There's no question that social media has infiltrated every facet of our lifestyle. From the best cycling hashtags on Instagram to the ubiquitous “butt shot” of the local Sunday group ride that is posted on Facebook, we have an insatiable need to connect with others on social networking. Cycling is no different, as evidenced by the rise of Strava, the largest cycling social media sharing site out there today. But Strava is far more than people just sharing their rides and their achievements online: it has become the driving force behind many people's cycling experiences. Offering almost monthly challenges and goals (often revolving around excessive mileage or vertical gain) and offering virtual rewards in the form of “badges”, Strava has become the impetus for people to train.
How has that success and impetus impacted us as a cycling culture? How has it changed the way we train? And of course, the ultimate question remains: have those changes been for the better or worse? That's what I'll explore on this edition of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast, including topics such as:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:09 — 68.9MB)
@10:19 -What is Strava? How has Strava changed our community (for better or worse) and how has Strava changed the way we go about training.
@43:29 – How can we use Strava as an effective training tool?
Links mentioned in today's show:
You can check out the Tailwind Coaching Strava club and join to see what Tailwind Coaching's athletes are doing.
Strength training for cyclists – Part 1 and Part 2
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With the (not so) off season in full swing, you should think about planning your next season and getting your training started! If you're not following a training plan, why not check out my modular training plans in my online store and think about building some “Raw Strength” with my new 8 week strength training plan. And keep a look out for my new Advanced Base Module, available soon!
