Trainer miles 'v' road miles

[MightyMitre]

Hello All

I've been doing a bit on the home trainer and today I did 40 mins but only a rung up a distance of just under 6 miles!

I was wondering if anyone knew how Trainer miles convert to Road miles? For example, how would 40 mins on the trainer compare to 40 mins on the road? I know if you're a runner and ran for an hour, to get the same workout on the bike you'd have cycle for at least 2-3 times longer again.

On this occasion I wasn't following a program, just watching TV and spinning my legs at a comfortable rate. Obviously there were no head winds or climbs, but at the same time no descents or free wheeling.

[RitaG]

Actually, from what I read in "The Ultimate Ride" by Chris Carmichael...

45 min on trainer = 1 hour on road
1 hour on trainer = 1.5 hours on road

For anyone who can be on a trainer longer than 1 hour, I say mucho bonus points!

It sounds like you have a computer? I have a rear-mount CatEye that keeps track of RPM, MPH, AveMPH, Distance, the works. That has helped me tremendously. I think I would be cheating quite a bit without it.

[nuthatch]

MM did you have the resistance fairly high? I usually ride 45 minutes and hit 10 miles (15 mph) at my target heartrate (140-145) but I've got the resistance down pretty low. I guess each trainer is different in that respect.

[MightyMitre]

Thanks RitaG - very useful. That Mr Carmichael seems to know what he's on about. Although I guess most of the people he coaches are probably working a lot harder than me - especially during July.

Nuthatch - I didn't have any resistance on. I was doing a cadence of about 70 as I'm coming back from a injury and was taking thing very easy as I've only ridden 20 miles since November.

My average speed was only about 8.2! and I wasn't really going for a sweat, more of a nice, Level 2 glow.

Can't believe how much fitness I've lost since November - it's gutting. The plan was that I was going to do some running a couple of times a week to kick-start my fitness again, but as it turns out quick fixes or corner cutting well and truely backfired on me. My orginal injury was in my lower back and it had been feeling good, so I got all excited and went out for a run. It was only really a jog - very gentle - and I felt great - till the next day!

Upshot is, Physio gave me a talking to, said I'd done too much and should start off with walking! Wasn't impressed with that, but she said I could build it up to running over the course of 3 months.

NOTE - wedding in 3 months, must get fit,loose weight, tone up. Aaaaaaghhhh!!

[nuthatch]

Oh gosh! How frustrating for you - the back is so tricky. It's incredibly easy to throw it out or injure it and slow to mend. But I guess we can't ride (or run or walk down the aisle) without it, so easy does it! Actually six miles sounds really good considering all the limitations put on you to be gentle with yourself!

[MightyMitre]

Yes - it's been a bit frustating. To the normal, non sports person this'll sound mad, but it's so hard to go gently. I want to be out there and at it. Still, I'm going to have to be stern with myself and focus on the longer term.

My physio's is very good. She was recommended to me be about 4 people all independant of each other who gave her rave reviews so I know I'm in good hands. She's managed to unearth all sorts of things relating to my pelvis and hip flexors which, I now know have been responible for the niggles I've had in my back for years!

I guess this is a good opportunity to start from scratch again and learn good cycling habits on the bike.