By Christine Bailey

We all feel tired from time to time, but if you’re suffering from a constant energy crisis, waking up groggy or finding it difficult to keep up your training, it’s time to take action.

Bouts of low energy are often due to a poor diet, over-exercise, stress or lack of sleep. If it’s persistent fatigue, you may want to consult your doctor in case there’s an underlying cause, but if it’s a pick-me-up you need, there are lots of natural energy-boosting remedies.  read more »

By Harvey Newton
 
Pedaling action is all about hip and knee extension, so strengthening your legs makes a lot of sense. But ultimately, you'll likely exhibit the greatest weight room benefits for cycling by strengthening your weakest body parts -- the upper body and torso (or core).
 
These areas simply are not stressed enough in regular riding to get stronger, yet they contribute significantly to cycling success.
 
Don't get me wrong. I want you to make your legs even stronger too, because that will really let you put more power to the pedals. But what about your arms, shoulders and torso?
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By Harvey Newton
 
Research in resistance training has shown this for some years:
 
     1-6 repetitions create strength
     8-12 reps foster muscular growth
     15+ reps build muscular endurance
 
In other words, if you want to get stronger, add weight. And as a result, reduce repetitions. (A repetition is one full movement of the exercise.) If you train with high repetitions, guess what: You really won't get stronger at all.
   read more »

By Charles Pelkey  read more »

I haven't been on the bike in what seems like forever - long enough that I didn't even race in the 2008 season!  That's sad. ;(

However, I don't intend to let that happen for 2009, and let this be my written testament to the team that I won't let you down in 2009.  I can't guarantee any specific results, of course, but I can guarantee I will have fun racing (barring any injuries - knock on wood), because that's the whole objective....is it not??

Anyway, I got back on the bike about a month ago.  I'm in my fifth week, slowly building miles, and looking for someone to ride with.  I'm so busy that I have to do all my rides that fall within the week on a trainer (well after dark), but I get outside on the weekends consistently.  This week I'm planning a time trial on Thursday evening to test for lactate threshold.  I used to be able to ride fast - we'll see how far I can ride in a half hour. ; )  I don't expect great results, but dependable ones that I can base my training on.  read more »

By BRENT FRAZEE

The Kansas City Star

Toolbox: Optimal Tapering Strategies
Tuesday, August 19, 2008  6:36:40 AM PT  read more »