Adding yoga to your training schedule might not seem like a match made in heaven, but it is! Improve your flexibility, core strength and more. Ambassador, Karen Norris is a prominent Aussie cyclist and accomplished yoga teacher. In this article, Karen shares some advice and tips to incorporate yoga into your training schedule.
Firstly, why are you excited to ride the Snowy Classic and what are you most looking forward to?
I can’t wait to ride through the stunning scenery of the Snowy Mountains. It is truly one of my favourite areas and exploring it on bike is something that has been on my list to do. The alpine environment is so different to anything that I have ridden through before it’s just so captivating… I’m really looking forward to it.
I’m excited to have something to train for as well. Training is just that bit easier when you have a goal insight.
When did you start riding and why are you passionate about it?
I started mountain bike riding growing up in the county. I didn’t get a road bike until after I rode my mountain bike from Richmond to Sydney as part of a charity ride for the hospital I work at. It was quite a site everyone on their road bikes and me on my mountain. I met some amazing cyclists on this ride who showed me what an inclusive and supportive community cycling creates.
It wasn’t long after this that I got my first road bike in 2012 and have been riding it ever since. I love cycling because you are free to explore, you can cover so much ground and at the same time you are keeping fit. I also enjoy the social aspect and riding with friends, the connections that you make through cycling are special. I am very passionate about pastries (who isn’t) and my bike is the best way to go hunt the best cafe’s and bakeries down!
You ride a Trek Madone, why did you choose this model?
I love the sleek styling of the Trek Madone and it was my dream bike! It’s attention grabbing and fast (and who doesn’t like fast)?! I found it really comfortable to ride which was a biggest factor in choosing this model. I have scoliosis and the majority of my lower back is fussed so it’s really important to have a bike that’s comfortable for me.
You are an accomplished Yoga teacher, do you have some top tips on how riders can integrate Yoga in their training schedule?
The best way to begin integrating yoga into your training schedule is by starting even 10 minutes a few times a week. This is enough to start to noticing the benefits of yoga for cyclists.
Yoga and cycling truly go so well together, in cycling you spend so much time hunched over it feels amazing to stretch this all open during a yoga class. Not to mention that yoga builds core strength and stability which helps to improve performance on the bike.
Yoga is a great activity for cyclist to do on their rest days and this is typically when I practice myself. It’s a bit harder to motivate yourself for this one but a yoga session after a Sunday long ride is just magic.
You can take a class, watch YouTube tutorials and download a myriad of apps on your smart phone to get started.
How has Yoga helped you with your training and preparation?
Yoga really helps me with recovery especially as I do get quite sore after big training sessions. I tend to be very stiff without it and it helps me tune into my body and identify areas I need to focus on.
As my training has increased I have started to incorporate more yoga to prepare my body for longer periods in the saddle. Yoga has enhanced my focus which helps me stay committed to my training and centred on more challenging rides.
What are your top 3 tips you would give to those beginning to train for the Snowy Classic?
– Find some good training buddies to make the earlier mornings a little easier!
– Incorporate some yoga into your training to help with recovery and to build flexibility, strength, endurance and focus.
– Refuel with pastries, they make the training much sweeter.
