I'm just a rider.
We train hard, a lot. But if we didn't like the training, then we couldn't do it. Up to 3-450 miles a week depending on the time of year, and this reduces as we do more MTB obviously.
It's horse for courses come raceday. Some like short races, some like long. Some of us have a VO2Max as great as the short course and pro roadie boys, and just use it differently. If you train for a specific event you get better at that event, and others suffer, generally.
If you spent any time with any of the racers at the 24's or 12's you would see no inflated ego at all (not any more). That's why we'll race each other one month: knocking ten bells out of each other: and the next, we'll be supporting each other. It's a very sociable scene and almost remiscent of family values.
I haven't raced this year as I have had other things to do, and I've missed it. But a fair few of the 24hr and 12hr crowd came along to support me and make sure I trashed myself properly. Thanks guys, I think.
Most of our hard training is done in the winter, and is based on increasing our Threshold power, basically by working hard and breathing out of our arses for parts of our 20-30 hours a week, plus job. We already tend to have really good base engines from a season's racing (or long distance riding). Heart rate, Power meters (brlliant) and Perceived exertion all play a part in what we do. We love gadgets.
If you can train for 10-15 hours a week, then you'll do fine. Just practice not stopping, or being able to do daft things like put on arm warmers and changing gloves etc whilst riding. Small things make a huge difference. Go ride when you really can't be arsed, or are "too tired" now and again. This will toughen you up.
One long ride a week and two interval sessions a week, interspersed with a couple of easy recovery rides. The evidence still doesn't support the use of recovery rides, but we like 'em. They make you feel better.
Cross train a bit for the first couple of years, then at least make sure your core and upper body can take the massive hammering you wil get on a 24hour course or point to point challenge ride. It's usually the upper body that gives in once you've got reasonably strong. Power meters can't take account of the input from your upper body (which is massive) so that's one reason why they haven't caught on in MTB as yet, amongst others.
If you want to improve at the best rate you can, then invest a bit in a coach. They can see things that you can't as he/she will be more objective about what you are doing.(Matt is the odd one here, as he can). Coaches needn't be more than about 30 quid a month and there are some really good ones about.
If you need any help then just drop me a line. I'm not a coach, but if I can help someone along a bit then I'll gladly do so. You've already been on my webby.
