T.A.P. – The Athlete's Potential

I know this shot isn’t great. It was taken by my father’s wife in 1990 at the Wildflower long course event. What do I like so much about it? You can see a pack about 45 seconds behind me and I’m all alone. I rode 2:16 on the course that day, without any of the aero garb the boys use today, other than the DH bars. And look at my position! Oh my!

It was hot that first Saturday in May. I think over 110°F (43°C) if memory serves me correctly. And with events this far back, my memory is pretty good. Just don’t ask me what I’m doing now, cuz I don’t remember.

This morning I woke up to a beautiful sunny day and noticed the thermometer reading, 16°F! Oh my! (As Dorothy would say.) I’m not ready for this yet weather yet. (Dorothy didn’t say the weather part, just the, “Oh My!”)

I bundled up and took the dog for a walk. My nose is now red and runny! And my hand is freezing from talking to my mum on the phone while I walked the dog.

Afterwards, I went up to the garage and pulled out a couple of boxes of my old, but never been used, tri stuff. I got a new pair of TYR googles out and found I have a bunch of Insport clothing and some old Team Canada garb from 1993.

As you can see I’m working on my goal for this week of heading to the pool and touching the water. Next step is actually going over to it and getting in. Unless I add a step of going over to look before I go over to get in. The progress is sometimes slow, but as long as it’s still progress, you can’t really complain.

Yesterday I got in my 20 minute run. First one is always fun, until the next day or two. My legs are a little tender today and I make faces when I sit down. But it’s all part of the process and actually fun for me. In a few weeks I’ll be able to run for 45 mins without any trouble. Then I’ll introduce some track sessions and the soreness will be back for a few more days! Then…. It’s a process and I enjoy it, all.

What is the off season and how best do spend it?

Like so many things it depends on your season. For some the off season is a chance for some much needed rest, others take this opportunity to work on some of their weaknesses, or work on the energy systems they’ve been neglecting during the season. Ironman athletes can do a fast block, short coursers can do a strength block, athletes who travel a lot can catch up with their friends and family. Some might even choose to work on their core strength. I will be reintroducing myself to running and swimming.

Over the last two summers I participated in a few bike races. Yes, participated. In the olden days I raced events like these, but now a-days I just participate. The races were a lot of fun, and a shock to my system at the same time. I remembered conversations with Simon from years ago about momentum and filling the gaps, and they bubbled up just as I was getting out of the saddle for an acceleration to close a little gap in my first bike race. I knew I had a very limited amount of energy to conserve from only 6 or 7 hours a week of fiddling around on my bike. It was a very different approach from when I was 25 years younger and usually one of the strongest in the field. So instead of giving away one of my very limited amount of accelerations, I sat back down and eventually a group of people went around me, filled the gap and I didn’t have to waste any energy. I guess you could say, I did my best to adapt.

When I was a competitive athlete I always volunteered at a few races at the end of my season. I did a variety of things, handing out water at aid stations, lead vehicle on the bike or run, check-in, draft marshal, what ever was needed. I liked them all, but working the aid station was most fun.

This week I have two goals: first is to test the water at the pool here in Taos (a 25 yard salt water pool from what I’ve heard); second is to find some running shoes and get in 20 minutes. Yes, these are lofty goals, but I should be able to handle it. I used to be a professional!

Swimming Pools

Good morning nonexistent readers. I hope you slept well last night and woke up refreshed, happy and excited for the new day. I did. I even went so far as to search for the pool schedule on the web! Yes, I’m thinking of going for a swim. It’s been 6 years since I swam in a pool, but I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately, so I took a small step in that direction. I might even call the masters coach later today to find out more about it.

I’m heading to TO for 4 months this winter and will be working with the Conejo Valley Multisport Masters Swim Team. I’m looking forward to a good winter of swimming cycling and running!

If you’re looking for a seasoned triathlete for input, give me a shout. I’m looking to add a few athletes.

Mark, Rod and I went for a ride today, an old stand-by, out lynn Rd., to Petrero, Down the hill to Hueneme, on to Los Posas, PCH, Mulholland, then down Decker to Westlake and back to the commune. I haven’t ridden there since 2005, and with Rod since 2003. Next time, we’ll have to get Jaime too and we’ll have the band from 2003 back together again.

It was fun going down Decker after such a longtime. I haven’t been down a technical descent since I left TO. I’m looking forward to winter riding again this year. Hopefully I’ll get in good shape, it’s been a while.

There wasn’t a fire when I was there however there was the week before.

Riding up the first 6,000 ft climb

6,000 ft Climb

Kyle and I are in Bishop, CA doing the Everest Challenge. 29,046 feet of climbing in two days. We planned on doing it that is! Neither of us were in good enough shape to make either day, but we did try hard and have fun. It was hot in the valley, upper 90’s, and perfect on the climbs. We both hope to be back next year to do a better job.

In Leadville for the Trail 100

Here at over 10,000 ft above sea level, 4 hrs north of Taos, rests Leadville. A sleepy little ex-mining town which plays host to one to the toughest and most scenic endurance challenges available. The Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike. An obscure little race until a few years ago when Lance Armstrong decided to race. And once he mentions it, millions of people know in seconds, thanks to his 2.6 million twitter followers. His tweets have more readers than the LA times or the Wall Street Journal. Talk about the power to rally!

A few of us gathered here to support Kyle is his quest for the dreaded belt buckle. Vance, Caroline, Julie, and Andrew were the support crew.

Lance had just had a poor showing at the tour and ended up not wanting to do anything this challenging. But Leadville did attract his teammate, Levi this year.

The crowd for registration was huge, with the 1300 entrants and another several times that here to watch and support.

We planned on attending the pre-race briefing but there wasn’t enough room in the building to handle all the interest people. Kyle didn’t even get in!

Race day started typically early, 4AM. We were in a rented home about 10 miles out of town up some crazy long dirt road with a couple of gates that needed to be opened and shut along the way.

One of our crew brought his (or her) mtn bike and planned on riding at least some of the course.

The course is not really technically tough, which is good for the road riders in the race, but tough enough so the mtn riders do have an obvious advantage in the technical areas and downhills.

The day was perfect, sunny and 65ish, and played a part in the course record Levi set, 6:15.

Kyle rode in at just over 11 hrs and said this was as proud as he’s ever been of a consolation prize!