Motivation

Saw this link the other day. If that doesn't get you going, I don't know what will!

10/2

Zofingen and Success

I'm now back and organized from my annual trip to Switzerland for Powerman Zofingen Duathlon. The short story is I raced, I underperformed, I finished, and am now a 9 time finisher of this crazy hard race {10km run, 150km bike, 30km run. All with many steep hills.}. Needless to say, I'm not happy about that "under performance" part. Actually a bit pissed and embarrassed is more fitting.

What the hell happened? I'm not yet sure, but maybe not enough sleep leading into it. Under-recovery. I felt great on the start line. The gun went off and I felt fine. The more I ran the more sluggish I felt. I pushed harder, but the speed wasn't there. My first run was about 10seconds slower than last year. Not much, but with everything I'd done in training I felt I should have ran a minute faster. Onto the bike, I had a great first lap (of three total) and finally caught some solid cyclists. I hung with them just fine and stayed relaxed. Took in plenty of calories on the bike (but less than previously) and lots of water so I was ready for the final run--30km of brutality. I started out ok, but after about 5k I was getting a nasty stomach cramp. I was taking in a little gel and lots of water. The temperature was warming up to mid 80's--the hottest day that I remember here and the first time I've ever gotten sunburned here! So, the stomach cramp was killing me and obviously I had to slow up. I did that and kept drinking water. I never caved in mentally {the highlight of my race}. I never walked--the exception being about 10 total steps at an aid station to get down some water. I finally got rid of the cramp with about 10km to go. But by then I was fatigued enough that I didn't have a lot of energy to push myself as much as I wanted. I did re-pass some guys that passed me while I was hurting... but really it was too little too late. I finished in like 7:07--my second best finish ever. 18th Elite. Definitely feel I was capable of sub 7 hours this year. Knowing my fitness now compared to the 2007 race (my best time), no doubt I'm faster now... Considering I did a 7:07 with a disappointing performance, well its not that bad.

Or is it that bad? As a competitor, I'd rather have a great result or an awful result than a mediocre result. I heard Mike Tyson say something like this in an interview. Obviously he has a tumultuous history, but in his prime he was one of the greatest competitors and athletes ever. Without a doubt that pesky mediocre result is the least satisfying and most frustrating performance to have.

The most fortunate thing about this year's race is that I didn't get hit by a car {like I did last year!}... So I'm lucky enough to immediately continue my quest for success. And with that, its time to get on the trainer for some pain.

3 Tips for Cycling

It was Fausto Coppi, il Campionissimo, who, when asked for three tips to ride faster, said "Ride the bike, Ride the bike, Ride the bike!" I'm a believer in every word of that. But to further enhance your cycling experience, here are my 3 additional tips.


First is the best Sunscreen. My personal favorite is this new Neutrogena Ultimate Sport. SPF 70+! Plus it blocks UVA and UVB. It goes on very well, not greasy, nor too pasty. I've worn it on all {several!} of my crazy long rides this summer with no burning nor peeling! I love putting it on because I know I'm about to go out for a sunny adventure on the bike or run!

Next is the best chamois creme. My choice is Assos of Switzerland. I have heard good things from DZ Nuts {yes, the real name of the product}, but have not yet tried it. Chafing and saddle sores are not your friends. Assos is your finest protection against those villains of fun.

Finally, no pre-ride routine is complete without at least one espresso. Usually two or three for me! No doubt that the absolute best espresso bean is by Illy {medium roast!}. I also enjoy Dazbog's White Nights espresso and Jittery Joe's espresso {of course!}. For those interior design stars out there, the espresso cup is by Koziol and the espresso spoon by Arne Jacobsen.

A little luxury before the ride allows one to maximize his or her enjoyment {suffering?} during the ride, no?

Rest and Fun

That is me relaxing with my feet up. By now, you've probably done a good bit of hard training and racing this season. Make sure you get plenty of rest between the mad sessions. Its good for the body. And good for the soul when you can reflect upon the work you've done or the challenges that lie ahead.

Before I became so engrossed with laziness, I did do a few challenging sessions. One of my favorites was that silly Phantom Canyon ride I've been talking about. Yes, that one. 120something miles blah blah with a 25mile dirt climb blah blah blah. Well, I finally did it with the Rapha Continental crew. It was hella fun! Very fun guys to hang out with. And very fun guys to ride with. The ride story is on the Rapha site here {make sure to check out the video!}. And there are more great photos from VeloDramatic.com here. I don't know about you, but quality photography from the road makes me want to get outside and get moving {riding, running, driving}. Man, I wish I could take pictures worth a sh!t!

A little more in the fun department... Zofingen is only a few weeks away. Just putting in the final tough sessions for that. Including running 60miles last week, which went pretty easily considering all the riding I've been doing lately. This week, some friends and myself have a little challenge to ride 500miles. It will be tough, but fun indeed.

Colorado Springs, CO from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Rollin on the flats

Did a fun ~188km ride today again with Collier & Aaron. This time on the flats. Down through Castle Rock, out Lake Gulch Rd to Hwy 83, down to Black Forest, up Roller Coaster Road to Palmer Lake, then Hwy 105 to Tomah Rd, to Castle Rock and home. Luckily we started early; right as I was getting home a big mean nasty thunderstorm was beginning to erupt. I didn't get wet, but saw lots of lightening in my neighborhood.

One of the funniest things I saw was this sign:
Apparently Rattlesnakes in Colorado don't attack. Anyone want to test that out? Yeah, right!

Snapped this from our store stop in Palmer Lake:
I call this "The Store Stop." Its part of my "Essence of Cycling" collection of photographs... coming to a trendy hipster gallery near you!

Summer is here!

Its been a while, eh? Just getting to enjoy some nice weather here. Finally some warm summer days, after a lot of rain this spring. Today was a fun 100mile ride in the hills with Collier & Aaron. Went up Golden Gate Canyon--my first time up that one--what a beautiful place! Here's a photo of use catching a break at the base of Lookout Mountain. That blue sky doesn't get much more perfect! Up next is a flatter but longer ride next Thursday.

On the racing front, I've had two of the Mile High Duathlons and also the State Time Trial Championship. The two du's were ok. Didn't run especially fast in either, but rode pretty well. Working on the run speed for sure. The State TT was a bit of a disappointment, as I was sick for two days prior. Almost skipped it, but feeling good enough the night before to give it a go. My time was a few seconds slower than 2 years ago (seemed like a more windy day)... good enough for 10th place. Not bad for a tri(du)athlete against the pure roadies, but I know I could have gone faster.

Up next I have a 5 miler on July 4th in Aspen. Then the Triple ByPass {~120miles with big climbs} for fun on July 11th. So far June training is preparing me well for the bigger miles to come in July... to set me up for success in the fall!

Powerman Alabama!

If you weren't in Birmingham this past weekend, you missed out on a good time. It was Powerman Alabama, my favorite race in the US. I skipped this race the past two years for lame reasons that I don't remember. Now that I came back, I was reminded of all the great reasons I love it. Its mainly the people--they're so darn nice, polite and caring! As you might know, I'm from Georgia, which has some "Southern Hospitality." But without a doubt Birmingham, Alabama, is the Capitol of true Southern Hospitality. Go there and you'll see.

My Mom drove up from Florida and picked me up at the airport on Friday afternoon. We checked into the hotel--the people there were super nice! Then I went out for a run up the hill by the Vulcan. I remember coming here once as a kid (before its recent reconstruction), so its always fun to come back. Its a gorgeous view over the city and just a good ole relaxing place to be. Plus it is fun to learn about the local iron ore history--worth the trip when you visit. The legs were feeling good despite just traveling all day long.

On Saturday I went for another easy jog, but this time on some of the flatter streets downtown. After breakfast, I got on the bike to check out the new course. I got a bit lost getting to the transition area... trying to find a map since I forgot to print one out at home, doh! Luckily, I ran into another Elite athlete, Kathryn Kasischke, who was smart enough to bring a map! The course was fun as it weaved through the warehouse district, then Sloss Furnaces, then newer skyscrapers before finishing by historic Kelly Ingram Park. Unfortunately, about half the roads were extremely rough and bumpy...which makes for a rough ride on the bladed aero bike! After checking out the course, I just HAD to go cruise by the home of Confederate Motorcycles. Yes, being the "geek/aficionado of fast toys on two or four wheels" that I am... well, their industrial avant garde motorcycles definitely are high on my lust list. So, I took a photo of my current 'chopper' in front of their place:
{photo coming soon!}
Saturday evening was the mandatory Elite athlete meeting. Usually these are a bit tense. I'm always a bit anxious (but that just means I'm still passionate, yes?). Almost everyone seemed happy and chatty. It seemed odd (since unrelaxed is the norm)... but really just made me happy to be racing with those athletes. It pretty much sucks that there are so few duathlons, it will be a while before I see many of those folks. Regardless, we just have to do the best with what we have and be thankful for that. Speaking of thankful, I was given race number 3. I was super stoked. To be racing the number 3 in Alabama is pretty darn cool.

Race morning came soon enough. The weather was looking gloomy. Would it rain or not? I wasn't in the mood for rain, but kept remembering that I've race well in the rain. The race start was tame for a bit, then the runners lit it up. [Note to self: get your a$$ running faster!] I came into transition in 4th, about 2mins behind the next guy. Onto the bike, I felt fast even if a bit rattled by the 'bama Pave. Before I knew it, I had 3rd place in my sights, it was Matt Russell, the defending Elite Du National Champ. I passed him and put the hammer down to get out of his sight as quick as possible. It must have worked, because after a while I couldn't see him yet I could see 2nd place just ahead of me. So I focused on getting ahead of him. I was able to do that, but not enough time since he was a silly fast runner. I came into T2 in second place, and started off on the second run feeling rather sluggish. After about a mile I started feeling better, but by then I was back to 3rd place. I knew I had to run good to hold that position. Basically if I wasn't in agonizing pain and out of breathe, then I wasn't running hard enough. Somehow I was able to maintain that to the finish for 3rd place. I'm pretty happy since that is my best ever finish at Powerman Alabama. But I still feel disappointed that I didn't run faster. It is what it is and I'll take the good and the bad to be stronger next time.

On a really disappointing note, one of the female Elite athletes cut the course [went straight instead of doing a proper out and back section]. Course marshals and spectators saw this happen and informed the referees & race management. Unfortunately there was no timing mat on the course and nothing could be done since the athlete in question told a big fat lie to cover herself. Its a shame that people this disgusting are in our sport. Its a shame that cheats like this are taking away from the true honest athletes. Karma will always come back, and you know what they say about payback...

After the awards, I convinced Mom to go to the Barber Motorsports Museum. This is a beautiful new museum full of hundreds of really cool motorcycles, plus a few cars and one bicycle. Some of the most exotic motorcycles in the world are here. Plus they have one of three Lotus 108 track bikes built for Chris Boardman's individual pursuit gold at the '92 Olympics. These three are very special in that they have a single sided front fork and single sided chainstay! Very sick bike indeed. I didn't get to see the Birmingham Museum of Art, but I'll save that for my next visit.

Phantom Canyon

A while back Rapha had a contest to help select some of the most epic & spectacular rides in the US. I submitted one of my personal favorites here in Colorado: the Phantom Canyon loop from Colorado Springs. I got lucky and they selected it among their chosen few to ride with me this summer. I'm excited to do this ride again, especially with the Rapha crew. Its a pretty tough 125 miles, with the biggest arse kicker being the 28mile dirt climb up Phantom Canyon up to 10,000something feet. Then you still have about 50miles home and it ain't all downhill. I've ridden lots of places and done lots of climbs, and Phantom Canyon is really unique. You see a few slices of Colorado. Plus the climb itself makes you feel like a real old timer bike racer [exactly like those vintage Tour de France racing posters!]. If you ever get a chance to ride it, do it.



Speaking of chances, 'Bama is like 10 days away. Been riding and running pretty well. Looking forward to getting there and enjoying springtime in the South. Most definitely looking foward to the chance to race well.

Zoot Suit Riot

Remember that song? I've picked up a sweet sponsorship from Zoot. I'll be sporting their clothes, shoes, and wetsuit this season. I've only tried on the wetsuit, but it is off-the-charts flexible. Can't wait to swim in it! No April Fools about that. The clothes are awesome; unfortunately we've been getting hammered with snow lately... so not able to get as much use of those just yet.

Otherwise, just slogging away. I think its like 3 weeks till 'Bama. I should probably do some training, eh?

Desert Classic Duathlon

Last weekend was the always fun early season opener, the Desert Classic Duathlon in Fountain Hills, Arizona. I came in healthy for the first time ever, thus feeling anxiously excited for the race. First I spent a few fun days in downtown Phoenix checking out the culture. Among the highlights were some great bbq at Honey Bear's; a fun tour of the Phoenix Art Museum {The Wave by Gustave Courbet and Mohl ip by James Turrell were my two favorites, check 'em out!}; and a wonderful pizza at Pizzeria Bianco--the best pizza in the US!

After the fun, it was time for business. At packet pickup I was given bib number 13. Awesome! Being the cycling etiquette geek that I am, I wore my 13 upside down of course. Onto the start, it was silly fast as usual for a short course du. I ran ok, but definitely not as fast as I would have liked. On the bike, I felt like was in no-man's land forever. I could see a rider in a black kit ahead that I was slowly closing in on. I finally reeled him in and passed him just before transition. It was none other than Tim DeBoom. Great, now I have to try to out run one of the best runners in the sport! I held him off for about a half mile. Somehow, I was able to keep him relatively close for the remainder of the fun & hilly 2.7mile trail run. I finished 11th overall, which is not that glamourous. But, considering I was only 41 seconds behind DeBoom, I'm pretty happy; especially considering he has a great history of peaking in the Fall (rather than February!) and my biggest races are in the Fall. Overall it was a fun trip--I got to hang out with some good friends in the sport; I got in a great training race; and I'm healthy!

Still plenty of work to be done before Powerman Alabama in April. Definitely a good dose of running and sustained speed on both the run & bike. Without a doubt, looking forward to that!

Reading

So, I just finished reading "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. A fun perspective on success. For you athletes, the "10,000 hour" section is really interesting. Basically to be really successful at anything (athletics, music, programming, etc) you need to have 10,000 hours of 'practice' under your belt. Gladwell states it in a much more interesting manner, though. Worth a read by anyone that wants to be great.

Up next, I'm gonna finish the classic "Monkey Wrench Gang" and also start on "The Science of Winning" as soon as it arrives from jolly ole England! I'm sure there's another something I'm reading too.

Training is going well. Just plugging away for the spring...

'09 Fresh Start

I'm sure I'm not the only one glad that 2008 is over and 2009 began. Definitely a crazy year, eh? To get things going, I've been running a lot lately. Riding my fixed gear bike mostly. Its kickin my a$$, but its what I need for success. Looks like we'll get to do some xc skiing this weekend. Skate skiing has become my favorite winter activity. I need to get a camera, because words without photos gets pretty darn boring. Anyways, cheers to a great new year!