Pace: trainer vs. outdoors

[Crankin]

Yep, I don't get a speed reading on my trainer either. But it is definitely overall a harder ride. Sometimes, I feel like I can hardly push the pedals. DH and I have the same trainer. One of them feels "easier" and one feels harder. We traded so I got the harder one this year!
I also use the trainer to do specific drills/training. The program I use never has more than about 45 minutes of riding. I couldn't deal with more than that. But, I feel exactly the same as I do when I do a long, hard ride outdoors.

[VeloVT]

My computer does give me speed on the trainer (rear wheel mounted). I am definitely slower on the trainer, and the slower pace still feels harder than a pace ~5mph faster would feel on the road.

FWIW, I am also slower on the treadmill than I am running outside.

[zoom-zoom]

My computer does give me speed on the trainer (rear wheel mounted). I am definitely slower on the trainer, and the slower pace still feels harder than a pace ~5mph faster would feel on the road.

FWIW, I am also slower on the treadmill than I am running outside.

Interesting, Liza. I have a Garmin Forerunner with the speed/cadence/distance sensor, so it's nice to be able to track my mileage and training improvement during these long Winter months. I'm hoping I see the same effect that you do from your bike computer.

I am usually faster on a TM, since I want to get it over with (I have never been able to do more than 5.5 miles on the TM...feels like 20 on the road). I don't mind the bike trainer nearly as much, but it doesn't hold a candle to being outdoors.

Thanks for all the reassurance, ladies. I can't wait until better weather/roads so I can see my persistence pay off!

[annielynn]

I hate my trainer. I work twice as hard on my trainer than I do on the road. I feel exhausted quicker and 30 minutes just about kills me. My hubby says he feels that same way and is a more advanced cyclist than I. I most time dread getting on the darn thing but I know that it helps, even if it is just slightly.

[ny biker]

I hate my trainer. I work twice as hard on my trainer than I do on the road. I feel exhausted quicker and 30 minutes just about kills me. My hubby says he feels that same way and is a more advanced cyclist than I. I most time dread getting on the darn thing but I know that it helps, even if it is just slightly.

Are you doing interval training on the trainer or just going all-out the whole time? I find that intervals make the time go faster and you work hard but also get opportunities to soft pedal and catch your breath.

[SlowButSteady]

I usually dislike the trainer. But the other night I was watching the tight-tied Saints-Vikings game and I barely noticed that I hated it and the time flew by.

I interval by clicking up (to a more difficult gear) two gears during commercials and down one gear after the commercial, gradually escalating resistance throughout my ride.

The game held my attention so that I barely noticed it.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who finds the trainer to be a challenge.

Hubby and I do "intervals" of easy riding with maybe 30-60 seconds in the highest gear and our butts out of the saddle every 2-3 miles. It keeps things interesting.