A few months ago, one of my readers, Chris Aarons, started his cycling blog called Cycle-Faster.com (Chris’ blog is no longer active, update 2021). So far, it has been a pleasure to follow his blog because Chris continues to find excellent cycling training videos and tips all over the internet. So, I decided to ask Chris to share his experience with blogging and cycling training.
Congratulations on your new blog. What have you learned from this process so far?
Chris: “There is a lot of good and not so good information on the web about how to train better and cycle faster. For every great site, like training4cyclists.com, there is another one that masquerades as a helpful site, but it actually has poor information, or it only exists to sell you endless amounts of their supplements, training aids or “get fast quick schemes.”
Like most of my readers, I want quick, actionable information that helps us get more out of training and racing. I started the site because I read a ton of stuff on cycling every day, and my friends loved the fact I did all the work, and they just got to sit back and listen.”
What is your main cycling training philosophy (if you have one)?
Chris: “I am pretty sure it’s the same as yours. I want to get better and faster in the most efficient way/time possible, and if you look at the pros and Olympians and how they train, nothing is wasted – there are no junk miles. I think this approach and what they have learned at the highest levels are things from which every avid cyclist can benefit.
I’ve learned a lot of great things via my reading and looking for items for my blog. For example how cycling guru Alan Lim taught pro teams to use ice socks to keep cool and the value of drinking liquids with equal parts water/sports drink and crushed ice to lower core temperatures during hot weather.
I have no desire to be a pro racer (plus, at 43, that time has long since passed). But without a doubt, I am getting faster and learning more about improving performance and handling the stress that cycling inflicts on our bodies. These lessons, tips, and tricks not only make us faster when combined with solid training from books like yours but also make the sport more enjoyable. I truly believe they improve your quality of life on and off the bike.
What can we expect to find on Cycle Faster in the future?
Chris: “I am going to keep focusing on the training and racing tips and tricks and try to take complex information and boil it down to something anyone can use. That is what my readers seem to enjoy the most. I tend to see a lot of technical articles on study results focused on cycling. Very often, there is good information in there, or at least something cyclists should think about, but it is buried under the technical format. So, I will continue to try and find these types of nuggets and present them in an easy-to-digest format.
Also, I will be doing more product reviews. We all see a lot of products making claims about performance or other benefits, but I think it is always helpful to see how someone has used the product and help them decide if it is worth the money.”
It’s a while since you purchased and downloaded my e-book. What have you learned from Time Effective Cycling Training so far?
Chris: “More than I could tell you in this interview. Your e-book showed me how important a power meter is to truly making meaningful and quantifiable gains.
Also, your e-book showed me the benefit and value of VO2 Max intervals. I love your VO2 MAX Booster program. I have seen a gain of 55+ watts in using it for just over three and a half months.
In addition, I have been using your suggestion to incorporate Fartlek VO2 Max intervals during my group rides to get more out of them.”
Results that I largely credit to you and your training are:
- My power is up considerably and I see more upside potential
- I am now able to clearly see where I am weak and need improvement
- I am dropping people like I used to be dropped
- I have won several races within my group, including a King of the Mountains event and began moving up in Cat. 4/5 races
Would you recommend Time Effective Cycling Training to other riders? Why?
Chris: “Yes. It is a simple and straightforward e-book that is full of easy-to-follow information that helps you become a better cyclist. Of all the books I have, it is easily the most concise as well as the best reading on how to get the most bang for your limited training time.”
If you could give one piece of advice about cycling training to all the readers on Training4cyclists.com, what would it be?
Chris: “First, I would say buy and read your e-book, as I am sure many of your readers have already done. Finding your site and e-book has helped me focus tremendously on what matters most in training.
Second, I think that every cyclist should become a master at the technical aspects of cycling. Things like pedal stroke, drafting, fit and body position, flexibility, and the like pay such great dividends. In fact, I would argue these are worth far more than expensive parts in helping you enjoy riding and cycling faster.”
You guys rock, lots of info. Ice socks nice.