The Faster Master Part 3 - Rest

okay.... so i mentioned that i was doing a big volume block over march break... and followed that up with a few short hard rides to hit the top end.... but something that i have learned from coaches, books and experience is the need for REST!!!! as much as it makes us feel fast to pound ourselves into the ground with intervals and tempo rides.... it is the amount of rest that allows our bodies to regenerate and get stronger.... Chris Carmichael says that rest is more important than intensitybecause it allows our minds and bodies to perform at their best. I remember racing elite years ago and wanting to do longer hours before a race because i felt good....and my coach asking me "Will that ride make you faster before the race, or will more rest make you faster?".... okay... more rest.... especially at a Master's age.... we don't recover like we once used to... so making sure that nutrition and sleep are focused around recovery is key. Active recovery.... spending time with the kids, riding bikes around the neighbourhood, hiking etc... is a great way of staying "active" while also helping to flush out lactic acid and soreness from my old bones before getting back at it again....

rest days / weeks also help keep my marriage in tact and remind my kids that "daddy does still exist"...