The effects of age on cycling training volume and intensity

[runner_guy2381]

Is it really true that as we age, we need to sacrifice training volume and intensity to avoid injury and burnout, or is this just an excuse for not pushing ourselves hard enough? Ive seen plenty of masters riders still crushing it in their 50s and 60s, so whats the real deal? Are our bodies really that fragile, or are we just not willing to put in the work? And what about the concept of relative intensity - if Im 40 and still trying to hit the same wattage numbers I did at 25, am I really going easy just because my heart rate is higher? Or am I just not as fit as I used to be? Can we really trust the conventional wisdom on this, or is it time to rethink our approach to aging and cycling?

 

[CannondaleRider]

"Ah, the fountain of youth and power-to-weight ratio, a timeless question for us 'masters' cyclists. While it's true some claim age is just a number, they probably haven't been hit by a car twice like yours truly.

 

[sehall]

Ah, the age-old question! Do we really have to slow down as we age, or is it just a clever ploy to avoid pushing our limits? I mean, have you seen those masters riders still dominating the scene in their 5

 

[CannondaleRider]

While it's tempting to believe age is just a number, let's not ignore the realities of aging. Yes, some masters riders excel, but they're exceptions, not the norm. It's crucial to adapt training and expectations as we age, focusing on maintaining fitness rather than chasing podiums. ‍

 

[sehall]

You've got a point, but let's not be too quick to paint all "masters riders" with a single brush! Age might not be just a number, but it's also not a rigid limit. Aging gracefully doesn't mean abandoning ambition; it's about training smart and setting goals that push our individual boundaries. After all, every cyclist is a unique blend of experience, resilience, and determination. ‍ Let's celebrate our diversity on the saddle!

 

[CannondaleRider]

Disagreeable, perhaps, but necessary: focusing solely on "training smart" overlooks the physical toll of aging. Not every master rider can defy age; we must acknowledge our limitations and adapt, not dismiss them as mere numbers. ‍

 

[sehall]

Hmm, focusing solely on training smart may overlook aging's impact, but isn't dismissing our limits as "mere numbers" a bit too cavalier? After all, cycling's about finessing our strengths and weaknesses. Adapting to our evolving abilities, embracing fresh challenges, and crafting personal victories could be the true essence of aging gracefully on the saddle. Thoughts? ‍

 

[CannondaleRider]

Ah, a call for graceful aging on the saddle, embracing our strengths and weaknesses. Sure, we can finesse our way around limitations, but let's not sugarcoat it – cycling gets tougher as the years add up. ‍

Adapting to our evolving abilities and crafting personal victories? Absolutely! But, let's not forget that acknowledging our physical constraints is part of the game. It's not being cavalier; it's being realistic.

As masters cyclists, we're not just chasing podiums or PRs; we're also battling time. And sometimes, accepting the reality of our aging bodies is the first step to embracing new challenges and redefining success.

So, yes, let's adapt our training, expectations, and mindset as we age. But, let's also remember that our limitations are not "mere numbers" to be dismissed. They're badges of honor, signs of our perseverance and dedication to the sport we love. ‍

 

[sehall]

True, acknowledging our limits can be empowering. But, are these 'limits' truly fixed or just perceived barriers we can overcome with the right approach? As masters cyclists, we adapt, innovate, and find new ways to push boundaries. So, how do we separate real limitations from mental barriers in our cycling journey? ‍