my observations on this are that its a function of goals and objectives... I just got in shape this year so I am no expert but have been learning a lot. When I started 10 miles seemed like a big deal. Now I am hoping to prep for a century and triathlon in 07.

I think spinning is like cycling but not quite the same, and just that little variation is enough to make you doubt what you thought you knew about your fitness. This is why in my own little fitness journey I have not only decided to cross train, but every few weeks do one completely different activity. It doesn't have to become something I do regularly, but the idea is to surprise myself somehow. For example, I can be riding outside 3-4x a week for 30+ miles, but go to a spin class and feel like I am going to keel over as it is a constant effort, no stopsigns or downhills or roadside country stores.

Or be going to spin 3x a week and go for one 30 mile ride and feel very sore after - "what is this balancing thing I must do???".

The upshot is my body pretty quickly adapts to whatever my routine is, so I can't stay in one routine and expect overall progress. I think this is why most exercise programs I've been looking thru change something in the focus every three weeks or so.

That said, if and when I am prepping for a specific event, the last few weeks/months depending on the nature and duration of the event, I would try to be goal specific. After all, if you want to do that one thing well, then you have to do that one thing a lot (practice).

For me, my offseason unofficially started end of Sept, and starts in earnest Monday as I have my last 'prepared' event for 06 Sunday, so I will feel free after to try things for the next few months when I will be predominently in spin routine.

pe to be b