Getting Faster-How to Train?

[surgtech1956]

Maybe I should be riding longer, then riding as fast as I can for about an hour? I wish I had others to ride with - at least others around my age. Now thats its getting cold out, I wont want to ride for distance.

[goldfinch]

Maybe I should be riding longer, then riding as fast as I can for about an hour? I wish I had others to ride with - at least others around my age. Now thats its getting cold out, I wont want to ride for distance.

Wish you were nearby as I go your speed and also would like to be a bit faster. Interestingly, back in September I did my longest ride ever, a charity ride of 50 miles (all flat). I averaged 12.5 mph which was by far my fastest time for any long ride.

I usually average anywhere from 10.5 to 11.5 mph for 20 to 30 mile rides, maybe a bit more if the ride is really short and I am working really hard. I am very slow on the uphills, that is part of the issue.

[NadiaMac]

+1 for riding with folks who are faster with you. is there a group ride where you can try to hang on as long as you can (then ride alone afterwards)? it can be a bit demoralizing, but you will ikely see improvement over time and that's always encouraging. make sure you know the route if you take this approach!

also, interval training and weight work can help

[Bethany1]

Put two computer magnets on your bike

[azfiddle]

I think riding a lot does help and definitely trying to hang on with faster people. I get discouraged when I drop off the back a lot, especially if they decide not to wait for me.

Wind is the flatlander's alternative to hills. So you might consider that.
I think intervals are also good.

My average seems to be creeping up - from 13 mph two years ago to almost 15 now. Sometimes lately it has been higher- over 16, but I don't know if part of that is due to weather. Unfortunately, everyone else I ride with has been doing Carmichael Training spin classes for the last 3 months and they have all gotten faster than I have gotten faster, so I still can't keep up with them. Does that sentence make sense?

Keep riding. Push yourself when you can. And have fun.

[surgtech1956]

Thanks azfiddle, I never thought about the wind. Unfortunately, winter has arrived here in Michigan and I think my riding is done for the season unless I take a spin class at a local YMCA.

[Crankin]

I am one of those people who gets totally demoralized when I am dropped. To the point of wanting to quit right then. For some reason, I don't like being reminded that I am slow, old, whatever. I always say I am not competitive, but I think I am, in my own weird way.
I like intervals for improving my strength, speed, whatever. It really works.