Quote Originally Posted by han-grrl View Post
Hey Ladies
How interesting, many of you started racing because hubby rides or races. And family seems to be the largest support system.


I was going to write something quite similar, Han... family is def my largest support system... my partner being the most effective and motivational for me (ie, the one who kicks my but when needed, or who allows me time to lick my wounds and then chases me back on the bike.

Quote Originally Posted by han-grrl View Post
Can I ask about your training? How do you come up with a plan or do you just ride? do you have a coach?


My training is based on the discussions we have at home. We talk bikes, dissect races, analyse racing form in riders we know, share anything we hear or read in terms of rider performance or training plans.

Most of my partner and my training has come from books like Friel's training bible and cycling past 50, and Bernhardt's female cyclist. My partner rides in the elite grade in our club so he is able to talk to cyclists who race in the Olympics, as well as in pro-teams in Europe.

We all coach each other. We were considering getting a coach for my eldest son as he had big aspirations and we didn't want to spoil the relationship between him and his dad - but he started tertiary study this year and is taking a semi-break from the intense riding he was doing - he is not quite 19, so now is a good time for a break if he is ready. He hasn't reached his full potential yet and I would hate for us to push him and him get sick of it all together.

I have considered a coach a few times this year. A guy has moved to this area and he has taken under his wing a few of the women of similar age to me from the club. Their racing has REALLY improved...

So yes, I have a plan - it incorporates various training rides (intervals, hill reps, endurance, ATTs) as well as rest days. I do no cross training except trying to remember to do tummy crunches. I do not have anymore TTs for a while, so will be focusing on hill reps and refining skills such as cornering at speed. And I make this plan myself and run it by partner and get his input and modify if I agree... thats it thus far.