Intensity versus Volume

I did the trainer ride with a Pro again tonight at Inside Out Sports in Cary, NC.  Pro Triathlete Richard Armstrong led the group tonight.   He said it might be boring.  He was right.    He was driving home the point that off season should be aerobic base training, NOT intensity. And we triathletes have a hard time holding back and not pushing hard.

Tonight’s workout consisted of some one-legged drills, some short super spins (easiest gear and fast cadence).   Hated that stuff.  Then we did some low cadence sets in a high gear.   Loved that.   I am such a gear masher.   Then we just did a long aerobic spin.   No music.    And I was kind of in a corner by myself with nobody to talk to.  I was very bored.  And I was hot because the only fan in the room was not aimed at me!

It was a good workout – chaulk one up for mental toughness.

I learned some things, too.  Things that make me think.  Richard talked about the importance of taking a break from training after your season is over.  And the importance of letting yourself actually decline in fitness during that time.   From year to year, you build your fitness, then let it decline during your recovery, then you build strong the next year.   And aerobic base training (volume) is what makes us better and faster and is the best thing for the off season.   (I hope I am remembering that correctly!)

Interesting stuff.

I took 2 weeks completely off after my Ironman.  Another week off from running due to injury.   A month away off from any intensity.  Then I got right back into the intensity. Because I did not want to lose my fitness.    Hmmm.

The thing is, I like intensity.  It is fun, even tho it hurts.  I guess I am a masochist.  A big bonus for me in doing intense workouts is that they burn alot of calories.

Hmmmm…lots to think about it.  Richard is leading next week’s class as well.  I think I will go, even though I think he will probably do another aerobic low intensity workout.  It makes sense.    I like learning from folks who are smarter than me.

Oh, and guess what?  I finally decided on an ‘A’ race.    Halfmax National Championship, Oct 2nd, in Myrtle Beach, SC.   I qualified for that race by placing in my age group at Duke 1/2.    Myrtle Beach is not hilly, but it will be very cool to compete against all the top half iron distance athletes in the nation.    And one of my co-workers lives down in Myrtle Beach (she telecommutes).     Maybe I could stay with her and have some fun, post-race.  She is a complete party animal!