Training Tips
"Consistency is what separates those who train from those who just ride. Stick with it, trust the process, and you’ll be ready to rock the Bike City Fondo!", Patty Pittman, certified coach. Tune in each week for tips and training support from Coach Patty as she outlines an 8-week program to get you ready for event day. You can also follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BikeCityFondo), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bikecityfondo) or our newsletter to receive updates.
Week 1: The Key to Your Fondo Success
Welcome to Week 1 of the 8 Week Bike City Fondo Training Series!
As a coach for 21 years, I'm excited to offer you training tips and help you show up strong, prepared, and ready to enjoy the ride. This week, we’re starting with the single most important factor in your training: Consistency.
Why Consistency Wins Every Time - You don’t need to smash every ride, go all-out every session, or chase PRs every week. What matters most is stacking good training weeks together. Riding consistently is far more valuable than the occasional big effort. Moderate, steady rides at a conversational pace build your aerobic base, which is what actually gets you to the finish line feeling strong.
Here's How to Build a Consistent Training Routine:
Set a Clear Goal -What’s your goal for this training cycle? More endurance? Better climbing? Just feeling good on the bike? Defining it now keeps you motivated.
Make a Plan That Works for You - Aim for 3-5 rides per week, with a mix of easy, moderate, and harder efforts. Don’t stress about missing one. Just focus on consistency over time.
Recover as Hard as You Train - Under recovery kills progress faster than under training. Sleep well, fuel properly, and give your body time to adapt.
Stay Adaptable - Life will throw curveballs. If you miss a ride or have an off day, don’t stress. Just get back on track the next day. I always tell my athletes, "make the next best decision" in their training, nutrition, and recovery. Consistency isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up more often than not and doing your best.
Track Your Progress - Log your rides. Pay attention to how you feel, not just the numbers. You’ll be surprised how much progress you make when you zoom out and look at the big picture.
Your Action Plan for This Week
- Set Your Baseline - Start with manageable ride times and durations. Keep the effort sustainable.
- Schedule Your Rides - Put them on your calendar. Make them a priority.
- Review and Adjust - At the end of the week, reflect on what worked and what needs tweaking. The goal isn’t to be perfect - it’s to get a little better each week.
Coach Patty
