[Fezzy]

Im looking for some advice for improving my endurance. I am a sport class racer and usually just ride my way into shape in the spring, do some intervals late summer/fall and then pepper in more and more fast group rides to peak in the fall. This year though, my schedule has been upset due to marathon training and injuries resulting from all the running, followed by a wedding and nice honeymoon of doing basically nothing.

Well, now Im healty again and riding regularly and trying to work in some intervals when I can (work schedule also increased) and finding that I can ride with the front of my group for about 20-30 minutes, but then I start to struggle just to keep up. By the end Im happy just to clean most climbs.

What is my most efficient way of increasing endurance? Any advice on overcoming my slow start is appreciated.
Fezzy

 

[HTail]

Takes time

What's worked for me is just riding consistently, as you have to build up strength and endurance, getting your whole cardiovasc and muscle system up to speed again.

In my area we have a pretty hard steep climb, but relatively short distance which is a good afterwork ride for cardio and strength training. Then on weekends, there's a longer ride with a more moderate cliimb then miles of rollling hills. this is good for endurance and speed. Somehow the combination of these rides really improves my overall fitness. But I don't think there's any way to really shortcut to fitness other than to train. Don't forget to have recover days in between.

Sometimes I find cross training to also be helpful. Play a completely different sport for some reason benefits the overall fitness. Personally I find running a body breaking activity, yuck! Oh and sorry to say, your other fitness problem is that ring on your finger Kidding, but after my second year of marriage, my wife and I gained so much weight it was disgusting. Sounds like you have a much better fitness background than I so shouldn't be a problem.

Good luck!

 

[fsrxc]

Im looking for some advice for improving my endurance. I am a sport class racer and usually just ride my way into shape in the spring, do some intervals late summer/fall and then pepper in more and more fast group rides to peak in the fall. This year though, my schedule has been upset due to marathon training and injuries resulting from all the running, followed by a wedding and nice honeymoon of doing basically nothing.

Well, now Im healty again and riding regularly and trying to work in some intervals when I can (work schedule also increased) and finding that I can ride with the front of my group for about 20-30 minutes, but then I start to struggle just to keep up. By the end Im happy just to clean most climbs.

What is my most efficient way of increasing endurance? Any advice on overcoming my slow start is appreciated.
Fezzy

You could do a month or so of mostly base (endurance/strength) training, then a month of quality (intervals/hills), in time to race in September-October if that's your goal.