BE CONSISTENT

A consistent method of training week after week and year after year (once you find what works best for you) will allow you to reach your greatest potential. Patience and persistence go a long way in our sport. Start slow and plan to improve with realistic and achievable goals.

One method of systematic training is using Periodization – (a strategic long range plan with incremental increases and decreases of training hours and intensities in order to achieve maximum possible fitness at certain times of the year). Should you train on your mountain bike, road bike, stationary trainer, or cross-train? Are long Intervals, short intervals, hill repeats, strength training, long easy rides or hard all-out group rides best for you?
Most of us can’t afford a coach so it’s best to do a bit of research. Here is an alphabetical list of some mtb training books. Check them out and find out what works best for you.

• DIRT
by John Howard

• Fat Tire Rider
by Martha J. Kennedy, Michael Kloser and P.Yuri Samer

• Mountain Bike Like a Champion
by Ned Overend, Ed Pavelka

• Mountain Biking Fitness Training
by John Metcalfe

• Serious Training for Endurance Athletes
by Rob Sleamaker, Ray Browning

• Single-track Mind
by Paul Skilbeck (Missy Giove DH / Henrik Djernis XC)

• The Mountain Biker’s Training Bible
by Joe Friel

We mountain bike racers are competitive people. Impatience in our sport can lead to overtraining.

What is OVERTRAINING?

When you push yourself too hard and do more than your body can handle. Take your body to the limit as often as you can but not over the limit.

                                    BURNOUT
                                                                                   INJURY
                                                                                                                              DEATH

These are a few of the symptoms you'll want to avoid (especially the last one). One of the best indicators of overtraining is an ELEVATED MORNING PULSE.