Staying Fit. Staying Connected.

Staying Fit. Staying Connected.

There is no reason to let go of that fitness, even if we are stuck at home.

by Alison Powers, ALP Cycles Coaching
(Photo above taken before COVID-19 outbreak)

In the past two weeks, life has drastically changed. We’ve gone from excitement for the race season and ready to test our fitness and hard work, to being holed up at home and unable to see our friends and family. Our lives have been turned upside down.

For us, at ALP Cycles, the community is very important. We have a family of athletes, coaches, and race team members and their families who are honorable ALP members. While we don’t know what lies ahead in the coming weeks/months, we do know that we want to stay connected with our ALP community.

Everyone has worked hard over the winter months to get better, faster, and stronger. There’s no reason to let go of that fitness, even if we are stuck at home. Us coaches have come up with strategies to stay connected to our community, virtually, and stay fit (or gain fitness) during this time.

This morning, Thursday, Coach Jennifer Sharp is leading a Zwift ride. Perfect timing, as here in Colorado it is now snowing, so we are inside anyway.

In addition to coaching, Jennifer is also a certified Yoga instructor and she recorded a 35min yoga video that our community (and you) can do at home.

ALP Cycles Yoga at home

I (coach Alison Powers) recorded an at-home strength workout you can do using your own body weight, a chair, and a stair (black and white dog optional). This workout will definitely help you gain strength and enter the race season stronger.

ALP Cycles Strength At Home Workout

 In addition to training, we know how important it is to eat well/healthy to keep your body in tip-top shape and your immune system strong. If you are wondering what to cook with what's in your kitchen (to avoid the grocery store), Jen has offered a recipe and resource for cooking simple, yet tasty and healthy meals. 

"America’s Test Kitchen, one of my favorite go-to cookbooks and resources is offering some recipes on how to make the most out what you’ve got in your pantry. Here’s a link to one article (of many!) that might spark some inspiration for cooking: https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/2241-9-recipes-that-use-10-or-fewer-ingredients-that-you-probably-already-have

And one of my favorite soup recipes of all time that is basically just onions and carrots. Key ingredient: the cumin"

Carrot Cumin Soup with Toasted Pecans

Serves 2-4

For the Soup:

1 med onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

2-3 large carrots, sliced thin (about 1.75 cups)

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp salt or to taste

2 cups of water

For Pecans:

2 tbsp. pecans, chopped coarsely

1 tsp unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 350. 

Make soup:

In a saucepan, cook onion in butter over moderate heat, stirring until softened. Add carrots, cumin, and salt and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add water and simmer the mixture, covered, 25 minutes or until carrots are very tender.

Prepare pecans while carrot soup is simmering. On a baking sheet toast pecans in middle of oven 8 minutes or until fragrant and 1 shade darker. Toss pecans with butter and salt to taste.

In a blender (or using an immersion blender), puree soup until smooth. Divide soup between bowls and top with pecans. 

If there is something you'd like us to offer, suggest, create for you and our ALP Community during this time, please let us know. We are here for you!