I have spent countless hours researching how to set up a cycling training program, to no prevail. The more I read, the more I honestly got confused in what to do. After many countless hours searching I turned to my friend and Endurance Strong founder, David Kell. I said to myself "With all his education and experience he must know what he's talking about." Also, the cost of the training plans is perfect for a single income household. Dave gave me a lot of great coaching and valuable advice through the years and when he started Endurance Strong, I spotted the long hilly race training plan on his site and it seemed perfect for me and my main event coming up in June. So, with Dave’s guidance, I got to work starting Jan 1st to get my base fitness up as much as possible before starting the 12 week plan. Timing was perfect because I got a solid base in the legs before the 12wk plan started. I started Week 1 of the training plan knowing I had a “C” priority race on the first Saturday. While being prone to cramping in longer endurance events especially ones with hills, I was still a little nervous at the start line. Fast forward 2+ hours later, I found myself leading the race with only a few hundred meters to go. No, I didn't win but the ability to be at the end of a 50+ mile race with the pack was a win in my book based off many years of poor results and having only just base training in my legs. Over the rest of the training plan I was consistently challenged but never felt like I was pushed too far. Everything felt “appropriately challenging” as Dave likes to say, as I felt the intensity but I was always well prepared for it. Finally, the race I was working towards arrived. It was a stage race consisting of a long hilly stage race and uphill time trial on Saturday and a Criterium on Sunday. As I mentioned the long hilly race was my biggest concern, but I was well prepared. I stayed with the pack up every hill and late into the race. Then I had an ill-timed mechanical and would never be able to catch back on. I was able to finish strong though and I shifted my focus to the time trial which, despite being heavier than most of my competitors, I held my own on the up-hill course beating many of them. Then the Sunday Crit came, and I felt superhuman, finishing 7thand continuing to feel the fitness I gained during my training plan. I continued to podium week after week during the Nashville Crit Series all summer long and felt my fitness peak like never before. I couldn't have done it without the expertise and motivation of Dave and Endurance Strong. I highly recommend considering Endurance Strong as your source for all things training related!