science of speed
I have a question. I read a weekly e-newsletter from the guys at RBR, Ed and Fred, whom I adore, and this is what perplexes me. I’ve read a lot of their material on winter riding, and they say repeatedly that winter is not a good time for speed work; that you can’t really do all-out hard efforts in cold weather.
What I want to know is–why not? Now, interestingly, my last couple of long rides have been mind-numbingly slow. Molasses in (ready for it?!) January kind-of-slow. My assumption is that I’m slowing down because I’m turning into a great huge sloth, but the RBR tidbit keeps popping into my head, and making me wonder whether perhaps there’s some force other than athletic inability at work. Is it because I’m wearing so much more gear in winter? I am truly wearing a lot of gear. I’ve been borrowing a fuzzy warm fleece pullover from Mr. Helpful, and it’s a bit big on me–maybe it’s causing drag? Or maybe the booties, or the balaclava? (An aside–a balaclava day is not the time to start eating PB&J sandwiches on a ride–I might as well have been riding around with my nose stuck inside the peanut butter jar for 3 hours.)
Maybe it’s that the cold air in my lungs makes it impossible for me to work to capacity. Or maybe muscles can’t work as hard because they can’t get warmed up. I don’t know. Anyone out there understand this phenomenon? I’d love to know that it’s not just me. 
Another aside–you cyclists reading this should check out RBR, if you haven’t already. Ed Pavelka used to live in Chapel Hill; he rode our local brevet series in 2003. I never actually met him, even though we were on the same rides–I saw him once, zipping back toward the finish. I was still slogging toward the turn-around. But I saw him; he was definitely there. He has since moved to Pennsylvania, and I can only assume he’ll qualify at some other series this year. But I still read the newsletter religiously, and we’re Premium site members. It’s a huge wealth of information for cyclists, plus they’re good writers (which I always appreciate).
Tomorrow’s another chilly one–at least it won’t be snowing!
February 17th, 2007 at 7:45 am
I too, am interested in the comments that you can’t do all out speed work in the winter, although I must confess that I haven’t read this fabulous web site. I’m guessing it has more to do with getting your muscles warmed up and staying warm, than the increase in gear. On the bike, you’re necessarily going faster than running and I find even in the summer, that the sweat evaporates off my skin faster. Oftentimes, I don’t even realize I’m sweating until I stop pedaling. Anyway, my point is that maybe in winter the wind is constantly cooling you off so maybe its hard for your muscles to stay warm. Maybe they have to work that much harder just to keep your core temp. at a normal level so you can’t generated enough energy to truly put in a sprint effort.
Just a thought from an un-professional.