TOM

1. What was the number 1 thing that made cycling difficult/you couldn’t do/found hard before you joined VPCC?

The hardest thing for me was taking training seriously. I've used plans from people like TrainerRoad & Sufferfest before but more often than not I would just go out for a smashfest (or to the pub) with mates instead of my prescribed training. Definitely found knowing a) I'd paid good money and b) someone was going to look at my trainingpeaks very motivating to be good. 

2. What do you like most about the training and nutrition coaching at VPCC?

I had been going to the gym regularly for about a year but frankly had no goals or plans and just did what I felt was needed which didn't really seem to help on the bike that much. The inclusion of regimented gym work in my training plan really helped focus me and made going to the gym a lot less of a chore as I finally had a focus to help me get stronger on the bike. 

3. What are three benefits/results you've experienced as a result of joining VPCC?

1. Stronger all round person and more confident in the gym.

2. Much improved focus on training over using 'self managed' training plans. 

3. Although I can't honestly say I saw any massive FTP gains, my ability to actually ride at threshold for long periods increased dramatically; I was able to do slightly above my old FTP for 41 minutes and comfortably beat a friend up Sa Calobra in the middle of a fairly long ride.

4. If you were to recommend VPCC to other cyclists, what would you say? and why?

If you want to get faster, there's no doubt that if you stick to the plan, that's exactly what will happen. 

5. What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about joining VPCC? 

I was very surprised at how manageable the training load was and how low intensity a lot of the workouts were. My weekly load was lower than what I was doing before, but by following the plan I still ended up getting quicker, particularly on long efforts.

Tom