TRAINING
TPAN's Ride for Life Chicago is more than just a bike ride—it's an adventure that begins the moment you start training! Preparing for this incredible experience is a journey in and of itself, and is integral to a successful and satisfying ride. Remember, everyone can participate, whether you're an experienced cyclist or brand new—we have something for everyone! Our staff and volunteers are available to provide training support as a part of your event registration.
MEET OUR TRAINING COACH
Jean Marasigan, Ride for Life Chicago's Training Coach, created the training program. Jean has over 13 years of fitness and training experience. In addition to being an avid cyclist and trainer, he supports TPAN's work as well: "As an immigrant to this country, I have seen discriminatory laws being implemented against the LGBTQ community. I want to show my appreciation for the LGBTQ community and TPAN's work by participating in Ride for Life Chicago." Jean will guide, advise, and train participants as they prepare for the event.
If you have a question for Jean, contact one of our event staff and we'll put you in touch.
INDOOR TRAINING
To get you ready for the event weekend, Ride for Life Chicago offers two types of training. We're launching indoor training at the Chicago Athletic Club (Lincoln Park) and the Chicago Athletic Club (Lakeview) in February. Indoor training is a great way to get or stay in shape and meet other riders. Each class will be taught by one of our longtime riders and trainers. See indoor training info below and HERE.
For questions about indoor training, contact one of our event staff.
OUTDOOR TRAINING
At the end of March, as the weather gets nicer, our training program will move outside. We'll meet at a local park and go on training rides throughout the city and nearby suburbs. See the outdoor traning program below and HERE.
For questions about outdoor training, contact one of our event staff.
VIRTUAL TRAINING
Are you unable to make it to Ride for Life Chicago's training sessions? Not a problem! You can simply follow the same program no matter where you are! Contact one of our event staff and we'll answer your questions and get you started.
TRAINING RESOURCES
Here are a few training resources to help you prepare.
FitOn
A free digital fitness platform that offers unlimited workouts to help you stay toned, lose weight, get strong, reduce stress, and reach your goals.
TrainerRoad
A cycling workout and performance-focused training app, with group workouts, a comprehensive plan builder and machine learning.
ZWIFT
The at home training game connecting cyclists around the world. Zwift indoor cycling app. Zwift pairs your bike with indoor training gear to create a smooth & realistic ride
Also, there are also lots of free training options available on YouTube, like this one.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR TRAINING
There are lots of apps to help you keep track of your training, create cycling routes and share on social medial. Here a few that we recommend:
Strava appTrack either running or riding with GPS and share photos from your activities.
Runkeeper
Track distance and routes for running, walking, biking or even skiing.
Ride with GPS
Check out different routes, analyze, record and share your bike rides.
US Track and Field
Map and plan out running routes to share on social media.
Map My Run
Map your run and distance, log and track your workouts and plan a new place to run.
NUTRITION
Confused about nutrition and what you should eat before and after your next ride? Here are some nutrition tips to answer the most common nutrition questions we receive.
Remember, if you have questions about training, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our event staff. If you have a specific training question that we can't answer, we'll connect you with Jean, our Training Coach. We're here to help you on every step of your Ride for Life Chicago journey!