More Cycling Training

Continuing with some tip for those riders with diabetes:


Remember to talk to your doctor about your cycling and any increase of activity!!

Check your blood sugar often during training and be prepared to modify your diet. Exercise can improve circulation and we know improved circulation can be very important to diabetics.
Be sure to check your feet after cycling for blisters and make sure you have good fitting cycling shoes. Your favorite bike shop can help ensure you have the right shoes.

Weight training is a good piece of the puzzle to add to your training. Good core strength will help you during your long rides. A few times a week is all you need, be sure to hit a wide range of muscle groups.

A study from Duke University found that intensive exercise can improve carbohydrate metabolism. This is good news for diabetics. What was also interesting about this study was that the improved insulin sensitivity seemed to last for several months after the participants stopped exercising. But I'm betting that you will feel so good you won't want to stop exercising!!

Always keep in mind that there are training resources to help you here at Tour de Cure.
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Cycling Training for Beginners

Welcome to the Tour de Cure Blog for the Michigan Tour de Cure!
Join us for the Ride of your Life on June 15, 2013 in Brighton

Training for a cycling event is not impossible-- even if you have a job and a life! There's just a few things to consider.

First: Sign up for an event! This is more important than you think. Paying the registration fee not only secures your spot avoiding disappointment later, but an event on your calendar provides constant motivation. It also leads to constant training, week after week, in a slow progression. 

Next, make sure you are comfortable on your bike. If you aren't, get a professional fitting. Take yourself and your bike to the bike store and ask for a fitting.  

Check your sugar often and modify your diet if necessary. This is a slow and consistent training philosophy, so ride every week! Put in miles but also don't neglect things like intervals and hills. Both of these are vital to a training program. When riding those long miles, do so at a steady pace--don't dilly dally and stop too often for a break.

When you plan your workouts: intervals, hills, long rides, don't just do the same workouts on the same days on the same routes. Mix it up! Training will never be boring. Try different things! This will make consistent training a breeze. Lastly, remember that rest and recovery are a part of training. Take time for recovery and cross training.

Tune back next time for more training tips!