trainer time

As the winter season continues it's wrath of chilly temperatures and plague like inversions across the Wasatch, many of us take to higher ground to escape the hazy valley below in search of blue bird skies. It's not uncommon for the dreaded high pressure to take over in parts of Utah, causing the air quality to drop significantly. Often times to unhealthy levels. And when the news report says it's a "red" air quality day, it's best not to tempt it. That being said, those of us who can't always make it up and out of the inversion we have to find different methods. One of which is the indoor trainer.Training indoors can have numerous benefits if you have the motivation and desire to get it done. Over the years I've spent a fair amount of time, watching Tour de France stages and ski movies while spinning on the rollers and though at times it becomes hard to put in the hours, they can be well worth it when the first races begin in the spring.The biggest benefit to riding indoors is that it's all done on your time. There are no interruptions, traffic lights, automobiles or geographic obstacles that will jeopardize your workout. If you want to spin for 30 min. you can truly spin for 30 min. non stop. Which is also why riding indoors can be so effective when you're targeting a specific workout. Plus, if you're short on time, you can knock it out a bit quicker than it would take you on the road.The biggest obstacle though, for me, is that it can be a bit on the boring side. Even if I have a good cycling video to watch, there's only so much trainer time I can take. If and when I do take to the trainer or rollers, I generally don't spend more than 60-90 min. at a time. I simply loose interest. From that I've found that a good flick, riding a trainer with a friend or even playing some video games in front of the TV will help pass the time.While it's cold and dreary outside and you're pedaling away indoors, remember to stay hydrated. One of the biggest problems cyclists face during and after a long indoor training session is the amount of water their body has lost. Taking in plenty of fluids is key. Also, if you can, pick a cool room in the house, the basement or even the garage. You'll find it's pretty easy to heat up if you don't.So far this season I haven't spent much time on the trainer and I hope to keep it that way. If the conditions are worth it, I like to get out as much as possible even if it's not on the bike. I like to spend some of the off season hiking and running a bit, just to mix thing up. That way when the temperatures begin to rise and the sun gradually makes its way back into the Northern Hemisphere, I'm feeling a little more fresh and motivated to spin the tires.