You Should Be Going Hard!

Recently, on a ride, I was told that “it is hard to mimic race efforts in training”. When it comes to mimicking speed-work , many find this to be true. However, there are ways produce speed-work training but you need to have the resources. The easiest way to practice going fast without racing is motor-pacing, or just the right kind of group ride. . Motor-pacing is drafting behind a motorcycle or scooter to mimic racing speeds, its hard, and its fun, but it frequently requires a velodrome to do it safely and may be difficult to do on open roads.

As far as mimicking non speed-work efforts, you just have to fin the right terrain. The right hill can help you accomplish most if not all of your training goals. In a race, you should only be pedaling, working hard, or going hard when the time is right. Working in the correct break, working for a teammate, jockeying for position before the field sprin, or making sure you arr int he right spot before the big climb so that you don't get caught out when the field splits. The rest of the time you should not be pedaling or going hard. You should be drafting, sucking wheel, hiding in the field, and conserving energy.

In training, it is frequently the opposite. You should be going hard! This is not to say you shouldn't have rest days. But if it's not a rest day, then HTFU and do the workout. If you are training for a race with 10,000 feet of climbing, you'd better get your butt up some hills. If you need to hit 400 watts repeatedly over a 30 minute period, you'd better find a way to make it happen!

Personally, I'm trying to race more competitively this season. This means on days when “I'm just not feeling it”, I need to suck it up, and make it happen. Cycling is a hard sport and on the days I decide not to do my training, there are 80 peers of mine that chose more wisely. Like coach Chris Daggs always says, “There is no try, only do”.

Below is a video of my repeat climbs.



If you need help to get motivated contact us

See you on the road,

Coach Jesse Eisner

Full Circle Velodromes

In the summer of 1996, I took an introduction to velodrome racing class. I had been riding my bike quite a lot that year and the year prior. Learning how to ride and race on the San Diego Velodrome just seemed like the next natural thing to do with my cycling. A velodrome is an oval track with banked turns. Velodromes can be made out of wood, asphalt, or concrete. They are built indoors and outdoors. There are only 25 velodromes currently in the United States as opposed to Japans 67 velodromes. Recently velodromes are being called hipster Nascar, as the rise of fixed-gear bike riding is currently cool. In my opinion, all things leading to more people on HPVs (human powered vehicles) is good.


Since 1995 I have ridden a bicycle. This is my 16th season racing my bicycle. I still can't get enough of the adrenaline rush of going fast. My motto is going through corners at 30 mph is good, and going through corners at 35 mph is better. My current job is coaching cyclists. I coach all kinds of cyclists: athletic enthusiasts, adventure racers, century riders, masters racers, and a professional. This coaching started when I was asked to be an assistant coach at the San Diego Velodrome in 2008. This is my fourth season as a coach at the velodrome, so it seems I have come full circle. I learned to race on the velodrome in 1996 and now teach people to race on it.


If you want to come and learn how to ride and race on the San Diego Velodrome, click on the link below or let me know. Our six-week classes start in early March and end in late September.








This link is for the 6 week Developmental class at the San Diego Velodrome. This class is appropriate for riders of all levels, from true beginners to experienced trackies. Sean and Jesse will split the class participants up into two groups. The beginner or Level 1 group, and the advanced or level 2 group. The level 1 group will learn the basics of track riding, while the level 2 group will learn more advanced training and racing techniques. The cost is $120 + a $3 online registration fee. The cost of the class includes a rental bike if you need one. Class is from 7-9 PM on Wednesday evenings. Please arrive a little early, especially before the first week of class. You will receive an email a few days before the first class with a reminder and more information.


http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=7102&stype=-8






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Cheers,
Cycling Coach Jesse Eisner
619-962-3176
www.eisnercoaching.com
www.crankcycling.com

1st Annual Blue Trolley Criterium July 3rd

Come join us for the first annual Blue Trolley Criterium. It should be a great day of racing.





You can register at: http://www.socalreg.com/