​Virtual Racing: Use Judiciously in the Base Period

As we reach mid-February, some athletes have been in their non-competitive, non-event, or “shoulder” season for several months.  Others who raced  a full ‘cross calendar may feel like they have  just shut it down.  Wherever you fall in the spectrum, hopefully you’ve taken some time to dial it back, get off the bike a bit, enjoy other outdoor activities, and then start getting ready for next season.

During this time, many coaches and athletes will include strategically placed higher intensity workouts on the schedule.  Strategic and deliberate with purpose.  Over the past five or six years, there’s been a new way to include intensity all year round.

Like it or not, Virtual Racing, or E-Racing is here, and quite likely here to stay.  There’s even National Championships, Professional Zwift Racing Teams, and some real money behind the competitions.

Virtual races can really be a lot of fun.  I’ve participated in a good handful, and may 
recommend a race to some of my clients.  They’re a great way to really push yourself and mix things up when forced to train indoors.  I’ve even had clients use E-Fondos to qualify for the National Fondo Championships.  This is great as it makes the event much more attainable for the individual who doesn’t have the luxury of traveling to several far away events a year.
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