10 Ways to Prepare Now for Your Best Summer MTB Race

Is the Blueprint for Athletes Leadville Trail 100 MTB or another “A” race looming large on your summer calendar? Sure, race day is a long way off, but what you do between now and then can make a big difference in your performance. The following tips will help you prepare – starting now – to arrive on race day fit, fired up and ready to throw down.

1. BE CONSISTENT.

It’s healthy – for body, mind and soul – to take a winter training break. But with spring right around the corner, now’s the time to get back into a routine of regular activity. Do some type of workout, five or six days a week. The key is to keep your exercise level high, but with less focus on structure and intensity. With that consistency, you’ll lay a strong foundation of fitness and have a leg up when you transition to race-specific training.

 

2. EASE INTO INTENSITY.

Don’t hammer every ride at the start of the season. Instead, gradually increase the duration and intensity of your sessions. Rotate an easy week into your schedule every four to six weeks to avoid overtraining, then up the intensity with each successive training block. Save your peak power for the final few months before your “A” race. For Leadville, target mid-June as time to kick into high gear.

 

3. MIX IT UP.

Cross-training is an ideal way to keep your body fit and your mind fresh, avoiding the potential for burnout from solely cycling year-round. Six-time Leadville champion Dave Wiens shakes up his winter routine with hockey and all styles of skiing. Other options include running, swimming, yoga and hiking. Winter is also prime time to pay attention to core strength and overall conditioning in the gym. If you’re intent on riding the trainer, add drills to your repertoire (such as single leg drills) to work on any weaknesses you may have.

 

4. TUNE YOUR EQUIPMENT.

Spend time now sprucing up your gear for the season ahead. Give your entire bike setup – including shoes, cleats and training and racing kits – a once-over, and replace anything that shows signs of wear and tear. And don’t forget your single most important piece of equipment: your body. That nagging niggle in your hamstring? Get to the bottom of what ails you before ramping up your training in order to avoid a full-blown injury later on.

 

5. DRINK UP.

Hydration is as critical now as during your peak training and your race. It’s all too easy – especially in cold weather – to neglect your body’s hydration needs, so be sure to drink up. Plain water, herbal tea, and water flavored with electrolyte tablets or fruit juice are all smart options for fluid intake. How to tell if you’re getting enough? Keep an eye on your urine output; it should be clear and plentiful. If not, drink more.

 

6. BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT.

Eating quality food is crucial to keep your body strong, healthy and energized. Winter is a great time to test new recipes, rather than reach for grab-and-go processed foods with little nutritional value. One day a week, make a big batch of base carbohydrates – such as quinoa, rice or sweet potatoes – then add protein and veggies for quick and easy nutrient-packed meals throughout the week. Your performance stands to benefit, plus your taste buds will thank you!

 

7. NAIL YOUR RACE DAY NUTRITION, NOW.

Unsure what to eat and drink on race day? Have the products you’ve tried in the past caused GI distress? Practice is key to proper race day fueling and hydration. There’s plenty of time for trial and error experimentation now to stave off the extremes of bonking and belly bloat. Test different products and strategies during your early season training and racing to learn what works – and what doesn’t – for you.

 

8. SET STEPPING-STONE GOALS.

Race day is on the distant horizon, so plot some milestones along the way to keep your motivation high. Swallow your ego and sign up for a few early season “training races” to test your fitness gains and gear. Tackle a Leadville Trail 100 MTB qualifier, or get a first-hand feel for the Leadville course at our training camp. Use Athlinks to connect with friends and invite them along. Challenge one another to reach certain training metrics throughout the season. Adventures on your calendar will keep you honest, excited and in the game.

 

9. RECOVER LIKE A CHAMP.

You’re not doing all-out efforts just yet, but it’s never too early to integrate proper recovery into your training plan to stay rested and injury-free. Consider bodywork techniques including massage, dry needling or chiropractic care, try recovery tools such as a foam roller or recovery boots, and incorporate yoga or a simple stretching routine. The most important recovery tool is also one of the most budget-friendly – plenty of good old-fashioned ZZZs.

 

10. DREAM IT TO DO IT.

Visualization goes a long way in endurance events that test both body and mind.

Close your eyes and picture the climbs to Columbine and Powerline, or the hardest and highest points on your race course. Imagine how hard you’ll push, and how you’ll embrace the inevitable hurt. Pretend the last mile of your training ride is the final stretch to the finish, complete with the roar of the crowds. Let yourself tear up, overcome by the emotion of what you’ve achieved. Train your brain for victory by envisioning success – then make it so.

 

 

Want to read more?

The Time is Now: Commit to Consistency & Quality in Your Training

Switching Gears: Making the Most of Winter Training