"Good winter training/build-up is key to perform in 2018."
By: ALP Coach Patricia Schwager
The winter and the holiday seasons are coming closer. Most of my athletes enjoyed their off season break sometime back in October or early November and by now it is time to be back in training for next season.
How do we manage to get back into training and build up for 2018 despite the holiday stress and possible dark, cold and nasty winter weather? It is time to come up with a plan! That's also why working with a coach year-round is important. Good winter training/build-up is key to perform in 2018. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of the training during the winter and holiday seasons:
- Have a Goal: As always, having a goal is more motivating. By now you should have thought about your 2018 goals or events. If not, think about a goal for 2018. It doesn't need to be a race. It can be an event, challenge, or ride.
- Mix your training up with different activities: especially this time of the year. Some examples include: weight lifting/strength training, hiking, mountain biking, yoga, snow shoeing, skiing, etc. This will also help you to keep balance and stay motivated.
- Work on skills and weaknesses. Fall and winter time is a great time to work on your skills and weaknesses. Fall and winter time is a great time to work on your skills and weaknesses. The more you work on it the more you will improve.
- Wear the right gear. Make sure you are wearing the right clothing for the dark, cold and wet winter weather conditions. Having the right gear vs the wrong gear will make a big difference. We highly recommend the winter bike clothing from Pactimo!
- Ride with a group. It is a lot easier to stay motivated if you meet up with folks for a ride or other activity. The ride and training goes by faster with good company!
- If you are in a time crunch with all the holiday activities: think about the holiday season and plan ahead. Let your coach know if you like to have a few days off to spend time with family, friends, or for travel, etc. Schedule 1-2hrs per day for yourself to get our training done and then spend the rest of the day doing holiday activities.
Happy Training!
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ABOUT PATRICIA SCHWAGER
Patricia Schwager began cycling in 1998, racing as a junior. After racing on the domestic level and completing her Diploma as Pastry Chef, she got her first pro contract in 2006. 2015 will be here 10th year of professional racing. Patricia has a lot of experience racing in the European peloton. In 2013 she started working with Shawn Heidgen (Current ALP Cycles Coach) as her personal coach. In 2014 she changed her focus to racing in the US. Patricia is a 6 time national Swiss champion and has represented her home country, Switzerland, at the World Championships 12 times.
For 2015, Patricia will race for Team Tibco. Along with racing she’s looking to share and pass on her knowledge in her new role as an ALP Cycles Coach. Visit her online at http://patriciaschwager.com
