Keeping Fit Around the Holidays, or as Sean Would Say, "Serious Off-Season Cycling Training"

     Throughout the holiday seasons, with blustery cold weather and constant edible temptations, it’s sometimes difficult to stay in cycling shape. For instance, thus far since the official end of the Ixion Cycling calendar, Mike has packed on a hefty 10 pounds… and it ain’t muscle. Motivation is the key to staying fit when the weather, and driving all over Hell’s creation to see family, get ya down. Sean has recently been trying out the Carmichael Training System, a simulated (DVD) cycling workout he uses in conjunction with his CycleOps Trainer, and last night I (Mike) actually caught him reading, an actual book with words and not just pictures, Lance Armstrong’s newest ode to himself, “Lance 2.0”. Mike’s new thing is daily P90X sessions, a system that, although an at-home deal (which I usually think are trash) is not only tough, but great for working those hard to reach, but ever important core muscles.


Of course, regular trips to the steam room at the local gym are pertinent.

(proof)

Some ideas to help our fellow cyclists through the off-season:

1) Get New Stuff!

Sean and I have definitely taken advantage of the off months as an opportunity to upgrade our gear and to learn how to better use the gear we have! From Sean’s new SRAM Red cranks, to our nearly matching Bontrager carbon stems, to a slew of new jerseys, we’ve been spending some cash and pimpin’ out Team Ix. However, if you don’t want to spend a fortune, some bright ideas are to learn to do your own tune-ups, maybe with The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: For Road and Mountain Bikes(Expanded and Revised 5th Edition) by Todd Downs. Drama (Sean’s new nickname) and I find it pretty liberating, and frankly a nice “alone time” with our bikes to work on them ourselves… try it, it’s good therapy.

"Drama"

2) Read-up On Strategy to Make Team Ixion Cycling Better – Make a Game Plan!

Figure out a schedule of events that fit the interests of yourself and your teammates. Thus far, Team Ixion will be doing the Master the Met Race to raise money for the American Lung Association, the Roubaix de Hillsboro, in Hillsboro, Illinois – a great test of anyone’s legs and agility – Hills, Hills, HILLSBORO, the Great Forest Park Bicycle Race, in St. Louis, MO, multiple Gateway Cup events, the Carondelet Park Criterium Series, various inner-city/Missouri Criteriums, and several other events to be named to raise money for worthwhile causes. We are also planning some more personal activities – volunteering our time to support our local community and beloved South City neighborhood.

3) Cross-Train.

Hit the gym, hit the treadmill, do P90X, come up with a sweet ab routine, join winter leagues at your local gym or Y… whatever you do, GET OFF THAT COUCH, FATASS!!!