Skip to main content

Maximize Your End-of-Season Performance

Maximize Your End-of-Season Performance

We may be coming to the end of summer, but there are still plenty of late-season races and rides to take advantage of. You’ve worked hard all summer, and it’s time to fine-tune your fitness to ensure you finish the season strong. Here are five tips on how to turn your summer base into end-of-season success!

1. Increase Training Intensity

At this point, your endurance base is solidly in place from the summer – but don’t stop yet! It’s time to ramp up the intensity by incorporating high-intensity interval training (HITT) into your weekly routine. By focusing on short, intense bursts of power, followed by recovery periods, you will increase your anaerobic threshold to make you faster and more resilient.

2. Focus on Your Goals

You have a few weeks left to accomplish the goals you set for yourself this summer. You should tailor your training to improve your weak spots and help you meet your goals - whether that be tackling long climbs, sprint finishes, or time trials.

3. Incorporate Strength Training

Strength training is crucial for building the power necessary for explosive performance. Focus on exercises that target the lower body, such as squats and lunges, as well as core stability work to improve your posture and efficiency on the bike. Strengthening these areas will enhance your ability to maintain power throughout your rides and reduce the risk of injury.

4. Enhance your Mental Focus

A lot of the time, cycling is a mind game. It's probably been a long season, and this is the point where you really will need to focus on the mental aspect. Incorporate mindfulness practices before, during, and after training, such as controlled breathing techniques to help you stay calm and focused under stress.

5. Dial In Your Nutrition

With more intense training and the incorporation of HITT and Strength Training, it’s important that your body is fueled to support higher training loads.  Focus on a balanced diet, with plenty of carbohydrates (for energy), protein (for muscle repair) and healthy fats (for sustained energy).

-- 

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to turning your summer fitness base into peak form for the fall transition. Ride strong and finish the season with confidence!