Special Deal

I just wanted to pass on more information about this program at
Atlantic Performance Training. The package price is $299. That
includes VO2max/Threshold Test and 10 sessions of the Stendurance
class for cyclist and multisport athletes. They are going to give the
first 10 athletes $50 off. That means you get the testing and the 10
sessions for $249.

The classes will incorporate the use of your bike/trainer as well as
some of the other specialty equipment they have. This is a very good
deal and great training, not to mention a lot of fun.

Jeremy is the coach and owner. Here is his contact information:

2529 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

ph. (757)275-7636
fax (757) 275-7637

info@atlanticperformancetraining.com

Feel free to contact me also if you have any questions. There are
other services available there also. Ever want to try an altitude
tent? They have a few to rent out.

What did you do?

Base building season is upon us (or approaching for some). For most people the weekend is the time to get the extra saddle time. So what do you do when you wake up and its raining, windy and cold? Here are the options:

1. Suck it up. Get on the fixed gear or your crappy weather bike and ride. My brother and I call these rides Belgium Rides. It builds more character then fitness I think.
2. Go off road. Weather seems to matter less when you are on a trail. So mountain bike or cross bike and hit the trails. Not only will you be working on your base miles but also your bike handling skills.
3. Go indoors. Probably the best way to preserve your health, but not you mind. Too many hours on an indoor trainer could land you in an institution.
4. Forget about it. You could always use the line..."Its December, I'll start my miles next week."

So this morning for most of us the weather was bad. I saw on Facebook that a handful of faithful (Liz, Jimmy D, I think Kevin skipped it) were heading to Freedom for some trail riding. I saw T. Karnes claim to plan on a 6.5 hour trainer ride...did that happen?

As for me, I opted for the indoor experience. 1 hour 35 minutes controlling my heart rate and watching some football. Good saddle time for this time of year, and I felt real good about it.

What did you do today?

GamJams Reviews: Trainer Distractions-Group Riding

I tend to be able to find many ways to distract myself during trainer rides. The usual like TV (especially Scrubs for some reason), movies and ipods. But even with those I seem to have an hour limit before I call it quits. The other thing I do is break down the intervals. If you focus on 1 hour you won't make it. But if you focus on 2 minutes, 5 minutes or even 10 minutes at a time, the hour will fly by.

That all being said, last night was our first night of strendurance at APT. In a group setting we moved from the bikes, to the VersaClimbers and back. It was a tough workout that lasted for about an hour and a half. Bordem was never an issue. Actually we could have all gone another hour or two without bordem settling in.

So you could always get some teammates together and meet in someone's garage, but this is supposed to be a product review (or service review) so my garage doesn't quite work. But here is the deal. I have had teammates meet and we get together and either put in a video or someone makes up a workout. But if you have available to you, a facility that provides an indoor cycling workout focused towards racers, do it. They come in many forms like CompuTrainer workouts, or this Stendurance session that we did last night. These workouts tend to be run by coaches and are more specific to the time of year.

Where do these places exist? I know of Atlantic Performance Training in Virginia Beach. Do you know of others?

The Virginia Beach Wheelmen Dance

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Jerseys for sale!

I have a handful of 2008 jerseys left over. We are about ready to order our 2009 jerseys but I would like to unload of some of these. Anyone interested. They would make for a good training jersey. High quality for a cheap $35.

Email me if you are interested.

Strendurance Classes for Cyclists

After the Indoor Invitationals on Tuesday, Jeremy was inspired to put that training into their regular program at Atlantic Performance Training.

Stendurance for Cyclist and Multisport Athletes is going to be an indoor workout that is time of year appropriate. So for the off season and preseason it will focus on strength and endurance (hence the name stendurance) on and off the bike. The class membership will also include VO2max and Threshold test. That way the heart rate numbers are accurate and your training is more percise.

Questions? Drop Jeremy an email.

Indoor Invitationals

A group of ten of us were invited to APT last night for a trial session of an indoor cycling workout. It was a good time and an appropriate workout for the time of year. Everyone had HR monitors on and our stats were displayed on the monitor for all to see.

This was the first step toward APT developing a cycling strendurance class on a weekly basis. This type of workout would be available to everyone whether or not you get custom training through them or not. Possible the next step would be a computrainer set up.

Nonetheless....it was a blast and I thank everyone for showing up. It was John Gray, Mike Tamayo, Kevin Horvath, Lynn, Albe, Jason, Gene R., Mike H., Brenna and me.

Power Meters...What's your opinion?

I am looking to get a power meter this year. I know, I'm jumping into the 21st century with both feet. I have never used one, but since I have been doing this training at APT this year I have realized the importance of one. Especially since I got my threshold levels tested and we will be training those levels at their facility. It just makes since to get one for the bike so I can train with one all the time.

With money being an issue for me I was looking for an alternative to the Powertap.

Ibike. What do you think. Has anyone used it before?

VO2Max Testing and Lactate Threshold Testing

Three of us got our VO2max testing and threshold testing at Atlantic Performance Training in Virginia Beach today.

I went first. I didn't know exactly what to expect since I had never done it before. It was tough, especially at the end.

Here is Mike Tamayo during his test.

And here is Kyle the Kid. He was told he has a gift. VO2max number in the 70s.

The primary reason for the testing is to find our threshold levels so Jeremy could customize our programs accordingly. I'll probably post some of the numbers next week when we get the print outs.

Does anyone out there get their thresholds tested on a regular basis? We will probably get it done again in January or February.

Walmart Bingo

 

I went shopping at WalMart today and played WalMart Bingo.  I didn't do too well, but I think it was because it was in the middle of the day on a week day.  I bet a Saturday or Sunday will result in a filled card.  Give it a shot.

 

The prime check-off I think was the "entire family wearing NASCAR appareal.  It was a lesbian couple both dressed in NASCAR jackets.  Sweet.

Next time...I will get that Bingo.