Has anyone used the CTS on-line training system? I think they work with you over email and the phone to set up and monitor a personalized training system. I am considering giving a 6 month subscription to a friend and would like to hear any opinions on how well this system works.
Thanks.
P-R
Carmichael Training System
Sun, 07/20/2003 - 8:23am
Sun, 07/20/2003 - 1:48pm
#1
No. But is this the PR Stark from HLS 2001?
Mon, 07/21/2003 - 8:05pm
#2
CTS
I signed up for a CTS a month ago as a free trial. I haven't been doing it that long, but so far I like what I've seen. You start with a 3 mile time trial, and based on your times/HR, you get a training schedule suited to your ability (at least mine was at the right level). Your online coach always gets back to you promptly with any questions you have and encourages you to log your miles on the web site to track your training. The workouts themselves are the best part. They involve a bunch of different interval workouts at several different heart rates to either put you just below your lactate threshold, in your upper aerobic zone, or in an anaerobic interval. They are actually uncannily good at predicting the proper heart rates for you based on your time trial time. I haven't done it long enough to know if there's any improvement, but I definitely enjoy following the workout schedule.
Thu, 07/24/2003 - 10:22am
#3
Go Local !
"Not sure of your budgets etc. but there are a number of great coaches in the New York area who will offer what CTS does but also will be hands on if you need them - i.e. conduct wattage tests / programs based on local rides etc / ride with you if neccessary etc.
Don't want to break any rules on advertising Peter - so sorry if this contravenes any rules but you could do far worse than try my coach - Craig ""Smilie"" Upton - ex pro and CRCA racer who holds the CP TT records - I've come on leaps and bounds since using him. ontact me off board for details if interested.
Justin"
Thu, 07/24/2003 - 2:00pm
#4
Yeah, I second that!
There are so many advantages to a hands-on coach who can see you ride, evaluate your technique, adjust your fit, and better monitor your progress through personal interaction.
And having him/her cheer you on at local races is great, too...
--Robin
(another very satisfied client of Coach Smilie)
Wed, 07/30/2003 - 2:06pm
#5
follow-up question
Many thanks to those who responded. One follow-up question: do you think this kind of coaching can be beneficial to a rider who has no ambition to race? That is to say, someone looking to improve conditioning and fitness as much as efficiency and power on the bike?
Thanks.
P-R
Thu, 07/31/2003 - 9:39am
#6
While I am thinking about trying some racing, I don't have any definite plans. One of the things I like about it though is that many of the scheduled workouts are intervals/hill sprints, and the total workout time is often only 1:30, and I think I definitely get more out of them than I would just riding around for that amount of time. About using a local coach...I am sure you can get more out of having someone coach you in person. I don't know what the price is, but if you join performancebike.com, you get 10% off their online goods and a 30day CTS membership for like 5 bucks (thats what I did just to try it out). After that, its around 30 bucks a month.
Thu, 07/31/2003 - 12:21pm
#7
Theres no doubt in my mind that a good coach (CTS or local) will improve all aspects of your game - whether you're looking for conditioning or racing. Thats the beauty of working with one who knows your needs / aims etc. A good coach will tailor the program to suit you - be wary of any that try it the other way round!
