Basic training advice

*Training advice from a New York City based coach at TriLife

1. Your body is a temple that you have a long-term lease on - do not break this lease by abusing your "property" or ignoring its maintenance. Be intelligent about taking care of your long-term medical conditions and short-term sport injuries.

2. The zen rule of cycling on open roads - ride as though you are invisible.

3. Keep a better quality or at least a less worn tire on your front wheel (steering comes first).

4. The true test of your commitment to the athletic lifestyle is the love of the daily training.

5. Do not try to economize on cycling "contact points" gear: shoes, socks, gloves, aerobar pads and bar wrap, shorts and saddle.

6. If you are running a fever (as in a high temperature), don't train. One degree of body temperature equals 10-15 bmp increase in HR. Skip training and rest if your temperature is above 99 degrees. Your body is fighting infection, so let it heal.

  
    The neck rule: symptoms above neck (head congestion, sneezing, runny nose) permit staying active. Symptoms below neck (chest cold, bronchial infection, GI issues, body ache) and sinus infection require time off training.

7. Luck in a race is the result of smart and hard, persistent and consistent preparation.

8. Practice creates confidence and trust in your bike and your skills. There is no need to get above the limit of your comfort zone. Scaring yourself will set you back.

9. Economy of effort is one of the most important skills to develop or enhance before race season.

10. Sizing a bike is not the same as fitting a bike.