¿How to train for an Ultra Cycling Event?
Ultra Cycling is probably one of the hardest cycling disciplines. It's not just about being fit, but also about knowing your own limits, understanding how your body reacts to fatigue, and especially being able to manage ups and downs that can take place during the event from a psychological perspective.
Training for this kind of events requires a certain level of fitness, that should be achieved by following a structured training plan. In a few words, a training plan for an Ultra Cyclist consists of a lot of base-building workouts, together with strength and off the bike work. About 90% of the training sessions during the season, is in z2, where most aerobic adaptations are made.
It's important to add GYM / strength work during the season, especially when far from competitions, as this kind of sessions can produce high muscle fatigue, which would affect performance on the bike.
Besides the physical preparation, the mental side plays an important role when it comes to Ultra Cycling.
After a certain amount of time on the bike, the mental strength starts gaining importance, until the point when it becomes a game changer in the battle of staying on the bike vs taking a break.
One of the most effective ways to work on that mental strength, is by putting yourself in hard situations.
"Become comfortable with being uncomfortable"
1. Simulate race situations: Race simulations are really effective to know how to deal with tough situations.
2. Meditate: Take a brake from everything around you, Connect with yourself and start thinking about whatever makes you feel better. Such as good memories on the bike, the reason why you started the challenge, or the people supporting you.
3. Pacing strategies: Wether is Heart Rate, Watts, speed or distance, it can be effective to set small goals during the ride. Small goals can lead you to the bigger ones, making the journey much easier to complete.
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