Goal Setting For Each Workout And Thoughts About PowerCrank Training For Running And Cycling

 

Great present for FitOldDog a three in one crockpot by Bella for only $27 at Target

Great present for FitOldDog, a three in one crockpot by Bella for only $27 at Target - love to train and love to think and love to cook and love to … gotta go!

Hi and thanks for coming by!

FitOldDog's Trainer bike with CompuTrainer and PowerCranks

FitOldDog’s Trainer bike with Computrainer and PowerCranks, and great bike fit by Victor.

Sometimes I forget to listen to my own advice - do you ever do that? I was recently climbing on my trainer bike, to do a pre-run PowerCrank workout, when it occurred to me that I was just going through the motions. I would have ridden for 30 minutes at 140 watts, climbed off all sweaty and ready for my run, but would that have been the best training routine? So I stopped and thought for a few minutes, which is often the most effective part of any workout (as long as you let your coach know what is going on in your head).

Here is what I thought:

Kevin: “What is are the most important aspects of PowerCrank use for the bike?”

Power Cranks are a great training tool, especially for running.

Power Cranks installed on my trainer bike with Speed Play pedals. Power Cranks are tougher to use than you might think, but they sure improve your run.

Kevin: “To gain strength, a better spin quality, and improved neuromuscular coordination.”

Kevin: “And for the run?”

Kevin: “Stronger hip flexors and improved biomechanics.”

Kevin: “So?”

Conclusion: I broke my 30 minute ride into 20 minutes of high cadence (90-100 rpm) and low wattage (100 watts), which is extremely challenging on PowerCranks (just you give it a try) for cruising at speed on the flat (run or bike), followed by 10 minutes of low cadence (55-60 rpm) at higher wattage (160 watts - my target average for Ironman bike leg, but PowerCranks are harder than regular cranks - try it for yourself, it’s fun and painful) for hill climbing (bike and a bit for the run).

Then I went for a great 6-mile road run, and all was well. This is what safe exercise for better health, and hopefully better Ironman performance, is all about - think before you act, and don’t just go through the motions.

I wonder if I’ll ever make it to Hawaii? Sure I will!

-k @FitOldDog

 Important Note: These posts do not provide medical advice. You should always consult your physician before undertaking or significantly modifying an exercise program.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin T. Morgan aka FitOldDog, Old Dogs in Training, LLC.

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About Kevin Morgan

About Me: Senior Scientist Ironman Triathlete & Blogger. Carrboro, NC. Mantra: safe exercise for better health through improved mind and body awareness. Business USP: use the experience of an actively competing scientist Ironman triathlete with an abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft to develop a safe approach to exercise for better health through improved mind-body awareness, if you have diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, other health challenge, or you are simply dealing with the effects of aging. Marital Status: Partnered Ethnicity: Caucasian
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