How I train for an Ultra Cycling Race

Ultra Cycling isn't only about riding bikes. You have to focus on your mental side, your strength, your resupply timing, and more. In this video I talk about what works for me in terms of training on and off the bike!
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[@n0ch91c3s]

Great video as always!
I'd like to add that lots of people don't practice fixing a flat. Lots carry tire plugs without knowing the details of how to use it. I like to recommend people get a couple extra co2s and plugs and to try using them at home, preferably on an old tire when it's due for replacement anyway.
Just an idea

[@wattwagon]

so true greg! I will keep this tip for another video I make in the future. knowing how to do these trail side fixes is so important.

[@Rafael-vu2xn]

Superb channel, stuck binge watching for hours. Thanks and greetings from Finland!

[@wattwagon]

wow thank you for the kudos!! I really appreciate it. greetings from the US!

[@obikedog]

Definitely agree with free-flow training and listening to the body - after learning the basics! I worked with training plans for a couple years before going on my own. Allowing myself freedom to plan around work, weather, and other last-minute interruptions has certainly helped my training. fwiw I can't recommend Joel Friel's book enough for those looking to get familiar with training basics. Regardless of how I train I find it critical to keep track of chronic training load so I can be sure I'm growing fitness and not plateauing or over-reaching. Strava, Garmin, Training Peaks, WKO, etc. all do good job but imho TP/WKO are hard to beat.
Minimizing stops is huge! (Turn off the computer's auto-pause function if it's on.) When I realized my power curve's step at three hours coincided with a stop, I was able to use that as incentive to push it out until I could do 100mi without stopping.
Finally I would add it's not possible to keep fitness year round - take a couple weeks off every now and then to keep those hormones in balance. Exercise provides stress. Rest does the rest!

[@wattwagon]

Joel Friel is a throwback! I read some of his info back when I first started getting into racing. Great to understand basics even though the science has changed a bit since. But that's science! we are always learning more. I think tracking is super important as well. All the apps these days do a good job of taking your body metrics/data and telling you about yourself. But the best is to start to learn how you personally feel first then consult the data.

[@tellit_one3613]

Yay! I’ve been waiting for this one!! Fill the bucket!! Great vid!!

[@wattwagon]

Yay glad you liked it!! thanks for watching :)

[@Transtaganu]

Pistol squat with an unstable stand ?😮 Respect 💪

[@wattwagon]

gotta make the gains 🤪 but thank you!!!

[@jamesolson9498]

As a Randonneur I definitely eat and fuel up while I ride. Stops slow you down a lot!

[@wattwagon]

it's so true! If you're only moving 10mph, you're still moving!

[@fatbikeinbraunschweig]

nice vid! This is really a useful explanation how to prepare for long event. And it makes much more sense than any over-elaborate training system...

[@wattwagon]

glad it was helpful!!! thanks for watching

[@mickhurley7305]

Nice video, very enjoyable. Well edited. I like the approach you take.

[@wattwagon]

thank youuu!!! appreciate it :)

[@jamesenter2095]

Thanks for sharing the stoke! I can't wait until spring

[@wattwagon]

Thanks for watching!! Spring is just around the corner, and so are many fun rides!

[@stephaniehall6589]

Loooooove this!

[@wattwagon]

thanks stephanie!!! (and wyatt)

[@AgravepasmonK]

Very interesting, thank you !

[@wattwagon]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@oddknack]

enjoyed that one thanks

[@wattwagon]

thanks for watching!!!!

[@123noah3211]

Great video

[@wattwagon]

Thank you Noah!!!

[@havefunandbikestuff]

Great mindset. I digg it. Best to you in Chilie *

[@wattwagon]

Thank you!!!!!

[@stevenss8070]

Great Vid. I was looking at your bikes, but they weren’t in focus. Are you really using Wahoo pedals?

[@wattwagon]

I am using shimano SPD pedals, have been for years on the gravel bike. I haven't tried the wahoo pedals! Do you use them?

[@stevenss8070]

@@wattwagon No, I have tested them. It’s not really practical, if you have dirt and mud on your shoes. It was just an experiment.

[@sahasrangshuutube]

What is Omega training

[@jacobbyard461]

What helmet are you using?

[@wattwagon]

I use kask helmets, the white one is the protone and the black one is the valegro!

[@industryrule-4080]

Have you done Paris Brest Paris?

[@wattwagon]

I haven't! But some day I'd like to give it a try. Need to find a way to move to Europe first 🤣

[@arrgh406]

Is Paris-Brest-Paris on your radar?

[@wattwagon]

it should be! I haven't thought much about it but I will add it to my long list, probably 2026!

[@itstrbo]

"chee-lay"

[@wattwagon]

Cheeee-lay!!! :)

[@nils_on_wheels]

So basically... Everything's loose and u don't follow any training routines ... so you don't really train for ultra cycling races. One day U ride long, if You want and another day you don't, if you don't. Little bit of interval every now and then. So basically, it has no deep informations for anyone...😅 Crazy that you have such good results without any noticeable structure.. 😁 Thanks for the entertainment anyway! Wish i had your endurance! Maybe one day...

[@wattwagon]

buckets are buckets! It's how I train, which may work for some who need a lot of flexibility for work or lifestyle reasons. Not everyone needs a 6 day a week training plan to be successful in ultras (or cycling for that matter). It's why I suggest hiring a coach to understand and learn training principles. You've gotta figure out what works for you. Thanks for watching!

[@teeterboy3]

Happy International Women’s Day!

[@wattwagon]

THANK you john!!! Thanks for watching :)

[@Toretto16]

I just hate every single video where the people are talking and as soon as the music starts it gets too loud and I have to put the volume down and then again up when they start talking and so on...

[@wattwagon]

Feedback noted for future videos!