Hi,

I have a question to ask you all. I have been having a really good year on the bike, with my FTP at around 300, and weight at 67kg, and i'm feeling extremley strong. However, in October I am moving to Cozumel, Mexico, for 10 months as part of my uni course. And being an extremley tiny island, there seems to be very little opportunity for endurance sports, particularly cycling. So my problem is really; being 21yo, shall i just stop for the 10 months, and wait 'til i come back and start from square one again, or are there any 'tricks and tips' that i could use to try and maintain some kind of shape.

I hope this isn't a silly question, it's just very frustrating as I am still training a lot, and don't want it to be in vain.

Thanks,

Dom

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www.medwayvelo.org.uk

Living the dream!

Something like a Computrainer or Tacx Fortius is an excellent tool for keeping a decent form without going gaga looking at a wall for endless hours. A big fan in this case is your friend.

But you don't need a lot of space to keep some excellent form. Take a velodrome for an example. A lot can be done on a good 1km circuit.

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"Physiology is all just propaganda and lies... all waiting to be disproven by the next study."
"I'm not a real doctor; But I am a real worm; I am an actual worm." - TMBG

You can maintain most or all of your cardiovascular fitness running. If you run 3-4 x/week for 30 minutes to an hour and just get to Zone 2 - 3 heart rates, you will still be fitter than 99 % of the population and you won't beat up your joints too much. You will then have a much briefer trajectory to return to cycling fitness. You can also run higher miles/more intensity if you like, but the gains in a cycling context in cardiovascular fitness may be offset by joint problems, etc. from the beating of running high miles. Mix in a little swimming, gym work if available, and some non-specific outdoor activities, and you will be able to maintain great overall fitness. Yoga/Pilates if available (you can just take some yoga DVDs with you if no classes) will also do wonders for your cycling upon return. If you're hell bent on maintaining cycling-specific fitness, bring a trainer along with you. However, you're 21 and in Cozumel ! Get out and enjoy it in some of the ways described above. You will come back eager to ride, which is a great psychological springboard to greater cycling heights.

PS if you decide to run, buy your shoes at a running store and get a good fit - you can look on the running sites, but there are three general foot types WRT arch height and three general categories of running shoes (cushion, stability, and motion control). Having the right one makes a difference if you run much, just as a good bike fit is important to us.

Running and other non-cycling activities will be good for general fitness and maintenance of body composition but generally cross training is de-training. If cycling fitness is your goal then cycling must be done.


@ Idamelio: As for shoes, you forgot to mention barefoot or "minimalist" shoes. Whilst it takes time to adapt to their use they can be a very viable option.

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"Physiology is all just propaganda and lies... all waiting to be disproven by the next study."
"I'm not a real doctor; But I am a real worm; I am an actual worm." - TMBG

Thanks for the help. Cycling is not really an option, so will just try and get out running when possible. Plenty of swimming in the sea will also be done!

I think ldamelio hit the nail on the head, I don't think i should get too hung up on too much fitness and just enjoy myself, then come back with much more motivation and desire... at the end of the day 10 months is nothing and will go pretty quickly! Anyway, being 21, just looking at a bike when i get back will give me form!

All of the mexican food and beer though could come back 10 kgs heavier haha

Cheers

Dom

_________________
www.medwayvelo.org.uk

Living the dream!

Run bare foot in deep sand at the beach.

+1
and swimming.

Well you can do this 57 mile loop with a bike I guess

http://classic.mapmyride.com/ride/mexic ... 9739014230

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I never took drugs to improve my performance at any time. I will be willing to stick my finger into a polygraph test if anyone with big media pull wants to take issue. If you buy a signed poster now it will not be tarnished later. --Graeme Obree

It's not a long ferry ride to the mainland either.

buy a cheap mountain bike and use it on the beach