Training Info
Welcome to the Training Resource Center!
This page contains information and tools to help get you started on your training journey with Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)!
Meet Coach Chris Ludwig
Coach Chris is your go-to partner in supporting your training journey, from your first day of training through crossing the finish line. Reach out to Coach Chris about your training plans and if you have any questions on topics such as injury prevention, nutrition, and gear. Ask a question or reach out at [email protected].
With more than 50 years of passion for all things cycling, Chris has been helping riders cross the finish line for 27 years. As a former elite amateur cyclist across road, track, mountain bike, and cyclocross—including a trip to the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials—he brings a deep well of experience. His background includes 20+ years in bike shops, 30 years of bike commuting, and most recently, finding joy on a gravel bike and through bikepacking adventures.
Chris began as a Blood Cancer United Team In Training Coach locally in 2000 and before assuming National Coach duties in 2023. The mission—and the people behind it—continue to inspire him to return year after year.
Training Plans
Click the link below for your race distance. Your training plan from Team In Training is complimentary. Check out our Training Guide.
- 35 Miles
- 72 Miles
- 100 Miles – Beginner
- 100 Miles – Intermediate & Advanced
- 72 and 100 Miles – Abbreviated Training (March-June)
NEW! Monthly Training and Safety Calls
For all riders: Join our monthly 30-minute Cycle Training & Safety Call. Each session is designed for riders in our cycle events and covers expert tips to help you ride stronger and safer. Topics change every month, so there’s always something new to learn and apply to your training.
Click to register:
- Safety & Training: Feb 19, 2026 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT
- Injury Prevention: March 19, 2026 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT
- Mental Prep: May 21, 2026 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT
- Multi-Day Rides: June 18, 2026 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT
For local ride leaders: Lead local training rides with confidence! Each month, we host a 30-minute call for current and aspiring ride leaders to help you feel empowered to lead local training rides. These sessions will create conversation around practical how-to guidance, safety tips, and best practices so you can lead with confidence and inspire others to join a Blood Cancer United cycle event.
Click to register:
Coach Chris’ Tips
- Safety Part 1 – Equipment
- Safety Part 2 – Riding on the Road
- Safety Part 3 – Cycling Etiquette and Hand Signals
- Safety Part 4 – Cycling First Aid & CPR
- Equipment Basics Part 1 – Bike Fit and Purchase.pdf
- Equipment Part 2 – Cold Weather Cycling.pdf
- Equipment Part 3 – Indoor Training.pdf
- Equipment Part 4 – Training without Tech.pdf
- Training Basics Part 1 – The Body
- Training Basics Part 2 – Strengthen & Stretch
- Training Basics Part 3 – Specific Training Guide
- Training Basics Part 4 – Zone Training & Intervals
- Training Basics Part 5 – General Training Tips
- Training Basics Part 6 – Rest Weeks & Days
- Cycling Hygiene & Health Part 1 – The Body
- Cycling Hygiene & Health Part 2 – Clean Bottles
- Cycling Hygiene & Health Part 3 – Women Pt. 1
- Cycling Hygiene & Health Part 4 – Women Pt. 2
- Cycling Hygiene & Health Part 5 – Sick
- Cycling Hygiene & Health Part 6 – Mental Prep
- Nutrition & Hydration Part 1 – Hydrating & Salt
- Nutrition & Hydration Part 2 – General Nutrition
- Nutrition & Hydration Part 3 – Eating on a Bike
- Nutrition & Hydration Part 4 – Store
- Nutrition & Hydration Part 5 – Caffeine
- Climbing Part 1 – The Basics
- Climbing Part 2 – Standing vs Sitting
- Climbing Part 3 – How to ride a steep climb
- Crunch Time – The Long Ride
- Descending Tips
- Cornering Tips
- Hand Positions, Numbness, and Shoulder Fatigue
- Riding in the Rain
- Riding Efficiently
- Rest & Training Without a Bike
- Drip Drop at AMBBR
- Riding in a Group
- Bike Maintenance NOW Before AMBBR
- Port of Subs at AMBBR
- Pickle Juice at AMBBR
- Preparing for AMBBR – Part 1 Tapering & Packing
- Preparing for AMBBR – Part 2 Traveling as an Athlete
- Preparing for AMBBR – Part 3 Dressing for AMBBR
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