With talent like yours you wouldn't need to listen to a word I say, Darren - even if I
was an oracle on training! (which I'm not)
Depends what you want to get fit for, really Steph - just generally a bit quicker, or for specific types of events, or what? Do you know vaguely where you're starting from in terms of your strengths/weaknesses (setting aside the weakness for sticky toffee pudding - which I share...)?
If you just want to get more methodical about it all then Joe Friel's
Cyclists Training Bible is as good a starting point as any. If you reckon that you really need someone to shout at you to overcome willpower issues then tracking down a coach may be wise. I know some of the MTBers did some testing etc with York St.Johns - did this ever lead to any ongoing support/coaching? I think Paul C would know... ...other than that, I know Dave Cook has been working with a coach for a couple of seasons, so a chat with him about his experiences may be useful. Also, of course, our very own Billy Geraghty is working his way up through the BC coaching qualifications and is currently giving support to a couple of club members - he may be worth getting in touch with.
I'll happily talk the hind leg off a donkey about training but it's just based on lots of reading and a few seasons of having been organised about it myself, and having seen improvements. And I know nothing about training for off-road.
Mmmm. Nearly teatime....
