Hi all
In my efforts to get to the GCM start line for my first marathon I have been told by physio to take 4-6 weeks off run training due to a torn calf muscle. If I dont let it repair properly I will most likely do it again and again etc. Dissapointing but the marathon journey is just delayed not cancelled. I have learnt alot from the past 3 months training to stand me in good stead for a marathon at another time.

In the meantime (after 1 week of rest) I am allowed to cycle. Upcoming life commitments (preggers wife) mean that this is a good time to get back on the bike and train for a distance cycling event.

my question is this...
Unlike running programs cycling programs I have seen generally dont take into account that you have commitments off the bike. so....
Can I take my marathon program (Pat Carroll from GCM site) which rotates between sprints, hills, intervals, and base building and overlay the same principal but do it on a bike. Obvioulsy taking into account the extra long rides on weekends etc (4hr+ rather than 2 hr run) and work it all out this way?

run program (bike guess):
Mon: Rest
Tues: Hills or speed intervals (hills/speed intervals)
Weds: Comfortable mid distance -60 minutes (flat-ish road or w/t - 60 minutes)
Thursday: Rest/x train
Friday: Hills or speed intervals (hills/speed intervals)
Sat: rest/x train
Sun: Long run 2 hr+ building towards event (long ride 3 hr + building towards event)

Alternatively can anyone recommend a cycling program that has the same essence/structure of a running program?

I hope I have made some sort of sense

Cheers
Matt

hammers,

I don't really know how to structure a cycle program. But I know about a torn calf.

I tore my calf 4 weeks before Ironman Australia and it is only getting good now. The bike is really good but don't do any hills and make sure you spin a lot (not big gears) for at least 2-3 weeks.

This is also a good read

Good luck with the recovery!

Thanks for that Will, will stick to cadence and aero base building for a while til the physio gives me the all clear to get some strength work done.
I hope you get to another IM at some stage

thanks Will,
Have just read the articler and it is absolutely spot on with what my physio has been telling me.
A great read. Cheers
Matt