Training Peaks Added Strength!
Training Peaks has recently introduced a substantial update which has seen the implementation of a new strength session builder. It is still in Beta phase, but having played around with it for a couple of weeks I am very impressed. Although, to be fair it is just a slightly more basic version of some of the more well-known S&C apps like Teambuildr, etc... However, the fact this sort of functionality has been integrated into the leading endurance training platform says a lot about the role of resistance training in endurance sports nowadays. Having the ability to capture both modes of training in one place is a massive step forward and will help to create a sense of harmony between the two domains.
The body of evidence on concurrent strength and endurance training is continually growing and points to significant health and performance benefits above doing one or the other.
To learn more about the health benefits I would recommend listening to The Real Science in Sport Podcast: The Science of Weight Training episode and the interviewee's recent article on the health benefits of resistance training.
Another great resource linking strength training to performance is Brent Ronnestad's research on concurrent strength and endurance training.
Like most areas in sports, there is a lot of misunderstanding and mischaracterisation of research in this area. Our younger athletes have been on board and incorporating strength training into their programs since pre Covid. Many of the most competitive athletes work with both myself and a strength coach. Most of my training and understanding in this area has been born out of a need to communicate effectively with these coaches who often don't come from cycling specifically.
My project for the next little while will be creating strength sessions with minimal equipment and time commitment as possible.
I am keen to schedule a zoom discussion for Thursday 27th June at 8 pm, and it will be aimed at riders who have never done or really struggled to incorporate a strength routine in the past.
Please email to receive a Zoom access link to this discussion. In the meantime check these resources as mentioned above.
IBuilt U23 Team
This season myself and Bill Blackmore from NZ Wood Products under the name of Ibuilt have stepped up our commitment to the U23 development team. This has been a cool little project for the last couple of years. The team came about when for the 2022-2023 season Bill asked me to help him organise a team for the UCI one day Gravel and Tar race. The UCI status of the race meant riders could only enter if they were part of a registered team, So we thought we would create a team of first-year U23 riders and offer an opportunity to race in an elite international field. I suggested we throw a team into the NZ Cycle Classic a UCI stage race. Earlier this year the team experianced some succes and proof of progression with Cameron Beaumont finished 2nd U23 (same time as the winner) and 10th overall.
This year Bill is stepping up support from Ibuilt and we are going to be competing in all the big NZ races this summer. Starting with the Tour of Southland, then onto the New Zealand Cycle Classic, Gravel and Tar and Elite Nationals. We have a few of the same riders on board this year as well as some strong additions!
Content Worth Consuming
Article - The Basics of RPE and Why Coaches and Athletes Should Be Using It
Understand the importance of Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). I go on about RPE all the time. At certain times it can be much more helpful and insightful than power and HR metrics.
Article - Longevity Increased by Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging - psp-832261.pdf
I have shared this study before it gets a mixed response. There is no question that age is getting us all. However, especially when I was a young rider I saw it time and time again when someone gets hung up on the fact they are old and no longer competitive their performance falls off a cliff. I also witnessed other riders continue to be competitive into their 40s. What I noticed is those riders were more about doing their best and enjoyed pushing themselves. They were the last to complain about weather or being tired or sore etc... They used what they learnt over many years to stay in the game.
If nothing else, it never hurts to be positive about the things we have no control over.
Podcast - The Real Science in Sport Podcast - The Sceptics Guide to Sport Science with Nick Tiller
Another great discussion on the importance of being sceptical and thinking critically in a time when we have an absurd amount of information at our fingertips.
If you got this far congrats! That's a wrap!
Cheers Team!
