Long Bike On Indoor Trainer

[Deleted User]

Hello All,

 

Why is it recommend not riding the indoor trainer longer than 90 min?  And is that only in the off season?  Is it OK to ride longer if I feel I can during the off season?  What about durring the in season?  Can I ride long rides on the indoor trainer?  I typicallly spend most of my time on a trainer because I have young kids, work long hours ect...life happens just like everyone else.  Thank you for your advice in advance.  Shawn 

Brenda Ross

Hi Shawn, we are a team that prides ourselves on being able to get the job done on less time spent in because of the intensity that we train at, hence the no longer than 90 min on the bike in the OS. Trust the plan, it works. You do not need to go any longer on the bike than is assigned in the plans.

Once we get into the season plans things change and we will be doing much longer rides (only speaking about HIM and IM plans. Have no idea about the short course plans). Most people at that time can get out on the roads (and are craving a change of scenery)and do the longer rides outside, but if your schedule does not permit you to ride outside, then the trainer is fine. I know one EN athlete who does most of his riding on the trainer. Riding on the trainer is just mind numbing and does not allow you to get in touch with how it feels to ride in different conditions and to work on your bike handling skills, which are often times lacking in triathletes, but on the flip side, riding on the trainer for the long rides seems to be more taxing on the body, at least for me, so it all depends on what you are used to.

We are not an all or nothing kinda of team, but I do caution you from doing more than assigned. That WILL come back to bite ya.

MattAaronson

Brenda explains the philosophy well. Personally I went into an in-season plan in 2012 before it was warm enough to ride consistently outdoors. So I did a bunch of 2-hour trainer rides as well as a few that were around 3 hours. Truthfully I think those rides built some teriffic fitness and mental fortitude, and I will follow that approach again this year. But I won't ride long during the OS...no point.

Al Truscott

Time on a trainer is worth more than total time on the road, as you don't: coast down hills, slow around corners, wait at stop lights or signs, wait for your buddies to catch up, stop @ 7-11 for coffee or sugar, etc. So a three hour ride on a trainer might be the equal of a four hour ride on the road. That said, I don't ride more than 100 minutes inside, I just can't handle the unchanging scenery and lack of wind in my face, etc.

rmiller

If you are referring to the text in todays workout - someone asked that on the dashboard a few days ago. Rich's response was simply that there is no need to be riding > 90 minutes on a trainer in December. It's a head space thing, as well as an efficiency thing with a trainer vs outdoors.

cgres123

I agree with everyone ! I for one find it hard to be on a trainer for an hour..... boring but doable. There will be times however due to all kinds of circumstances that in season you may find yourself on a trainer for hours.
If you have the time and " head space " to put some extra time on it go ahead and enjoy just don't fry yourself for down range workouts.

robin sarner

 Vote for mostly trainer.    You know you are getting the workout needed.    Can simulate race nuttition.      Safe.     Time efficient.     I do regular 5 hr deals during iron leadup.      Will see how it pays off in 2013.

Michael Johnson

I would only use a trainer for "long rides" of >2-3hrs "if" you're stuck indoor and in specific training for a HIM or IM. Having said that. I living in KS and have done 6 hr trainer rides, but, this was in a build up for an IM. IOW, 3-5 wks before an IM. This winter I am training for IM Cabo, so, will do all training for this race on a trainer. I just doin't have the same expectations as far as weekly hours totals or watts in a workout. I have indoor FTP and on outdoor FTP. In build up for IMAZ 2012 I did around 10 hrs /week outdoors but my expectations for IMCabo will be happy with about 8.5 hrs/week on trainer (last 2 weeks so far). MY plan will be to try to go 5.5-6 hrs at least once on trainer and then maybe try a Trainerroad.com ride called Disaster which is 4:10 but about 270TSS for the other. That's what I did for IMAZ and went 5:32.

Dino Sarti

I think everyone nailed it. There is no prohibition for physical reasons, it is more mental. That being said. You are locked in the Overlook Hotel this year and can do a good Nicholson impression, ride for hours. Here is Johnny!

[Deleted User]

Thank you all very much. You guys rock!

Joseph Lombardi

 This was a timely thread...because I am doing an early season IM (TEXAS) I have to drop out of the OS and into Get Faster program now..and the weekend rides are scheduled to be longer...allotted time this week shot up from 60-90 to 150?!...I did 90 minutes (MS only)...but figure I will need to do some longer indoor trainer rides this season if winter doesn't mild up....Last year I lucked out in my IM was later (August)...and it was a mild winter....so I am encouraged by folks who have done longer rides...and the commments generally THANKS

Jenn Edwards

Yep, it can work depending on you and your needs.

Personally, I have no trouble on the trainer and spend a lot of time on it. Often I prefer it due to the minimal admin time - it is almost always wet here in the PNW and 2 - 3 hour outdoor ride = 3 - 4 total time once I factor in cleaning my bike and digging the grit out of my teeth.  Also, clearly there isn't a lot going on in my wittle head 'cause I can just load up a movie or two and go to town with little mental consequence.   Plus my husband usually streaks through the room a couple of times which I find thoroughly entertaining...

Bottom line, IMO: Your head space may vary! (Maybe there is an acronym waiting there... YHSMV!) - If you crave the social aspect or the wind in your face the trainer just isn't gonna cut it. There is no sense blowing your mind up in the OS.... plenty of time to do that in season!