As a parent of a toddler, the smart trainer is key to fitting in training without having to physically leave the house. I love outdoor rides, but sometimes training has to adapt to life...
A smart trainer has to be one of the best purchases I’ve made. Also, as others have said, it’s an absolute must to be able to squeeze in training sessions with a new baby or toddler.
i love my wahoo kickr. There is so much variety and I can catch up on my you tube videos or movies while training. Plus if the weather is not ideal, I can still get my ride in. i keep my older road bike on the trainer year round which just makes things so much easier.
For me, the trainer, especially the smart trainer is pure cycling training in both condition, endurance and strenght. You'll get the most efficient training with the smart trainerz you can squeeze it in almost everywhere. However, when the season starts to reach building or topping before a race i'll switch over to real life cycling more and more to get the sport specific training. Just as you'll get the best swim training in the pool, but more sport specific in open water. The best intervals and run training on track, but more sport specific in the environment you'll run the race in.
I've just got a wattbike atom second generation. All I can say is it is a pleasure to ride zwift. I'm nearly 70 so no I'm not going to do all this strenuous work outs. But, what I will say is if you can afford it and you're not a masochist it is absolutely fantastic to get something that is a pleasure to ride. Previous to the atom I had a kicker snap which was okay. But not particularly comfortable. Anyway I have thrown in my two pennyworth and I just want to say I enjoyed watching your channel.
A rough range for cadence is generally between 165 and 180 when running, as long as you’re in there it generally means your landing on top of your feet and your most likely fine
Or falling and breaking your collarbone like I just experienced...Also have been hit by a drunk old lady in the past but it was her car mirror luckily and it hit my handlebar and not me.
Regarding an indoor trainer and “external factors”, it’s a must in areas where global warming is changing forests to desert. Heavy smoke can last for weeks or months. Add a pandemic that can close pools and an indoor trainer or treadmill is the best remaining option.
@@lgmsampaio- In Southern Oregon, we’re dealing with days, weeks, and months of smoke. Last summer, our community lost 4,000 buildings to the Almeda Fire, and our local reservoirs are under 5% capacity in August. My. Shasta has no snow for the first time in modern history. It’s like watching the planet die. So yeah, I own my trainer for summer more than winter.
@@XX-is7ps Somewhat true, but I don’t think it’s that simple. For example, in days that are impossible to ride outside, driving a car to a local gym would be probably more harmful.
The AQI here is 240 at the moment. My choice is to ride a trainer or not at all. The Kickr is mostly steel. Ferrous metals are among the best for recyclability. Trainers don’t use a ton of power. The 12V, 5A power supply stays cool. My local power is from hydro, so it’s not generating CO2. So trainers can have a pretty light footprint. My choice is between a trainer or no riding at all, on smoky days.
My Wahoo KickR lost resistance after about 18 months. It was/is a common problem. But they wouldn't replace it. Since switching to rollers I am much happier. Better feel. Works perfectly on Zwift or interval work. And no electronic trouble shooting. #TrashKickR
#gtncoachescorner I'm seriously affected by hot weather. I'm struggling to keep even my jog run pace in 35C-40C weather. It's unbearable. How do triathletes adapt their bodies to heat? I'm thinking of replacing my running workouts with cycling when it's hot. Will this change negatively affect my running performance?
Any suggestions on alternatives to running while dealing with an injury? I have multiple tears in my calve and running is my worst sport, so I'm afraid of a major loss of fitness while waiting for things to heal.
It honestly depends on how much you can ride outside and how long do you have to spend outside. If you are on a budget to factor in the bike and a trainer, better bike and dumb trainer should be the way or so I feel.
How can you combine sports practice, running and training? I practice cheerleading twice a week and I find it challenging to find a weekly split that works and includes running and strenght training/conditioning.
I do lunchtime runs as I swim/play water polo/ do yoga in the evenings. As I hate mornings it’s a good alternative, but admittedly only really works well because i work from home and so can flex my time to fit it in.
If your in high school, don’t specialize. Enjoy cheerleading season, and run/train when you get time. Once it’s over then you can go back to training. Just do what’s in season.
#gtncoachescorner How do you suggest effectively structuring a break period? This is something I really struggle with since I love the process just as much as the results.
#gtncoachescorner More and more bike brands are delivering their (aero) road bikes with integrated cockpits. For these cockpits there are usually no clip-on bars available. Is it still worth looking around for bikes which come with a standard round handlebar or just go for a bike with an integrated cockpit and ride with your hand on the drops?
I think smart trainers are overrated. I sold mine for a non-smart training bike (Monark LT2) that I use with my power pedals. I use this setup in eg. Zwift mainly for structured workouts and occasional races. I don't have the trainer control for structured workouts or when cycling around the slopes of the virtual worlds, but do not miss it. I prefer the reliability of a mechanical training bike to the unknown when using a fully electronic smart trainer.
#gtncoachescorner Got my first triathlon in 2 weeks. Do you put chamois cream on before the swim or does it just wash off? Do you just have to make do without it on race day?
@@gourami7 - I use ERG mode for everything: Recovery rides, long Z2 rides, intervals, and FTP ramp tests. The ramp test is designed to take us to failure. On interval rides, I can raise or lower the difficulty by 10%, but on some I still fail. I then tweak that workout to match my abilities. It works! Between this, a power meter for outdoor rides, and a good training plan, my FTP has been improving steadily - and I’m in my early 60s. 😀
@@gourami7 for me it's just mentally so much easier. Adjusting the gears/resistance everytime your intensity changes is very bothersome. And then there is the constant need to monitor my power and to adjust to the power spikes i experience. With ERG mode i can relax, focus on a podcast/zwift or something and just concentrate on maintaining a steady cadence.
@@sailingintosunshine Also you can most often be in the most efficient chain rings where your chain is in a straight line between front and back chain rings. It just so much easier, let the trainer focus on power targets and leave the pedaling to you.
Is it ok to use a high cadence when running slowly and reduce stride length in order to reduce speed? This is such a worry to me. I tend towards doing this then worry I’ll never get stride length long again. This happens especially on the treadmill.
I have had Shin Splints and have been out of running for about 5 months i am temporarily just doing cycling and swimming at the minute do you have any recovery methods for shin splints #gtncoachescorner
As a parent of a toddler, the smart trainer is key to fitting in training without having to physically leave the house. I love outdoor rides, but sometimes training has to adapt to life...
My daughters 2 hour nap was the perfect long ride opportunity while training for a70.3!
Absolutely! How are parents of toddlers supposed to train if we can’t leave the house?
A smart trainer has to be one of the best purchases I’ve made. Also, as others have said, it’s an absolute must to be able to squeeze in training sessions with a new baby or toddler.
One of life’s best purchases was my wahoo kickr. Changed my life
i love my wahoo kickr. There is so much variety and I can catch up on my you tube videos or movies while training. Plus if the weather is not ideal, I can still get my ride in. i keep my older road bike on the trainer year round which just makes things so much easier.
I got a Saris H3 and have not regretted it. Finally getting a smart trainer has made me so much stronger at climbing hills.
For me, the trainer, especially the smart trainer is pure cycling training in both condition, endurance and strenght. You'll get the most efficient training with the smart trainerz you can squeeze it in almost everywhere. However, when the season starts to reach building or topping before a race i'll switch over to real life cycling more and more to get the sport specific training. Just as you'll get the best swim training in the pool, but more sport specific in open water. The best intervals and run training on track, but more sport specific in the environment you'll run the race in.
I've just got a wattbike atom second generation. All I can say is it is a pleasure to ride zwift. I'm nearly 70 so no I'm not going to do all this strenuous work outs. But, what I will say is if you can afford it and you're not a masochist it is absolutely fantastic to get something that is a pleasure to ride. Previous to the atom I had a kicker snap which was okay.
But not particularly comfortable. Anyway I have thrown in my two pennyworth and I just want to say I enjoyed watching your channel.
It's a good alternative but not essential and for the price of a trainer you can buy a cheap gravel bike.
Taking breaks is probably the bit of triathlon training I'm best at.
A rough range for cadence is generally between 165 and 180 when running, as long as you’re in there it generally means your landing on top of your feet and your most likely fine
Parkrun with kids is fun. Run,walk and very social.
The way I see it, every session on the trainer is one less chance of getting hit by a car…😐
Or falling and breaking your collarbone like I just experienced...Also have been hit by a drunk old lady in the past but it was her car mirror luckily and it hit my handlebar and not me.
Regarding an indoor trainer and “external factors”, it’s a must in areas where global warming is changing forests to desert. Heavy smoke can last for weeks or months. Add a pandemic that can close pools and an indoor trainer or treadmill is the best remaining option.
I’m glad someone mentioned the climate change. Although athletes heavily rely in the outdoors, it seems that many still deny the facts
@@lgmsampaio- In Southern Oregon, we’re dealing with days, weeks, and months of smoke. Last summer, our community lost 4,000 buildings to the Almeda Fire, and our local reservoirs are under 5% capacity in August. My. Shasta has no snow for the first time in modern history. It’s like watching the planet die. So yeah, I own my trainer for summer more than winter.
@@XX-is7ps Somewhat true, but I don’t think it’s that simple. For example, in days that are impossible to ride outside, driving a car to a local gym would be probably more harmful.
The AQI here is 240 at the moment. My choice is to ride a trainer or not at all.
The Kickr is mostly steel. Ferrous metals are among the best for recyclability. Trainers don’t use a ton of power. The 12V, 5A power supply stays cool. My local power is from hydro, so it’s not generating CO2. So trainers can have a pretty light footprint.
My choice is between a trainer or no riding at all, on smoky days.
My Wahoo KickR lost resistance after about 18 months. It was/is a common problem. But they wouldn't replace it. Since switching to rollers I am much happier. Better feel. Works perfectly on Zwift or interval work. And no electronic trouble shooting. #TrashKickR
#gtncoachescorner
I'm seriously affected by hot weather. I'm struggling to keep even my jog run pace in 35C-40C weather.
It's unbearable. How do triathletes adapt their bodies to heat?
I'm thinking of replacing my running workouts with cycling when it's hot.
Will this change negatively affect my running performance?
Any suggestions on alternatives to running while dealing with an injury? I have multiple tears in my calve and running is my worst sport, so I'm afraid of a major loss of fitness while waiting for things to heal.
James sounds like a proper Saffer... could be wrong thou 🖐
I love the dumb trainer. They train the mind to tough it out, especially when they clock ticks over 3 hours.
True. I put a monitor in front of me and watch Netflix but that is "cheating" ;-)
@@OlssonDaniel With you on that, a little cheating is usually required.
It honestly depends on how much you can ride outside and how long do you have to spend outside. If you are on a budget to factor in the bike and a trainer, better bike and dumb trainer should be the way or so I feel.
Thank you for answering my question!!
How can you combine sports practice, running and training? I practice cheerleading twice a week and I find it challenging to find a weekly split that works and includes running and strenght training/conditioning.
Early mornings are your friend
Only time of the day thats your own
Quit cheerleading. 😉
@@sbyrstall My boyfriend said the same thing 😂
I do lunchtime runs as I swim/play water polo/ do yoga in the evenings. As I hate mornings it’s a good alternative, but admittedly only really works well because i work from home and so can flex my time to fit it in.
If your in high school, don’t specialize. Enjoy cheerleading season, and run/train when you get time. Once it’s over then you can go back to training. Just do what’s in season.
#gtncoachescorner How do you suggest effectively structuring a break period? This is something I really struggle with since I love the process just as much as the results.
#gtncoachescorner More and more bike brands are delivering their (aero) road bikes with integrated cockpits. For these cockpits there are usually no clip-on bars available. Is it still worth looking around for bikes which come with a standard round handlebar or just go for a bike with an integrated cockpit and ride with your hand on the drops?
I think smart trainers are overrated. I sold mine for a non-smart training bike (Monark LT2) that I use with my power pedals. I use this setup in eg. Zwift mainly for structured workouts and occasional races. I don't have the trainer control for structured workouts or when cycling around the slopes of the virtual worlds, but do not miss it. I prefer the reliability of a mechanical training bike to the unknown when using a fully electronic smart trainer.
#gtncoachescorner Got my first triathlon in 2 weeks. Do you put chamois cream on before the swim or does it just wash off? Do you just have to make do without it on race day?
Loads on before the swim. It soaks into the pad in your trisuit, like it would in your bib shorts on a normal ride.
erg mode is so good it's almost cheating
Not tried it yet, do you ever find yourself hanging on ?
@@gourami7 - I use ERG mode for everything: Recovery rides, long Z2 rides, intervals, and FTP ramp tests. The ramp test is designed to take us to failure. On interval rides, I can raise or lower the difficulty by 10%, but on some I still fail. I then tweak that workout to match my abilities.
It works! Between this, a power meter for outdoor rides, and a good training plan, my FTP has been improving steadily - and I’m in my early 60s. 😀
@@JonFairhurst great, I need to give this a go
@@gourami7 for me it's just mentally so much easier.
Adjusting the gears/resistance everytime your intensity changes is very bothersome.
And then there is the constant need to monitor my power and to adjust to the power spikes i experience.
With ERG mode i can relax, focus on a podcast/zwift or something and just concentrate on maintaining a steady cadence.
@@sailingintosunshine Also you can most often be in the most efficient chain rings where your chain is in a straight line between front and back chain rings. It just so much easier, let the trainer focus on power targets and leave the pedaling to you.
Don't you think if we had coaches we wouldn't ask such questions
Great video
Is it ok to use a high cadence when running slowly and reduce stride length in order to reduce speed? This is such a worry to me. I tend towards doing this then worry I’ll never get stride length long again. This happens especially on the treadmill.
Why is taking an off season so important? Why can't you simply train all year long and maintain your fitness
You'd burn yourself out and possibly injure yourself. Resting is a big part of training.
#gtncoachescorner What clothes/gear do you recommend for different distance triathlons?
SImple answer, yes, you need it.
I have had Shin Splints and have been out of running for about 5 months i am temporarily just doing cycling and swimming at the minute do you have any recovery methods for shin splints #gtncoachescorner
I'd recommend checking our video purely on preventing and recovering from shin splints.
@@heatherfell_oly Thanks Heather but done all them i will be seeing physio again next week anyways
smart trainer + fulgaz + rocker plate + 40'' tv ....and it feels as close as possible to the outdoors.....
Computer says yes.
Sorry I don't have a smart trainer find it boring