Training indoors....don't dread it.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, as the weather is getting colder and bleaker, and daylight hours are fewer than just a few months ago, you will be forced to do some training sessions indoors.   Unless of course you like to suffer frost bite or even worse put your safety at risk.  

Now if you are like most athletes you'll shudder at the thought of an indoor workout.   The thought of staring at a wall, or the same scene out of a window for an extended period can be challenging.   I believe the reason for this dread is because we are not adjusting our perspective and we are taking our 'outdoor' session attitudes and bringing them to our 'indoor' sessions.  And in my opinion the two are incompatible.

Training outside typically gives you the opportunity to execute longer sessions - long bike rides, long runs, brick sessions.   Training outside also gives you the opportunity to do sessions with workout partners.  And it allows you to fill your sense of adventure by  following your nose and finding new routes and places to train.  And it keeps our minds active with a continual change of environment.

So if you are trying to bring the outdoors indoors you need to change your perspective.

Without a doubt indoor sessions can be some of the most efficient and effective session you undertake.   Nothing to stop and slow you down - no traffic lights, no drivers, not busy running paths,  just the opportunity to put in sustained efforts.  In fact many top triathletes will do their quality sessions indoors

Unless you can pedal like Macca, or run like a Kenyan marathoner, your technique can probably use some work.  An indoor session provides an excellent opportunity to work on technique, and not worry about pace, and trying to keep up with the group.   This is especially important if you are overhauling your technique because your pace will slow down, and your effort will increase.

Now what about duration? You should think seriously about the need to ride for 4 hours on your trainer in the middle of winter.   Can you get just as good, if not better, a workout in under 2 hours [say 60 - 90 minutes]? 

What are you really gaining from 4 hours at low intensity on the trainer?   In the winter probably not a lot.  Try a great interval workout at moderate intensity, with some drills, and voila a great workout. There are plenty of indoor cycling workouts available - free and paid - that will improve your strength and fitness.   And think of the bonus points you'll earn from your family/girlfriend/boyfriend.

Or instead of the trainer, try rollers.  These will help you with technique, fitness, and keep you engaged.  

And if you are more of a social beast, and hate to work out alone, why not invite a few of your training partners over and do a group session. Friends of mine have been known to gather around a TV to spin along with taped Tour de France stages.   A bit of friendly competition, some friends, and the feeling that you are in the pelaton.

So there you have it, you are now better prepared for your next indoor session.  A changed perspective, and some new ideas. 

Let me know how it goes, or if you have some other ideas pass them along.

Until then keep tri'n.