Training camp essentials

Many of us will be doing a training camp this spring, heading somewhere to put in the miles and prepare for the season. Realistically, this one- or two-week block can be the greatest concentration of training that we will do all year. With this in mind, it’s important to go away prepared and make sure you take your training camp essentials with you to maximize your experience.

Maximizing your camp means getting in the highest quality of training during as many of the training camp days as possible. At home, you have certain routines that you have developed to help you cope with the stresses and fatigue of training. At your camp, you want to try and carry these routines with you and ensure that your training rhythm does not get interrupted. Foam rolling, stretching, fuelling, recovery shakes—all of these are keys to maximizing your experience.

When considering what to pack, think about your routines and what you will need. The foam roller, a yoga map, and a couple of bands that you might use are fairly obvious. But what about a small blender, like a Magic Bullet, that will allow you to make your favourite smoothie? Whether or not to take nutrition supplies for on the bike is another important decision. You would be surprised with how much you can take with you. Your bike bag can weigh 50 lb. for the flight, which leaves a lot of room to pack extras that won’t fit in your other checked luggage.

The training camp will feature some of the toughest days of riding you’ll put your body through all year. Ensuring that each piece of your cycling routine can be met while away is the key to a successful camp.