05 November 2009
02 October 2009
01 October 2009
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.
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.
24 August 2009
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?
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?
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