Masters Athletes: The Break Your Body Craves (Even If You Hate Taking It)
I hated taking a break after a season. In fact, I rarely took an off-season, maybe a weekend off racing. But this year, I limped into the cross season after a long year of hard gravel racing. So I actually took a two-week break this year from racing and structured training. If you’re like many […]
Adopting a Pro Athlete Mindset: How Making Key Lifestyle Changes Can Bring Success for Everyday Endurance Athletes
One of my junior clients texted me from St. Louis after one of the Gateway Cup crits didn’t go very well. “I’m actually so done. I’ll do anything to get better. I will not complain, I will do everything this winter.” The junior had done well in Cat. 4s in the Chicago Grit series, but […]
Debunking Creatine Myths: A Safe, Effective, and Beneficial Supplement for All Athletes
Creatine is another ergogenic aid that can boost performance, lean muscle mass, and recovery at the recommended dose of 3 to 5g/day Nutrition researcher Jose Antonio did a third review (see earlier articles on protein and caffeine) on misconceptions about creatine, typically obtained from meat and supplements.. I grew up with the idea that creatine […]
Get Race-Ready: A Six-Week Cyclocross Training Plan for Peak Performance
Cyclocross training requires a unique blend of skills, speed work, endurance, and recovery. The cyclocross season is almost upon us, and managing your training load right before and during the season is crucial. The first race in Wisconsin and the national cyclocross series is on Sept. 7 and 8 at the Englewood CX in Fall […]
Use Your Off-Season to Recover With Rest, New Activities, Strength Training, Yoga
You know you’re ready for the “off-season” when the thought of training makes you want to curl up and nap. Most of my athletes have come to the end of their competitive season. Several are still going to cyclocross nationals, but we’ll shut things down after that. So what should you do during the “off-season”? […]
Recovery for Runners and Cyclists: Researched Tools to Boost Performance
Sleep, meditation or mindfulness, and good nutrition are proven tools of recovery are essential for all cyclists and runners. Cyclists and runners need to worry about recovery after exercising because during a workout, the body undergoes stress and experiences muscle breakdown. If the body is not given enough time to recover, it can result in […]
Yoga for Athletes: Unlocking Effective and Complete Recovery
Yoga for recovery might be the secret to faster recovery and improved performance. Yoga, once thought of as a practice reserved for 20-something former gymnasts and really flexible people, is now being recognized by cyclists and runners as a powerful tool for boosting athletic recovery. From relieving muscle soreness to enhancing mobility, bringing yoga into […]
