Quote Originally Posted by sonicmolasses
I'm just curious whether anyone here has improved their speed through deliberate training. My goals are not huge- just to be able to do the usual centuries and such at the end of the season but do them with more confidence and the ability to hang.
Yes. But the training is painful and requires incredible focus. I'm learning all about it this summer. I whined a lot at first but now that I'm starting to see results, I'm not whining as much.

HOWEVER, I'd say that "fast" or "faster" is relative and maybe you need to cut yourself a little slack! There will always be faster and slower people. Does your lack of confidence stem from your century time(s)? Do you feel like you should be going faster? Why? If you're not happy with it, then yes, train harder. But I'm willing to bet you aren't as slow as you think you are! The really hard training can take the fun out of cycling if you aren't careful. I know I've been on the edge many times this year.

I have a few people that I ride with that I can't hang with for long. Riding with them pushes me and though I may not like how it feels at the time, it's good for me. But then I also have ridden with others that had trouble hanging with me. Then it's my turn to "return the favor" and help push them a little bit (if they want to be pushed).

Do you have a training buddy (or buddies)? It really helps.

Good luck!