What Should a Cyclist Do on Recovery Days?

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by (120 points)
What are the recovery day activities helpful for cyclists according to John Wakefield’s training program?

1 Answer

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by (740 points)
During the recovery phase, it is recommended by John Wakefield that cyclists engage in light cycling which does not exceed zone 1 heart rate or 20-40% of their Functional Threshold Power. Their objective is absolute body recovery. Running through stretch routines, applying foam roller, or even non-cycling actions such as playful interactions with children or doing household chores may work well. The most essential thing is to refrain from heavy workouts and allow the body to recuperate.
by (100 points)
01:13 ‍♂️ Day 1: Activation Ride
- Day 1: 1-hour activation ride with 3x 15-sec neuromuscular sprints.
- Emphasis on staying in gear during sprints without shifting.
- Easy spinning for the remainder of the hour.

02:52 ‍♂️ Day 2: Threshold Training
- Day 2: 1.5-hour session featuring 3x 10-minute threshold sets.
- Explanation of threshold intensity (95-105% of FTP or Zone 4).
- Importance of warm-up, recovery, and cooldown during the session.

04:03 ‍♂️ Day 3: Full Recovery
- Day 3: 1.5-hour recovery ride (Zone 1) following the intense threshold session.
- Recommended intensity between 0-4 out of 10, focusing on complete recovery.
- Emphasis on taking it very easy for effective recovery.

04:43 ‍♂️ Day 4: Rest Day
- Day 4: Complete rest day, emphasizing relaxation and recovery.
- Suggested activities include stretching, massage, and light chores.
- No cycling or intense physical activity on this day.

05:27 ‍♂️ Day 5: Anaerobic Training
- Day 5: 1.5-hour session with anaerobic intervals (5x 2 minutes or 8-10x 1 minute).
- Intensity recommendations for the 2-minute and 1-minute intervals.
- Advice on pacing and adjusting intensity for beginners.

07:46 ‍♂️ Day 6: Endurance Ride
- Day 6: 3-hour endurance ride or 1-hour recovery if fatigued.
- Flexibility in making it a hard or easy ride based on individual feel.
- Guidance to control intensity during group rides for better recovery.

08:55 ‍♂️ Day 7: Recovery or Endurance
- Day 7: Option for a 1-hour recovery ride or continuation of the 3-hour endurance ride.
- Flexibility based on individual preferences and weekly engagements.
- Reiteration of the importance of easy days and being mindful of recovery.
by (100 points)
what's the science on day 2 'recovery' being 1.5 hours long? To me recevoery should be be 45mins max 90 minutes is simply endurance / z2 which is also fine on day 2 IMO but call it as such maybe?
by (100 points)
Hi Tristan! I'd love to hear the science behind recovery rides. From an outsider, (of the cycling world) looking in, it would appear a great opportunity to use that time for recovery resistance training. To grease the movements, at a low intensity, that cycling cannot give you. Thinking of hip hinge and unilateral upper body movements. What's John's take on this?
by (100 points)
Hi. What are the benefits of doing a recovery ride instead of taking a rest day?
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