Winter break

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My last race this year will be the state TT September 29th. After that every one is telling me I should have a 3 week break, then start the slow easy miles. Last year I just continued to ride straight thru the winter. As soon a the racing started in March I was extremely strong and stayed that way until early June. The when I needed my strenght the most for nationals and Tour De Al'biti ( spelling?), I did not have it. So I was just wondering if taking it a little slower this winter would mean I would peak a little latter in the year next year.

Riding out side is no problem for me since the winters are not that bad. No snow last year.

certainly take a couple of weeks off....have some fun and rest.

Winter training seems to be one of the more controversial areas of cycling doctrine. Traditionalist approach is to ride lots of slow easy miles, and then do the speed intervals preseason in the spring.

Recently some guys are saying this is not effective, and speedwork can be done all year round.

I try and compromise by doing some harder intervals, but not doing them at 100%, maybe at 80%.....but I can't relac about ignoring the speed work all together. I'm also mainly on a home trainer due to work / darkness / weather and I want to make the sessions 90 minutes or under - so to get enough intensity out of the workout I'll stay in zones 3,4 and 5.

If you race a lot it's important to take a rest mentally as well as physically....I have been racing since march, and I am really looking forward to the end of the season as a chance to have some beers, go out with friends, watch some TV etc and do all the things I've missed out on recently.