Since my recent decision to approach riding from a racing perspective I have a quandary. I have been riding to work two days a week for a couple of months now (and really enjoy it). The problem is that I don't know how to(or if I can) include it into a training program. Its 25 miles with about 1500-2000 feet of climbing going (usually do it in 1.5 to 2 hrs riding HARD). Obviously it is 25 with the respective descent (usually do it in 1-1.5 hrs ridning a little less hard.

I have been developing a training plan based on Chris Charmichael's books, and can't figure out how to incorporate the commute into the plan (ESPECIALLY the return ride). It seems too long to be called a recovery ride. How should I be looking at the commute as far as training goes? Do I need to give it up for a while?

My current training goal is to ride in the Tour de Tucson (Nov 20) in around 5 hrs. This would be a full hour faster than I did the Enchanted Circle, but I would have an elevation advantage, much flater course, and hopefully significant physical gains by then.

My commute is much shorter than yours at 27 miles round trip. I often do workouts in one direction and make the other direction a recovery ride. Unlike you, I have to extend my trip to include a workout.

While your return leg may be a bit long, I would concentrate more on the intensity. If you keep the intensity low, you're fine. Some may say that it is too long and equivelant to junk miles but in your case you have no choice.

When setting your weekly training hours, allow for an extra hour of fluff. This way you don't take away from the hours that Carmicheal calls for.

All of these training plans have to allow for some flexibility. I often make both legs of my commute recovery rides after a hard day. I end up with two 45-minute rides rather than a 1-hour ride I might do if I hadn't commuted. I don't see a problem with a little extra spinning and recovery.