What are your top tips for autumn and winter training?
As the weather can close in or the days get shorter it can add challenge for some folks to have the same motivation. For others though the weather is appealing. Beautiful colours in autumn foliage, more chance to see sunrise/sunset skies or the sense of adventure of being out in the powerful elements particularly when it’s quiet.
Some tips from me on keeping the consistency:
- Wrap up with the right kit
- Buff’s are super useful to trap warmth around the neck or pop on as a hat yet very lightweight and easy to take on/off
- Leave your kit on the radiator or somewhere warm the evening beforehand
- Invest in some chemical handwarmers if you get cold hands on the bike
- Merino is amazing – socks and base layers
- A pair of cycle boots (upgrade from overshoes) are amazing. Mine are on their 4th or 5th season and going well
- Meet with others if it helps with accountability
- Weather can change – it might be wet when you are preparing but it can change
- Mudguards on a road bike make a huge difference
- Fuel fuel fuel – both on the bike and afterwards
- Hydrate – you might not feel it but you can lose a significant amount of fluid in the winter
- Insuluated waterbottles keep liquids warm – hot drink on a ride…. bliss
- Be kind to yourself – sometimes its fine to bail early
- Treat yourself when you finish – warm bath? Hot food?
- Prep food potentially in advance – knowing you have something delicious to return to can be very rewarding
- Feel free to swap around if it helps you tick off the weeks schedule
These are just a quick brain-dump of ideas that I’ve found work for me – preparation, kit, mental approach and enjoying the experience during and afterwards.
I’d love to hear your tips – share in the group perhaps?