Originally Posted by
PeteHski
Can I ask what training programs you are following?
Pete, I started with 4 week freebie print-outs from Bicycling magazine, a beginner then an intermediate plan. They were great for getting started, just using a HRM and my 40 year old college bike. I got a bit more serious about riding and fitness, and used Strava freebies. The plan that I really liked was a 6 month Gran Fondo plan by Phil Mosely on TrainingPeaks. That 6 months really moved my fitness and strength. . The plan's 2 back-to-back days of > 4 hr Z2 rides were too much for me, I was unable to ride for the next 2-3 days. TrainingPeaks app made training and recovery time modifications very simple. The plan's 1 hr HIIT days were on-target, really hard but not impossible...very well tuned to my existing fitness.
Due to a tough family issue this year, I didn't ride much this summer but it's time to get back to training.