the advantages of keeping a training diary
One of the most important tools to help you in your quest for improvements in your bike riding is a training diary. It can be as simple a tool as a notebook or as detailed a logbook as a specialised training diary.
Whatever you decide to use you will need to be able to record what your athletic lifestyle entails - from workouts, diet, and sleep patterns, as well as disruptions to your training program and even your emotional state. You will need to note the date, time you trained, and weather conditions, plus any changes to your normal routine.
Your resting heart rate and weight are essential measurements to be recorded on a daily basis. By observing the pattern of the rise and fall of your resting heart rate against the backdrop of training, it can highlight fatiguing workouts and identify when recovery periods are required. The more information you have recorded the easier it will be to manage your training efforts to get the best out of you on your bike.
If you have excelled at a particular time trial or training block then you want to know what you did to achieve that result so you can repeat it, and you will not remember every detail unless you have it written down. Similarly if your training is not going well and your results are not what you expect, again, review your training diary to see what improvements can be made or what events may have sabotaged your efforts. Was it lack of sleep, missing those three days of workouts two weeks ago or that binge on pizza and beer that did it? A training dairy is a much better option than attempting to remember or even consulting a clairvoyant!
A training diary is also very empowering. You have the information at your fingertips that can make or break your standing in the Pelton and you are in charge of recording that information. The written word is inspiring, especially if you are heading for another session on the wind trainer. Look back over your diary and see what progress you have made and what efforts you have expended to get where you are now - I am sure that you will have recorded considerable improvements and that in itself is a reward for all your hard work. A training dairy creates a permanent record of accomplishments.
A training dairy will also indicate patterns of development along the training path. This is essential information if you are going to peak your fitness level for a certain event or race. You will need to note your heart rate intensity; your cadence and your performance in individual workouts so that following workouts can be 'tweaked' to gain maximum benefit from your training program. Study your past to success in the future.
A training diary is also like a silent training partner. You know that you have to record your training outcomes at the end of the day and it makes your accountable for your sessions. Just like having a real life cycling partner with you - you do not want to let them down, nor do you want to let your training diary down. Just like a silent psychological motivator.
A training diary is also essential if you have a coach. The more information that your coach has about your training sessions and their outcomes the better a coach can devise an individually structured training program. It is also the best place to record your testing protocols, which you should be logging on a regular basis. I get a real kick out of seeing my improvements over the season and know that I am still getting faster, even as I get older!
Keeping a training dairy is part of the discipline of being a competitive cyclist or even a cyclist that has a specific goal in mind, be it a successful 'around the bay' challenge or to take part in the 'JDRF ride for a cure'. It shows that there is a structured plan on the pathway to cycling success - and you know the old saying 'if you fail to plan, then plan to fail'.