How to Train During UK Storms: Prioritising Safety and Indoor Training Solutions

When Storm Darragh or any severe weather system sweeps across the UK, outdoor training becomes both challenging and potentially dangerous. For cyclists, staying committed to a training plan while prioritising safety is crucial. In this blog, we explore how to adapt your training during bad storms and maximise indoor training opportunities without compromising performance or safety.

The Risks of Cycling in Severe Weather

Storms like Darragh bring high winds, heavy rain, and low visibility, all of which pose significant risks to cyclists. Here’s why braving the elements is not advisable:

• High Winds: Gusts can destabilise your bike, especially on open roads, bridges, or near large vehicles.

• Flooded Roads: Standing water obscures potholes and debris, making crashes more likely.

• Poor Visibility: Reduced visibility affects not only you but also drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.

When the weather turns severe, it’s time to shift your focus indoors.

The Power of Indoor Training

Indoor cycling is more than a storm backup plan; it’s a proven method for maintaining and even enhancing fitness during challenging conditions. Platforms like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and SYSTM make indoor training engaging, while smart trainers bring outdoor realism to your home.

Here’s why indoor training is a must during storms:

1. Controlled Environment: Train without worrying about wind resistance, wet roads, or dangerous traffic.

2. Consistency: Stick to your plan without interruptions, keeping progress on track.

3. Focused Workouts: Indoor sessions allow you to zero in on specific goals, like improving FTP or refining cadence.

Indoor Training Tips for Stormy Weather

To get the most out of your indoor sessions, follow these tips:

1. Set Up a Comfortable Space: Invest in a good-quality fan, a sweat-resistant mat, and a reliable smart trainer.

2. Follow a Structured Plan: Use data from your cycling coach to guide your efforts. For example, at Raceline Coaching, we tailor workouts to match your goals, ensuring you build fitness even when stuck indoors.

3. Vary Intensity: Alternate between endurance rides, high-intensity intervals, and recovery sessions to keep motivation high and training balanced.

4. Simulate Outdoor Rides: Platforms like Zwift allow you to ride virtual versions of iconic routes, keeping your training enjoyable and realistic.

Prioritise Safety and Recovery

Storms often disrupt sleep and increase stress, so recovery becomes even more vital. After your indoor sessions:

• Stretch and Foam Roll: Reduce muscle tension caused by long trainer rides.

• Hydrate: Indoor training often leads to excessive sweating, so replace fluids diligently.

• Sleep Well: Storms can interfere with sleep patterns; prioritise rest to allow your body to adapt to training loads.

Embrace the Opportunity

While storms like Darragh may seem like obstacles, they can actually provide a unique opportunity to refine your indoor training routine. By focusing on safety and consistency, you can stay on track to achieve your cycling goals.

At Raceline Coaching, we specialise in creating adaptable training plans for all conditions, ensuring you can ride smarter, not harder, even when the weather turns. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make the most of your training, indoors or out.