one. I think there was another one from PBS as well (American Experience, maybe).

I tried an Eddie Izzard show today. It didn't work. Well, it might have worked better if I'd eaten ahead of time. I have an obnoxious tendency to not eat properly before trainer workouts (because--hey!--if I need to, I can collapse on the floor), and work a bit harder (because I can collapse on the floor).:rolleyes:

[pll]

It's the PBS Secrets of the Dead one. I think there was another one from PBS as well (American Experience, maybe).
Thanks!



I tried an Eddie Izzard show today. It didn't work. Well, it might have worked better if I'd eaten ahead of time. I have an obnoxious tendency to not eat properly before trainer workouts (because--hey!--if I need to, I can collapse on the floor), and work a bit harder (because I can collapse on the floor).:rolleyes:

Ha! See my post in #108, also about collapsing in the comfort of my floor.

[Reesha]

I did 2 hours outside today in 37 degrees with a sore throat. I've decided that I'll stick to indoor riding until I get a home with a sauna :D

[tealtreak]

Avoid the holiday 5 pound gain and join the indoor cycling challenge! You can do your choice of videos, rock out to music, watch a movie or Dancing with the Stars. You just gotta ride your bike - rollers, trainer, spin classes. Whatever. And I don't really care if you want to count your outside time as well. It's YOUR goal. :p

How many hours can we spend collectively riding indoors? 100? 200? I figure I'm good for 10 - 2 hours per week, plus an extra hour each week I'm off.

I've set up a google spreadsheet to track progress. It is open to editing by anyone who has the link, so if you want to sign up, I'll send you the link in a PM.

Happy Riding!

Veronica
would love the link- hate indoor riding- but having mileage accountability would help!! Can we mix it up if we have a good weather day?

[Veronica]

Attempted Tough Love today. I got through 2:44 of it. I just had nothing left for that last set.

The thing about this video is he gives so little rest. I think the longest soft pedal is 3 minutes after a 30 minute set. In Hillacious you get 4 minutes after working for just 8!

Veronica

[Owlie]

It's good (if cold) riding weather outside right now--little wind, sunny, dry, upper 30s. I just don't trust myself enough not to push too hard.

28minutes yesterday. I'm going to finish my tea and see if I can do 45 minutes.

[pll]

w00t! Today was the first time I attempted a "duathlon" of sorts. I ran 5 miles in the sun (mid 30s) and then did 1 hour on the trainer (SufferFest's "Downward Spiral"). Oddly enough, the intervals on the bike felt easier, so I assume that was the result of having "warmed up" with the run.

[bmccasland]

I noticed that some of you have drop-down formulas / notes that covers the days you rode. How did you do that?

Me and spreadsheets don't get along very well. :rolleyes:

[Owlie]

I noticed that some of you have drop-down formulas / notes that covers the days you rode. How did you do that?

Me and spreadsheets don't get along very well. :rolleyes:

Right-click on the cell and there's an option to insert a comment.

[bmccasland]

Right-click on the cell and there's an option to insert a comment.

Success! thank you ;)

[limewave]

I dropped down my goal hours for the month. The LBS is doing a TT Race series on the computrainers. So instead of doing longer endurance rides (2 hours) I'll be doing much more intense 1 hour rides.

[Norse]

Attempted Tough Love today. I got through 2:44 of it. I just had nothing left for that last set.

The thing about this video is he gives so little rest. I think the longest soft pedal is 3 minutes after a 30 minute set. In Hillacious you get 4 minutes after working for just 8!

Veronica

I have Tough Love. I did it. Once. Recovery time is minimal and all the up and down he wants is rather hard on the knees. For a Spinerval of over one hour, I much prefer Mental Toughness (90 minutes).

This weekend I did 1 hour of steady state intervals with my MP3 while watching a bike video of the California coast. Yesterday was a little over one hour doing hill repeats, listening to my tunes, watching a Yosemite bike vid.

[Veronica]

I don't stand on a lot of those sets because of an injury to my quad. I get aero instead and try to increase my cadence. It just hurts to stand and pedal without the right amount of resistance. It is a geat video though if you are training for a hard ride or race since there is so little rest.

I like Mental Toughness too. :D

Veronica

[Blueberry]

I'm still working my way up to Spinervals that are *that* long. I don't know if I have the mental fortitude for it. We'll see.

I'm at 10/11 as of yesterday (and plan a harder workout later today). So far, doing really well with my goal of getting on the bike every day (except 4 rest days). That was my main goal and I'm proud of myself. Last night it was at 9:00 thanks to holiday "stuff" - I'm glad I did it - even if it was short.

[Jo-n-NY]

I received a great gift recently to make my trainer miles more interesting. An Elite Realaxiom computer trainer. I guess it is like a Computrainer. My husband set it up for me Saturday night I tried it yesterday. The program it came with is 10.9 mi of one of the Tour de France stages. He set up the difficulty at 40% which is a good start for me anyway. It is a little over 30 minutes which for during the week is perfect trainer time for me. I would like to get a program that is an hour long.

[Jo-n-NY]

I'm still working my way up to Spinervals that are *that* long. I don't know if I have the mental fortitude for it. We'll see.

I'm at 10/11 as of yesterday (and plan a harder workout later today). So far, doing really well with my goal of getting on the bike every day (except 4 rest days). That was my main goal and I'm proud of myself. Last night it was at 9:00 thanks to holiday "stuff" - I'm glad I did it - even if it was short.

My motto is something is better than nothing. Like you said even a short workout also makes me feel good afterward :)

[Anelia]

Can I participate? Please send me the link. 6 hours until Dec 12.

[Susan Otcenas]

Great cycling class this morning.

Here was the workout.

14 minute warmup

Workset 1 (8 minutes total):

4 x 1:30 ramps from low Z2 (75% of threshold) to Threshold, all at 95rpm.
(So, lock in at 95rpm at low zone 2 wattage, then over 1.5 minutes, progressively increase the tension - while maintaing 95rpm - such that you are working at threshold power at the end of the 1.5 minute segment. )

2 minutes low Z2 recovery

Workset 2 (6 minutes):

4 minutes at low Z3 (90% of threshold) as follows:
1:00 at 70rpm
1:00 at 95 rpm
1:00 at 70 rpm
1:00 at 95 rpm

2 minutes low Z2 recovery

Workset 3 (24 minutes):

4:00 at low Z3 at 95rpm, 2:00 at low Z2 at choice cadence
4:00 at low Z3 at 70rpm, 2:00 at low Z2 at choice cadence
4:00 at low Z3 at 95rpm, 2:00 at low Z2 at choice cadence
4:00 at low Z3 at 70rpm, 2:00 at low Z2 at choice cadence
(My choice cadence is 90-95 rpm)

Workset 4 (8 minutes):
0:30 at high Z5, low Z5 (120-130% of threshold) at 70 rpm
1:00 Z1 recovery
0:30 at high Z5, low Z5 (120-130% of threshold) at 95 rpm
1:00 Z1 recovery
repeat 2 more times

8 minute cooldown

Total workout was 1:09:00 - Workout chart attached. Watts in yellow, cadence in green.

[Owlie]

I did a quick 15 minutes. I didn't sleep enough last night and spent most of today really hungry, so not feeling the trainer love tonight!

[Blueberry]

12/13

I had thought today would be an easy day - but I was feeling good. I did a few warm up intervals followed by 2 intervals of 5 minutes each at 85% (4 minutes rest between). Then did 30 seconds all out. 5 minute cool down. Not scientific - but felt like a good workout:) Just over 30 minutes total.

[Reesha]

Totally derailed by an awful headcold :( rest and water!!!

[Catrin]

Took yesterday off as my left calf was complaining for some reason. I figured if it twinged when I used the clutch in my car that I should probably let it rest. Boy did it rest! The lack of a full nights sleep since mid-October when I fell on the trail and hurt my neck caught up with me, I went to bed at 7:30! Still woke up...but I got a lot more sleep than normal so I will take it.

[tealtreak]

Totally derailed by an awful headcold :( rest and water!!!
hope you feel better soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Norse]

I was hoping to do 30 minutes this morning but the furnace service guy showed up early so I only got in 15 minutes. Tried to make the most of it by doing power intervals.

[Reesha]

Well i got 30 minute depleted ride in this morning. My voice is gone, but I feel well enough to do another hour tonight. Yeehaw! Back on track!

[Reesha]

hope you feel better soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you :)

[Blueberry]

Good job, Reesha! That's something I struggle with - if I feel icky at all, I hate to exercise!

13/14 for me. I know Saturday will be a rest day - working pretty hard until then. 40 minutes tonight spinning 90 rpms. Mid zone 3.

[Owlie]

Going to bed early, then getting up and doing some. In spite of the fact that I really should have done at least something after the departmental lunch (so. much. tasty. food), I was in no fit state to do so--it was all I could do to keep from lying down for a nap when I got home. :o

Feel better, Reesha!

[Reesha]

Did my hour watching Arrested Development tonight. Feel like I have good energy, just no voice. Yelling (or trying) over students in the lab didn't help today.

[jyyanks]

Last 2 days were bad. Although I got on the rollers, it was a real struggle to make it through 30 minutes. Today was ok - I got into a bit of a rhythm. I'm not going to lie - I love the feel of biking outdoors but biking indoors is pretty brutal. This log is the only thing that forces me to ride -- otherwise I may have given up already! Thanks Veronica!

[Owlie]

Last 2 days were bad. Although I got on the rollers, it was a real struggle to make it through 30 minutes. Today was ok - I got into a bit of a rhythm. I'm not going to lie - I love the feel of biking outdoors but biking indoors is pretty brutal. This log is the only thing that forces me to ride -- otherwise I may have given up already! Thanks Veronica!

Oh, I hear you. I don't have the additional problem of trying to keep myself on rollers (I'm a klutz and would probably injure myself), and it's a struggle. Mental more than anything, but for some reason it's also physically harder. Maybe it's the lack of stop signs for rest or the inability to coast.

[Blueberry]

14/15. 30 minutes.

Felt like crap today. Could NOT get my HR up. Could be because I did a test ride of a bike outside - but that shouldn't have done this. I would take a rest day tomorrow, but Saturday has to be a rest day (no bike access at all). So - I think I'll take it very easy and short tomorrow unless I feel much better.

[Reesha]

Oh, I hear you. I don't have the additional problem of trying to keep myself on rollers (I'm a klutz and would probably injure myself), and it's a struggle. Mental more than anything, but for some reason it's also physically harder. Maybe it's the lack of stop signs for rest or the inability to coast.

I find it's harder on my tush because I totally never realized how much of a break we get when riding outside. Stoplights, coasting, standing up on hills. I hate standing up on the trainer... feels rocky... I like to feel my weight and my bike move from side to side a little bit.

For my needs right now though, the trainer is perfect. My weight loss guru (read: personal trainer) wants me doing mostly low intensity stuff with the exception of weight training twice weekly and a small moderate intensity ride that builds with each passing week. By week six I'll be doing 14 hours of exercise weekly... very little will be hard work.

[tealtreak]

Last 2 days were bad. Although I got on the rollers, it was a real struggle to make it through 30 minutes. Today was ok - I got into a bit of a rhythm. I'm not going to lie - I love the feel of biking outdoors but biking indoors is pretty brutal. This log is the only thing that forces me to ride -- otherwise I may have given up already! Thanks Veronica!
hang in there! Riding indoors stinks- do you have tunes? that is all that gets me through!

[Susan Otcenas]

1:05 in class this morning. Ended up being a "private lesson" because no one else showed up! Must all be out christmas-partying the night before, or something.

They missed a great class. Hill climbing intervals. My legs feel really good this month (it's a base building month) so it was a very successful class for me in terms of hitting all my power numbers.

I'm at 63% of my month's goal of 18 hours, but have a week's vacation coming up soon. Hope to get enough hours logged before I go. Also hoping to find a spin gym so I can get a workout or two in while I'm gone.

Susan

[bmccasland]

The best laid plans... This weeks is almost over and all I've done is look at my bike.
1) Left my asthma meds in my gym bag at work. No pre-ride meds, no ride.
2) thought I'd ride today, but had major dental work this morning and my face still hurts.

[Catrin]

90 minutes spinning class tonight, and we got all new bikes!

[Veronica]

42 minutes of Uphill Grind.

Veronica

[limewave]

I did another computrainer Time Trial. And . . . ughhh!!! 20 miles did not seem like such a big deal. However, there were several climbs over 9% grade. And even though there were downhills, we all know that there is no "coasting" on the trainer. The second half was almost all uphill, the final 4 miles at 6% grade or above. It was pure misery. Took me 1:18 minutes to finish. I think I left a lung on the floor in a puddle of sweat.

[grey]

I just wanna say December is one crazy month. I haven't been on the bike in two weeks. Holiday parties, holiday presents and cooking have ruled my spare time instead, and I feel fat and yucky. Hoping for an hour on the trainer after work today. Is anyone else so far from their goal?

[pll]

I'm procrastinating and postponing a trainer session, but I will share one of things flashed on the screen in a Sufferfest video. It does not fail to make me smile:


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XE6hgpjqtkE/Tu0Kq3FA3AI/AAAAAAAAd7Y/6LZShJWoI2I/s400/sufferfest.jpg

OK, no more excuses!

[tealtreak]

I'm procrastinating and postponing a trainer session, but I will share one of things flashed on the screen in a Sufferfest video. It does not fail to make me smile:


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XE6hgpjqtkE/Tu0Kq3FA3AI/AAAAAAAAd7Y/6LZShJWoI2I/s400/sufferfest.jpg

OK, no more excuses!
I just realized most of you ladies live in the frigid NE...so sorry ! If you can deal with 100 at 9:00 am in July- it is 50 now in VA- the last 6 hours I logged were outside(:!!!!!!!! Though now that I think back to fainting in July in spite of 3 Gatorades.........maybe you don't want to move!

[pll]

I just realized most of you ladies live in the frigid NE...so sorry ! If you can deal with 100 at 9:00 am in July- it is 50 now in VA- the last 6 hours I logged were outside(:!!!!!!!! Though now that I think back to fainting in July in spite of 3 Gatorades.........maybe you don't want to move!

We had some snow this morning, and it has been cloudy and a bit cold all day. Boo. It zaps my energy. :(

[tealtreak]

no doubt- hard to motivate when its gray...........

[Catrin]

1 hour on the trainer today watching the second disk of Lord of the Rings, the extended version. Did lots of sprints during the section in the Mines of Moria...then went for a nice hike outside.

[Miranda]

We had some snow this morning, and it has been cloudy and a bit cold all day. Boo. It zaps my energy. :(

I get that winter lack of daylight depression, SAD, and I know what you are saying. Regardless if is freezing with two feet of snow outside the sunshine makes it all ok.

One proven motivation to "just do it" anyway is our mood boost exercise gives us. Those happy endorphines help me to make a little sunshine inside my head, regardless of the sky.

:)

[tealtreak]

1 hour on the trainer today watching the second disk of Lord of the Rings, the extended version. Did lots of sprints during the section in the Mines of Moria...then went for a nice hike outside.
hooray for going with the flow! (of the weather........)

[Catrin]

hooray for going with the flow! (of the weather........)

I am riding outside today :)

[Crankin]

Yup, I rode outside yesterday and may try to brave it today, with a high of 28.
I did go to spin class Friday.
Not doing the challenge because when the roads get bad and it gets too cold for me to ride outside, my focus switches to snow sports. I still go to spin/ride the trainer 2-3 times a week, but in my lazy way, I don't like setting goals. I find I need to be flexible and then I am more likely to reach the goal I have in mind.

[tealtreak]

Yup, I rode outside yesterday and may try to brave it today, with a high of 28.
I did go to spin class Friday.
Not doing the challenge because when the roads get bad and it gets too cold for me to ride outside, my focus switches to snow sports. I still go to spin/ride the trainer 2-3 times a week, but in my lazy way, I don't like setting goals. I find I need to be flexible and then I am more likely to reach the goal I have in mind.
Which also sounds like a good way to keep it fun! (:

[pll]

Today was sunny, so I went for a run... no trainer for me today. However, I spotted the following "weight loss" workout from Chris Carmichael (http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/chris-carmichael/biking-weight-loss?cm_mmc=Twitter-_-Bicycling-_-Content-Story-_-flabby-fit) in the Bicycling magazine web site:


"Chris Carmichael's Weight-Loss Workout
This one-hour workout delivers the double whammy of torching calories and building high-end aerobic power you can put to good use the rest of the season. It's strenuous, so do it a maximum of three times a week to allow for adequate recovery and best results.

6 minute: warmup
1 min.: fast pedal, spinning a light gear as fast as you can
1 min.: recovery spinning
1 min.: fast pedal
1 min.: recovery spinning
5x2 min. at maximum intensity, with 2 min. recovery spinning between each
6 min.: recovery spinning
5x2 min. at maximum intensity, with
2 min. recovery spinning between each
8 min.: cooldown
Total time: 60 min."

[Reesha]

There's gotta be a sufferfest video for somethign like this!

It's almost 60 degrees here today so I am going for a ride in the park for an hour!

[Catrin]

43 degrees here today and pure sunshine with little wind...my and my Gunnar went for a 90 minute ride and it was awesome! I am still amazed at how much higher my heart rate gets in colder temps, just proves our bodies have to work harder to stay warm. At least that is my assumption that is what is going on.

[Reesha]

grrr... it's really hard for me to ride outside on a road bike at low intensity (what I'm supposed to do.) I rode outside at a moderate intensity for an hour, felt great to be off the trainer!

[jusdooit]

Temps here today were in the upper 50's so I got to enjoy an outdoor ride. Went with a couple of other lady friends. Nice easy pace, very low key........most enjoyable.

[bmccasland]

Had a good indoor ride today. 1 Hr 15 mins. Watched CSI and Grimm that I tivoed. :cool:

[Anelia]

After some days of good weather and rides of 2 to 4 hours, it's finally rainy and cold. This morning I did 1 hour fasted stationary bike and I did 3x5 min intervals. I had forgotten how light and happy you feel after intense work-outs.

[Reesha]

Did a 40 minute depleted/fasted ride pre breakfast per trainer's orders. Followed up with delicious breakfast :D

[maillotpois]

I'm probably not going to make my indoor cycling goal, because I'm swapping out one of my computrainer classes this week for a 200k. :D

The challenge has helped motivate me to go a couple of times when I really didn't feel like it, so that's good. But I've been lucky that the weather's been great and I've been able to do some good rides outside.

I'm gone the week between Christmas and New Years to Maine, so there won't be any bikes, stationary or otherwise. I am bringing my running shoes and hoping its not too icy.

[Reesha]

Oooo Maine. Please enjoy it for me too. Double enjoyment! I am not heading home this year for the holidays and I am thus missing Maine :(

[Blueberry]

You know - outside riding can count if you want it to!

My rule was to get on the bike every day for the month (except 4 rest days). The challenge has definitely motivated me. I got home from out of town at 8 last night after driving 600 miles in 48 hours, taking care of folks who were *ahem* impaired, and getting not nearly enough sleep. I was actually really glad I worked out - it was nice!

As of yesterday, 16/18. Will be riding later today.

[maillotpois]

You know - outside riding can count if you want it to!

My rule was to get on the bike every day for the month (except 4 rest days). The challenge has definitely motivated me. I got home from out of town at 8 last night after driving 600 miles in 48 hours, taking care of folks who were *ahem* impaired, and getting not nearly enough sleep. I was actually really glad I worked out - it was nice!

As of yesterday, 16/18. Will be riding later today.

Well, I have 11 hours outside (before the 200k, which will probably be 9). So I made my goal! :p

Blueberry - you're so close!!

[Norse]

Today was sunny, so I went for a run... no trainer for me today. However, I spotted the following "weight loss" workout from Chris Carmichael (http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/chris-carmichael/biking-weight-loss?cm_mmc=Twitter-_-Bicycling-_-Content-Story-_-flabby-fit) in the Bicycling magazine web site:


"Chris Carmichael's Weight-Loss Workout
This one-hour workout delivers the double whammy of torching calories and building high-end aerobic power you can put to good use the rest of the season. It's strenuous, so do it a maximum of three times a week to allow for adequate recovery and best results.

6 minute: warmup
1 min.: fast pedal, spinning a light gear as fast as you can
1 min.: recovery spinning
1 min.: fast pedal
1 min.: recovery spinning
5x2 min. at maximum intensity, with 2 min. recovery spinning between each
6 min.: recovery spinning
5x2 min. at maximum intensity, with
2 min. recovery spinning between each
8 min.: cooldown
Total time: 60 min."

Ah! That's his old "Fat Burner" work-out that was first published in Bicyling many moons ago. An oldy but a goody. I cut it out way back when and still do it on occasion. The last occasion was just this Saturday. :) I put in a bike video of riding around the Sedona/Grand Canyon area, put on my headphones and burned calories. Yesterday, was almost an hour doing Global Vision's StrenDurance featuring parts of Maui, starting with an 8 minute climb up Mt. Tantalus.

[Susan Otcenas]

1:30 in cycling class on Saturday. Long, steady state hill climbing intervals, for the most part. 60-70 rpm, concentrating on proper pedaling technique. Ohh la la, are my hip flexors tired!

Susan

[tealtreak]

I'm probably not going to make my indoor cycling goal, because I'm swapping out one of my computrainer classes this week for a 200k. :D

The challenge has helped motivate me to go a couple of times when I really didn't feel like it, so that's good. But I've been lucky that the weather's been great and I've been able to do some good rides outside.

I'm gone the week between Christmas and New Years to Maine, so there won't be any bikes, stationary or otherwise. I am bringing my running shoes and hoping its not too icy.
I have been counting outside riding! (: We have had a warm spell since Veronica sent me the link- so its all good (:

[tealtreak]

Did a 40 minute depleted/fasted ride pre breakfast per trainer's orders. Followed up with delicious breakfast :D
Wow- how do you not faint? I have to eat before I can even get dressed...........

[Reesha]

Wow- how do you not faint? I have to eat before I can even get dressed...........

I don't rightly know. Every body is a little different I suppose. Stored muscle glycogen keeps me going I think. I think my trainer has me doing the fasted workouts (1 per week, building by 10 minutes each week over 6 weeks) to exhaust muscle glycogen although I'm not sure why. I haven't asked yet.

A few years ago I would wake up, swim an hour and then not eat until lunchtime. :confused::eek: But I would overeat at lunch and dinner.

I have since recognized the joys of giant breakfasts. :D

[Anelia]

to exhaust muscle glycogen although I'm not sure why. I haven't asked yet.

To burn fat as fuel instead of carbs.

[Catrin]

90 minutes in spinning class tonight. Neck started hurting though, I think I am going to have to stop working out before spinning class right now... :o

[Blueberry]

17/19. Yay! Might not make the (arbitrary) time goal I set, but feel confident I will make the days goal (which was, after all, my main goal).

Got very dizzy tonight. Don't know why. Still got 20 minutes in - so all is well.

[Catrin]

I originally set a 20 hour goal for this challenge but backed off to 18 because of my neck. I am only 4 hours away from my goal, but I am going to leave it as it is. If I go over, then great. The neck thing gets frustrating...

[pll]

1 hour and five minutes, intervals (Downward Spiral from the SufferFest) + warm up and cool down. I think my eyeballs can sweat, too.

[Susan Otcenas]

1 hour in class this morning. I slept like CRAP last night, so it's not surprising that I didn't have a great workout.

[carlotta]

I thought about this while I was trying (successfully) to convince myself to just get on the bike and go to work rather than take the train this morning. I'm tired, it's a bit damp and should be raining on the way home (but almost 60 degrees. weird.), but I sucked it up and rode and now I'm glad I did.

I had set my goal based on 3 commutes/week but forgot that next week will likely be a less-than-full work-week, and/or working from the coffee shop which is close to home. I'll have to work in some errands or just for fun rides next week as long as the weather holds to meet that goal...

[Blueberry]

I did Suffer-o-Rama last night. Ouch! Still very sore this AM - today will be a very easy spin day.

18/20 as of last night.

[Reesha]

I have a mind to do 3 eaaaasy hours outside today, but we'll see. it's hovering around 44 right now.

[Veronica]

Ultra Core video. I don't think I've done this video since 2006. The core parts aren't as hard as I remember. :D I normally do hyper-extensions with Shawna holding a nine pound bar out in front of me. I'm going to have to figure out how to make the core parts harder with the weights and whatnot I have at home.

It's got a lot of single leg drills, which are not my friend. It felt like a good recovery workout after my tough leg day with Shawna yesterday though.

Veronica

[Catrin]

90 minutes on the spinning bike this evening - 45 minutes listening to my music and doing my own thing before class, then stayed for class. Had fun!

[Owlie]

I did 15 minutes last Thursday before the BF got here and I haven't done anything since (unless you count the five minutes or so that DBF spent fiddling with my bike). Now that he's gone, it's back on the wagon for me, starting tomorrow.

[Veronica]

Woohoo!! We've had two people hit their goals already. Congrats to pinsonp2 and Jo-n-NY. A lot of folks are really close.

Veronica

[Catrin]

1 hour on the trainer today watching LOTR, getting close to my goal! It also looks like I will get some outside riding time next week, so may well get to finish this with outside time :cool:

[Norse]

31 minutes of Fat Burner intervals this morning flipping between music channels. Might perhaps do a ride outside on Monday. Still no real snow on the ground and forecast high Monday is 35-40. We'll see how time constraints go.

Happy Holidays everyone!

[Blueberry]

Yay for those who have reached their goals, and those who are on their way!

I'm at 20/22 last night, and still feeling strong (if sore and a little tired).

[limewave]

Ahhh! I'm pretty sure I am going to fall short. Oh well, I still spent more time on the trainer than I would have. ;)

[Owlie]

Ahhh! I'm pretty sure I am going to fall short. Oh well, I still spent more time on the trainer than I would have. ;)

Me too. My bike needs a tune-up, and this is the only time I can do it until March. 1 hour on the trainer, and then I'm getting cleaned up and taking her over there.

[maillotpois]

Well, I will NOT make my indoor goals. However, today's outdoor ride at 117 miles, 8400 feet of climbing and a low of 23 degrees (and sustained sub-32 degree temps for close to 3 hours) allowed me to even more exceed my annual climbing goal and hit 4024 miles for the year. And more pertinent for my purposes, my ride time on this ride was almost an hour faster than last year.

:)

[Veronica]

Wohoo Sarah!

Veronica

[Owlie]

Nice job, MP!

Me too. My bike needs a tune-up, and this is the only time I can do it until March. 1 hour on the trainer, and then I'm getting cleaned up and taking her over there.

The shop did my tune-up same day (I'm shocked, since they usually take a week), and now the bike is back home. Yay!

[Catrin]

There have been so few opportunities to ride outside that I've been counting them along with the inside rides - so another 35 minutes today. Great ride outside, but my lungs strongly disliked the cold weather :(

[pll]

I rode outside for the first time in my life in December, in the Chicago area... I know others do it, but I had not dared before. The temperature was just under 40, with a windchill ~29 degrees, some wind. I managed not to freeze my fingers and toes in a little over 2 hours 20min. I will add that to my total, even though it was outdoors!

It feels very different to ride with the cold, dry air; very tiring but fun to be outside for a change. Maybe I will dare again tomorrow. Brrr.

[Blueberry]

45 minutes today - 22/24.

Planning a rest day tomorrow. I may end up with only 3 rest days for the month (I had said I could have 4) - but I'm not quite ready to make that call yet.

[Veronica]

Mental Toughness today - another 1:33 done. :D

Veronica

[Owlie]

1:20 outdoor riding. Will I or won't I?

[Blueberry]

23 Workouts /26 Days

45 minutes done today. Looks like I will meet my hour goal too.

[Catrin]

18/18, I've met my goal. I actually did much more than the needed hour today as I put an hour in on the trainer after lunch, and 90 minutes in spinning class this evening. As I've met my goal I see no need to include it however.

I like this challenge, it was helpful!

[Norse]

We set a record high yesterday, 52. However, the wind was absolutely awful and gusting to 40 so, ... I hopped on the trainer and did a Coach Troy Aero Base Builder for an hour and 15. Wacky "winter" we are having so far.

[Bike Writer]

Thank you so much to Veronica for starting up this creative challenge and for setting up the spreadsheet for us to use for tracking.

The spirit of compettition and the public admission of a goal has really helped to keep me on track and I suspect quite a few others too. I set a goal that I felt I could achieve and it looks like I will make it. It has been more challenging than I had expected it to be, December can be such a busy month that it could be easy to shrug off time spent training/exercising, however this committment turned out to be fun and inspiring and helped to keep my on track on those days I might otherwise opt out. Outdoor summer riding is fun and serves as it's own motivation. Indoor riding is not. I am grateful for the motivation this challenge has provided.

Despite the parties, the cookies and goodies and the overindulging, this challenge has helped me to maintain fitness and weight.

Again, thank you Veronica and to all the TE participants for their motivation!

[Veronica]

I'm glad it has served as motivation for so many.

Veronica

[limewave]

I came down with something awful. My throat is so swollen I can hardly breathe and I've lost my voice completely. Haven't been able to talk for 3 days. I told DH he got what he wanted for christmas--I can't nag him! :) I stayed in bed most of Christmas and the next day. Don't think I'll be making much more progress on the challenge though.

[Blueberry]

Feel better, Limewave!

47 minutes for me today.

24 workouts/27 days. Only an hour and 18 minutes and 3 more workouts to meet my goal. Yipee!!

[jyyanks]

Thank you Veronica! The December bike challenge is the only thing motivating me to do something other than lie in bed and surf the web. I hate the winter and tend to overeat and sit around leading to a 10 pound weight gain. When Spring rolls around, i have to work my butt off to lose it. Unfortunately, i have gained my winter 10 already, but i'd love to lose it before Spring, otherwise i will spiral out of control!

If you decide to do a January challenge, I'm definitely in. Thanks again!

[Catrin]

Limewave, I hope you feel better quickly!

I had 60 minutes in spinning class this morning.

[Anelia]

I stopped using the stationary bike because it's a wonderful winter here with snow and sunny weather. Now I ride outside and I feel wonderful. My work outs are not very intense on the heart because I have to be careful not t slip on ice or snow but keeping balance and struggling the snow is a whole body workout. I exercise my core, my legs, my upper body and my skills. I have lots of time ahead to do intervals.

[Catrin]

I stopped using the stationary bike because it's a wonderful winter here with snow and sunny weather. Now I ride outside and I feel wonderful. My work outs are not very intense on the heart because I have to be careful not t slip on ice or snow but keeping balance and struggling the snow is a whole body workout. I exercise my core, my legs, my upper body and my skills. I have lots of time ahead to do intervals.

I don't know about you, but I've noticed that simply riding outside in the cold air sends my heart rate much higher than in warmer temps. You may be doing more in that department than you realize. Physiologically speaking, exercising in the cold air requires more out of the body - and we get a better workout :)

[Blueberry]

I am 33 minutes and 2 workouts from meeting my goal. This is huge for me. This is the first hard fitness goal I have faithfully followed, and I feel like I have put down a good foundation to go into next year starting strong. I'm particularly proud because I managed to turn a bad thing (an ankle injury that derailed my running plan) into something good. Happy dance!!!

Thank you, Veronica - for starting this challenge, and for being an inspiration:)

[maillotpois]

I am 33 minutes and 2 workouts from meeting my goal. This is huge for me. This is the first hard fitness goal I have faithfully followed, and I feel like I have put down a good foundation to go into next year starting strong. I'm particularly proud because I managed to turn a bad thing (an ankle injury that derailed my running plan) into something good. Happy dance!!!

Thank you, Veronica - for starting this challenge, and for being an inspiration:)

Just yay.

:)

[Veronica]

I am 33 minutes and 2 workouts from meeting my goal. This is huge for me. This is the first hard fitness goal I have faithfully followed, and I feel like I have put down a good foundation to go into next year starting strong. I'm particularly proud because I managed to turn a bad thing (an ankle injury that derailed my running plan) into something good. Happy dance!!!


That's awesome. Although you really started this when you posted the Coach Troy link. :p

Don't hurt your ankle doing your happy dance! ;)

Veronica

[kjay]

Will there be another challenge in January? Maybe?

[rubysoho]

35 minutes today. First day back after a long hiatus that started before Thanksgiving. It felt good!

[Veronica]

72 minutes today completes my 10 hours. Aerobase Builder video - not my favorite, but I survived. :D

Veronica

[Owlie]

One hour of resistance work: 10 min warm up, ~35 minutes of actual resistance work, 12-13 min cool-down. And I only stopped pedaling to shift around on the saddle!

[Bike Writer]

I am 33 minutes and 2 workouts from meeting my goal. This is huge for me. This is the first hard fitness goal I have faithfully followed, and I feel like I have put down a good foundation to go into next year starting strong. I'm particularly proud because I managed to turn a bad thing (an ankle injury that derailed my running plan) into something good. Happy dance!!!

Thank you, Veronica - for starting this challenge, and for being an inspiration:)

WOW! How cool is that? You must feel great!

[Catrin]

45 minutes on the trainer yesterday morning. I should have stuck with my original 20 hour goal for December since I've exceeded that :D

Then again, I include all that I do on anything that looks like a bike - trainer, spinning class, and my rare chance to ride outside this time of the year.

[makbike]

Finished out the month today - total hours on trainer/bike - 27:04:55; total miles 435.62. Sadly, I fell just short of my goal of 30 hours. That said, I'm not disappointed as I had a super month on my bike. Looking forward to the January challenge!

[Bike Writer]

30 minutes today on the trainer pushed me a hair over my goal. Yipee!

[Blueberry]

Thank you all!

Met my hourly goal yesterday, and my workout number goal today. I woke up with a sore throat this AM, so took it very easy today. I'll post more later about what I've learned, but I have broken through a lot of barriers and learned a lot about myself and my exercise habits (and weaknesses) through doing this.

[Owlie]

Another hour. I'm planning to ride outside tomorrow, and that should put me at or over my goal.

I'm such a procrastinator.:o

[five one]

Did pretty well until this past week when other stuff began to get in the way (meaning I let it get in the way). 68% is still better than 0%... Hope to do better in January.

Congrats to all who reached their goals.

[Owlie]

I'm a procrastinator. 1.5hr outside to meet and exceed my goal by about 15 minutes. :D

[bmccasland]

I made it. An hour today and I met my goal! It may not look as much, but I'm also trying to make the twice a week workout at the gym too.

[Norse]

The Uphill Grind yesterday put the icing on the cake for December! Starting January today! (I have a few holiday pounds to take off :eek:)

[Blueberry]

I made it. An hour today and I met my goal! It may not look as much, but I'm also trying to make the twice a week workout at the gym too.

We all have our victories! Seriously - I haven't even looked at the goals of others - I did look to see who was at 100% or close:D:D You met YOUR goal and that's awesome! I'm sure my goal doesn't look like much to most people either - but it's great for me:)