How To: Using Your Commute to Train and Get Faster (Ask a Cycling Coach 243)

TL;DR

Commuting in a city can have training benefits such as improving muscle endurance and aerobic base, as well as being environmentally responsible.

Transcript

what are the training benefits if any to commuting in a city or urban environment I live in London and come in commute 14 miles total per day a few days a week I keep it zone 1 and 2 and the rides are all stops and start due to traffic and lights it's about 35 minutes each way I know a lot of commuting is and he says in quotes junk miles from a tra... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Commuting can be productive and complimentary to training if structured and supplementing other workouts.
• 💪 It can improve muscle endurance and aerobic base, contributing to overall fitness.
• 👰‍♀️ Commuting can substitute for aerobic trainer rides.
• 🎠 Commuting in a city is socially responsible and reduces the use of cars.
• ♻️ It can provide an opportunity to practice and improve cycling skills, increasing hyper-awareness.
• 💦 Commuting can be mentally refreshing and prepare individuals for work.
• 🥞 Commuting should not be considered as training but as a bonus or extra icing on the cake.

Questions & Answers

Q: Are there any training benefits to commuting in a city or urban environment?

Yes, commuting can help improve muscle endurance and aerobic base, making it beneficial for training. It can also substitute for aerobic trainer rides and contribute to overall fitness.

Q: Can commuting be considered junk miles from a training perspective?

Commuting is only considered junk miles if it is unproductive and misguided. Structured and complementary commuting can provide training benefits.

Q: How can commuting in a city be socially responsible?

By choosing to commute on a bike, you are reducing the use of cars and contributing to a more sustainable environment. Commuting is a socially responsible choice for overcrowded cities.

Q: Can commuting improve cycling skills?

Yes, commuting in a city requires hyper-awareness and constant attention to traffic, making it a great opportunity to practice and improve cycling skills, especially for criterium racers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Commuting in a city can be considered productive and complimentary to training if it is structured and supplementing other workouts.

• It can help improve muscle endurance and aerobic base, especially when combined with other training.

• Commuting can substitute for aerobic trainer rides and contribute to a cyclist's overall fitness.