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Spinscan, Spinscan, Spinscan!



I hope that all of you Computrainer users are using this tool in every 
workout.  Read the Spinscan article on the website.  

My standard protocol for a CT workout is to warmup for 10-15' in an easy
gear, 52/19, and gradually raise cadence to 100+.  After several minutes
and having begun to loosen up, I begin to focus on the bar graph and SS #
and I play with various aspects of my pedal stroke per the article.  I will
then do several 15-30" spinups in my 52/19 focusing on efficiency
throughout.

Your objective over time in this simple warmup should be:
        - to raise the upper cadence where you can comfortably settle
        - to raise the spinup RPM that you can reach efficiently

The next part of my warmup consists of Variable Gear Spinups.  These are
simply brief 20-40" intervals using progressively bigger gears which you
spin up from 90-105.  I work my way down the cassette and only move on to a
bigger gear when I feel that I have "dominated" my current gear.  Recovery
is in an easy gear.  

You might play with what I call "linear progressions" where you increase
cadence in a straight-line.  This forces you to be smooth and establish a
groove.  These spinups can be part of every warmup and can also serve as
standalone workouts when you don't want to go very hard but want to do
something more constructive than simple active recovery.  By following this
simple routine, I have seen myself improve in these three areas:
        - the gears that I can access
        - the cadences that I can push
        - my efficiency in all of these gears
Bottom-line: you have to be a better biker as a result of these exercises.

When you hit the roads, remember to focus on applying the smooth pedal
technique that you are working on honing with the CT.  The same pedal
stroke that works for you indoors will also work best on the roads.  Don't
let group dynamics or lack of concentration distract you from developing
good pedaling habits in the environment where you will ultimately compete.

 


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