One to Go!

People always ask how I can sit on a trainer for hours on end. Truth is it’s not easy. In fact it’s fairly miserable at times. The weather this past weekend was just as miserable; cold, rain, wind, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria. Yes, I slipped in a line from Ghostbusters. It just had to be done.

Since the weather outside was frightful I spent four hours on the trainer. While not the best solution in the world my training regimen required it.  How did I make it through? Here are a couple of tips to make the time go by a little more quickly. Give them a try and see if they help.

1. Do intervals: it’s amazing how much more quickly the time goes by if you throw some ten minute intervals into the mix. They don’t always have to be intense. Try some intervals at heart rate zone 3.5 followed by five minutes of easy pedaling. Do this five times with a 15 minute warm up and you’ve already gone 90 minutes.
2. Harder intervals: if you want to go a little harder try this: five minutes at HR zone 3.5 followed by five minutes at zone 4. Do this for 45 minutes and you’ll be cooked.
3. Do an indoor group cycling class. Riding with others is a great way to break up the monotony. Try doing classes back to back. The time in-between sessions is a good way to recharge and get ready for the next one.
4. Watch TV: yes, I know this isn’t a huge revelation but make up some games to pass the time. Try going all out during the commercials and cruise during the program. Personally, I like the show Gold Rush. For those of you that follow the program you know how much Todd says “frick”. Every time he says it sprint for one minute.
5. Break it up: if you have multiple hours to burn break it up. For instance, if you have four hours to train ride for two hours in the morning and two at night. It’s a lot easier to handle mentally opposed to four straight hours.

If you have any time tested ways to make your time on the trainer go by more quickly please feel free to share.