Training for Tour Divide 2013 - Stronger, Shorter, Better

Less than 4 months to go.  Time is moving fast.  Made a real change in my training this year.  In 2012, I really had no base to work with and I felt I just needed time in the saddle.  That I guess was true but I ignored the advice of my coach and took liberties with my workouts to suit what I thought I needed.  2012 was a mild winter so I trained exclusively outdoors just trying to figure out the basics of mountain biking while building my level of endurance from a base of zero. 

Here what I've learned.

#1 - Listen to my coach. 

First of all, using a coach was absolutely needed to go from a base of zero to being able to line up for  TD2012.

I am making every effort to stick to the plan.  Hours, heart rate, type of workouts ie: High intensity, High Endurance, Sprints
This is maximizing the returns for the number of hours I have to train as well and I can measure my progress.
The accountability is the best part of the coaching.  I dread the Sunday evening when I haven't completed the week and I have to let my coach know. It is forcing me to get it done when I have to answer to someone other than myself.

#2 Train indoors.

This is working well.  No equipment checks, no packing the bike for a long day out, no muddy laundry or bike to clean.  I save a lot of time per workout and it actually makes  workouts possible in a busy day of family life, work and kids activities.

The workouts aren't interrupted.  No stop lights, no coasting, no angry drivers just steady heart rates and controlled output.  The Tour Divide boredom is trained as well.  Sitting indoors staring at the same wall really forces your mind to go to a different place.

I can also get work done on the bike, take phone calls and send emails without missing a beat.
My bike was in the shop waiting for parts and the weather has been terrible as well so this option has really been preferred.  I know I will face weather challenges on the TD but my body needs to be ready.
That said, I am dying to get outside.  Just got my bike back from Hammer City Cycle and will be working in more outdoor rides whenever possible!


#3 Eat Better

Simple enough right.  This has been the hardest part. No crazy diet, just eat enough and at the right times and I try to eat fresh and not fast food or garbage.  I've been taking vitamins, and immune building supplements to combat getting sick after periods of ramping up my training, which was common issue for me in the past. Seems to be working great.  Healthy immune system is something I should have paid closer attention to in 2012.  It also prevents gaps in my training when I stay healthy.

#4  Make Time

I have had to carve time to fit my training in without making my family or work life suffer.  I am saving about 1 hour a day since I switched companies.  My new office is right behind my house  about 300 metres away.  Walking to work has saved me about an hour a day and training indoors has saved me at least a half hour a workout.  Add that up and I gain an extra 7-8 hours a week.  I usually train between 11-3 on weekdays and then mornings on Saturdays. I work nights and weekends and whenever the need arises so I have the luxury of a flexible work day.  Family first, so working out during the school day and during my wife's work hours is best time to train.

# 5 Don't Over Think It

You know, in the end it is amazing that this is even a reality for me.  Gear choices, training, logistics and everything else that goes with this race is so different for every racer.  I just need to figure out what works for me.
I need to remember to have fun out there.  I found this on a blog I read today and I think it fits the TD


"Focus on the things you can control and do them well. For the rest, go with the flow."

Thanks to Nick Legan and the "mechanics manifesto" for that