I feel the Need for Speed!

[Geonz]

So... is there that much connection with speed and distance? I mean to the tune of 100 miles.

I'm suspecting that interval training would be more important than piling on the miles, tho' I got fast with both. I also think that once you're pushing past 18, equipment starts to matter a lot more.

[Eden]

So... is there that much connection with speed and distance? I mean to the tune of 100 miles.

I'm suspecting that interval training would be more important than piling on the miles, tho' I got fast with both. I also think that once you're pushing past 18, equipment starts to matter a lot more.

yes and no - you still want to train to the distances you expect to be riding, even if you are looking to increase your speed. Plus, you still want to have at least some period in the year that you put in base miles, which are longer and slower. So some days may be interval based and shorter rides, but some days will be longer rides too.
For someone like me that trains for a specific season I have a whole period of time (several months) that I'm doing base mileage and hardly do any harder riding. Those rides will work up to a bit beyond what I expect typical race milage to be. If you just wanted to go faster in general I would guess you could spread out the base mileage rather than periodize it?
So really it depends on what you are working towards. If you are looking to be a beginning racer (for women that usually means between 24 and 40 miles) you probably won't see any 100 mile days in your shedule, but if you are looking to do higher level racing or training for a fast century you would see longer days.

[Bklynmom]

This is all so helpful I bought the Joe Friel Training Bible - lots of good stuff in there!

I just love the group rides with my coach, although they are only a few times a month. They are multi-level and very focused on technique. It is also really good when someone is really in charge that knows what they are doing. I really got a good handle on a paceline, OMG how much fun is that?

I find I am less interested in the century rides and more interested in form and speed as time goes on. I haven't quite found a good bike club group for me. I had a bad early experience with a B17 ride that left me behind -- probably not fair of me to try it at that point in my fitness either, now it would be fine. Any sugestions from other New Yorkers would be appreciated!

[rij73]

Bklynmom,
Are you training with Felix? I've heard good things about him...

[Bklynmom]

I am training with Felix - he is awesome. He is really focused on riding technique, which has helped me a great deal, plus he is excellent with female riders. He is also very funny and relaxed, which really helps me relax and try things I didn't think I could do -- like riding in a paceline. He also fit my bike which was like getting a new bike - big improvement on breathing and everything.

His web site is : http://www.newyorkcycling.net/ and he is very good about answering his e-mail. Tell him I sent you!

[ChickWithBrains]

Unfortunately I can't echo the Felix sentiment -- I guess some people love him and some don't. I think he can be an excellent teacher for the right people, though! He and I just don't click.

[Bklynmom]

Absolutely - you have to find the right person for you. Do you have a coach or system you work with?

I recently found something called City Coach on 3rd Avenue and 8th street that does coaching and has an indoor cycling system where you use your own bike - sound really interesting. Have you heard anything about them? I found it through the Jack Rabbit Running store web site.

And completely off topic, why can't the people in bike stores be as nice and helpful as the people at Jack Rabbit ?

Lisa P.