A relatively mild winter led into a colder than normal Spring here in Southeast Michigan. And while we had a few decent days here and there, the general theme was cold and wet. This horrible weather is best exemplified by pointing out that it snowed on Sunday May 15th during The Ann Arbor Spring Training Series Criterium. Snow in early April is quite common in our part of the state, but snow in mid-May is unheard of. All of the riders and racers that I know were begrudgingly hopping back onto their trainers each week trying to maintain their hard earned form. We all knew it would end at some point, but it was a testing experience for even the most mentally strong. Relief has finally come, and according to the long term forecast, we are on track for a string of beautiful days. This is good news in many ways, but it also presents us with a potentially form undermining opportunity.

I received a call earlier today from a friend who wanted to know what my ride plan was for the day. I told him my plan was to post a zero for the day. That is, I would not be riding at all. He replied that it was sunny, dry and was going to be approaching 70 degrees so I should modify my plan and take advantage of such a great day. While it was a beautiful day, and it did sound appealing to get out and enjoy it, I knew that a rest day was what I had planned, and what my body needed. Changing the plan, and doing even an easy ride, would undermine the recovery that I was currently experiencing. And that disruption would set me back by at least 1 day. And that 1 day set back would affect my Saturday race prep. And with Saturday affected, my Sunday race would be affected. So while it sounded like a good plan at the very base level, as a racer with a specific program, it ultimately could become a very form altering experience.

After an unforgiving and unrelenting Spring, a break in the weather is a more than a welcome occurrence. If you have been stuck inside on the trainer during this time then I know that you would be chomping at the bit to get out and experience the warmth. However, if you are a racer with a training plan then every ride is put in place for a specific reason. While it may not seem like a big deal to just go out for an easy ride on a beautiful day, it can actually seriously compromise your training plan and / or race preparation. I recommend  that you resist the temptation, and do not go out for that “harmless” ride. Or at least contact your coach to see if you can get clearance to partake.

-Jason