Do you spin every day?

[Blueberry]

I could use some advice on this one. There isn't a ride outside that is "easy" for me. But I'm sick of the trainer.

What are you doing when you do a recovery ride? Riding in a flat area and spinning easy? For how long?

Sorry for the *very* basic questions, but I've not been able to puzzle my way through

Thanks for the sample schedule, V. It's very helpful!

[Veronica]

My recovery ride depends on how I'm feeling. Sometimes I just ride and don't even look at my HR monitor. And it's just about enjoying the ride

Sometimes I'll set my HR monitor to beep at me if I go above 160. Keep in mind that when I quote HR numbers, it's based on my testing, and your numbers are going to be different.

Oh, I have no really flat areas, so I try to spin really easy up the hills. Today, I'll probably use Fluffy for my ride because he has a triple, thus lower gearing. Of course he also has a higher top end than my Legolas too!

V.

[Starfish]

There isn't a ride outside that is "easy" for me.

I have to put the bike on the car and drive at least 20 minutes to find flat roads long enough for a decent ride, so I don't find it convenient to do outdoor recovery rides very often. Sometimes I just go to the gym and spin really easy on a recumbent for recovery.

But, increasingly, I am finding that swimming is turning out to be a great recovery workout for me. It is easier for me to keep my pulse down where it should be for recovery. And, I find that I can concentrate on my arms and back and keep the legs just active enough for a little recovery, rather than stress. I also find the warm and cocoon-like indoor pool environment to be relaxing if I have been buffetted by wind or rain outside the day before.