Trainer vs. outdoors

[Thorn]

3 hours on a trainer? That is insane

Just call me insane, too, then

I try to get one trainer ride of more than 2 hours once a week. I've managed a little over 3 hours last week. After the first hour, I just fall into a rhythm and the time flows well. Of course, DH also has a trainer so we keep each other company.

We've got a pattern similar to Melissa. Two interval sessions in a week, a short, low intensity recovery ride, a long ride of 2.5 - 3 hours and another longish ride (1.5 hour) at a moderate intensity.

Last year we did similar except that our long ride was just over 2 hours. When spring came around we found that a 3 hour road ride was not a problem to do without any build up. Plus the intervals had us stronger on the hills and spring winds.

I think the mapping between indoor and outdoor miles is a bit fuzzy. It depends upon how hard you work indoors vs. how hard you work outdoors. We "train" in the winter to just ride in the summer so I think our indoor miles give us more outdoor miles than, say, someone who rides hard in the summer and just sits and spins inside in the winter. Very subjective.

[melissam]

Just call me insane, too, then

Welcome to the ranks of insanity!

[NJBikeGal]

Yo there, chica!

I have some pretty good indoor trainer workouts that I can send you. They're anywhere from 1 hour to 2+ hours on the daggon bike, but if you put on a good movie or something, you can get through them.

The toughest thing, I have found, is boredom. Sometimes, I just cannot keep myself moving...in my honest opinion...when that happens, buckle down for a few major intensity intervals, cool down, and GET OFF! Not worth it to hate that machine by April when the weather is ROCKIN'! (At least on the Eastern Seaboard )

[Drtgirl]

Hey! Long time no see.

My trainer's in the garage so I don't have the luxury of watching TV I can ride up to 1.5 hours with no problem, as long as I have great music playing. I rigged up a little handlebar magazine holder and that helps pass the time.

I'll take any and all workouts! Thanks!