How to Start Cycling Training for Upcoming Events

Every event is different, but the core of what you need to do is not. You need to eat 
right, prepare, and most of all train your body to handle the event parameters. If you 
have an upcoming biking event, and your new to them, you may want to know how to 
get started on a training plan. Here are some tips to help you formulate a plan, stick to 
it, and make it work for you.

Do a Pre-Run

The first and most important step is to figure out where you are in relation to being 
ready for the event. Map out an area at a local bike trail and see how far you get to 
meeting the goal of the actual event. Note any issues you are having. These should 
include fatigue, having to stop, how long you had to stop, and if you completely had to 
throw in the towel. You should also note if you ran out of water, became dehydrated, or 
if you had any pain from the trial run. These notations are everything you should be 
setting as a goal to overcome, fix, or alter in order to be prepared for the event.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals pertains more to the amount of time you are training for the event 
and setting aside for yourself daily than it does for a time to finish the full event. This 
especially true if it is your first event. You want to concentrate on building your 
endurance, hydration, and working your muscles to get them used to the stretching and 
activity the event will require. You also want to do this at a decent, but slow, pace so 
you are not causing injury. There are apps that help you pace yourself and help you log 
your progress as well. 

Weekly Assessments

So, you did your trial run and noted anything related to your performance. You took 
those notes and converted them into a solid 8-week plan leading up to the event to give 
yourself plenty of time to adjust and prepare. Now, you need to work in weekly 
assessments. These assessments use the same path that you configured for the pre-
run of the event. Once a week ride the same trail and make notes to compare to your 
original progress. Note changes and note progress. You can take this information to 
adjust your goals and training accordingly. 

These tips will help you formulate a training plan that can be changed based on the 
event. 
