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Question
QUESTION: I am a 14 year old cycler who cycles about 10 miles a day i was wondering if that's enough to keep in shape for most cyclers or if I should do more?

ANSWER: Zack,
The question I have is: What are you keeping in shape for?  Many kids' events are between 5 and 20 miles, so 10 certainly is an acceptable amount to train, especially for a 5 mile event.  However, it is probably not enough for a Sprint Triathlon.

Can you tell me what you are keeping in shape for? A triathlon? A bike race? A mountain bike race?

Let me know and I can give you an idea of what to do.

Graeme

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I want to get in shape for probably regular bike road races because that's what I train for but I also hope to get into the 2012 Olympics. Also I was wondering if you have any tips on biking apparel?

Answer
Zack,

Regular road races for amateurs are as many as 100 miles long.  For pros they are generally over 100 miles.  As a 14-year-old, you need to be getting up into the 20s, 30s and 40s (or higher if you work hard) in mileage in workout distances in the next couple of years.

Really, the most valuable thing would be for you to find a local cycling team or group website and start looking a their events.  Most towns have cycling teams that get out for rides several times a week.  What you do is show up at the ride location, introduce yourself, and go on a ride with them.  One of the other things you will get from a team is plenty of other riders who can give you some ideas of what kind of workouts there are to build your stamina.  

My recommendation, then is to find, and work with, a local cycling group or team.  There is no need to go it alone and teams are generally very inexpensive in comparison to the good information and coaching you get.

Regarding biking apparel, think about spending decent money on biking jerseys ($50-60) and shorts ($60).  In my experience, the more you spend on the apparel, the more comfortable it is and the longer it lasts.  Two good places to get acceptable-quality apparel are Performance Bicycles and Bike Nashbar.  Some of their more expensive apparel is pretty comfortable and long-lasting.

Any other questions?

Graeme