This week we have had a few days of questions and answers from Dr. Spalm. For a little balance, we have a guest advice columnist from someone who only identified herself as a Cycling Widow. Hopefully it's all in good fun.
Question - I am interested in hitting my peak for a 45-mile, hilly race
in June, so I understand I should be building base miles right now. How
long should I be riding right now in January and February? The weather
is a bit tough where I live for rides longer than 2-3 hours.
Answer
- This is a very good question for all cyclists. How many hours should
you be spending on your bike in January and February? I have a
question for you. How many hours should you be spending with your
children during January and February? How many home projects should you
be putting off in January and February? If you have no children and no
home projects, then by all means you should be ridding your ass off
this time of year, otherwise, let's talk priorities!
Question - I
have seen pictures of the CSC/Saxo Bank riders standing in a cold pool
after riding, which apparently has some training benefit. Can you
explain what soaking in a cold pool after a training ride does
physiologically?
Answer - Do you seriously have time to stand in a
cold pool after riding?! You are spending enough time on that bike
that I cannot imagine you are considering doing anything but getting off
the thing and spending time with your children. You do realize that
one of their parents has to help with homework, get meals ready, and
keep this house together? Cold pool? How about frosty reception!
Question
- I have a knee issue that comes up every year when I get back on my
bike. It usually goes away when I back off the miles a bit and stretch
regularly, but one of my riding buddies suggest that I go to a yoga
class 2-3 times a week to help with my flexibility and joint strength.
Would you agree?
Answer - By all means, go to a yoga class two or
three times a week to balance out all that time you spend by yourself
and with your cycling buddies. That should be a great cure! You should
also think about standing in a cold pool followed by a lengthy massage.
Just live the dream and pretend you are a full-time professional
cyclist. Or at least the dream that your "hobby" deserves to soak up
every minute and every dollar you have!
Question - Cycling Widow,
you seem a bit bitter. Is there anything we can do, that is, anything
that doesn't involve riding our bikes less?
Answer - I think the question speaks for itself.
Team Level Disclaimer - The above post does not represent the views of
any of the spouses of team riders, or the spouses or significant others
of any riders we personally know. We are blessed to have tremendously
beautiful, smart and supportive spouses, but we have heard stories about
less fortunate souls. Our prayers are with them.
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