WOw, what a difference. Huatulco you have quiet streets, deserted beaches, great food.....Puerto you have pollution, killer buses, and anyone and everyone trying to sell you something.
I really enjoyed my days after racing in Huatulco with Chantel. We found a great spot to eat, trained smoothly and got to see Matt Chrabot transform from zero to hero yet again, my man crush!
Arriving on thursday to Puerto the team met up at the Palmer suites. Friday we had a look at the facilities....wait, what facilities? Saturday was time for the meeting, which reminded me of those story books as a kid where "if you want to ride through snake riddled pits and fire breathing iguanas turn to pg. 43" or " if you want to run alongside rabid dogs and hassling salesmen turn to pg. 12". Left the meeting more confused and dying for a coke.
Race Time!
Deep water start for 70 guys actually went off pretty smooth. There were quite a few different groups forming and I seemed to be in the middle. By the first turn bouy I got into decent position. Not good enough position however because after 750 a break formed that would gain 30s coming out into T1.
On to the bike I had great legs for the first lap. Chrabot and Co. were just in sight, however the group of 8 seemed to be all about blowing the legs off and then freewheeling repeat. After lap 1 my legs seemed to build lactate. I went to the back and tried to spin it out, but to no avail. I struggled with the remainder of the bike, not able to really help the group. Coming into T2 we had grown to 20 or so and 30s had swelled to 2minutes to the lead group of 4.
Running was not pretty for 5k. I then started to find a bit of stride and held almost even to the leaders over the last lap. Mixed feeling about the race, but have put it behind me and moved on.
Had a nice few days after the race to spend with JP and Kirsten at an all-inclusive before heading back home to Victoria to enjoy the rest of my break with Noa.
2010 is a wrap, am looking forward to much better things in 2011.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Huatulco Race recap
Huatulco once again served up a great, tough race for us all yesterday.
First up for Canada was Chantel Widney. Entering her first WC, she was as composed and collected as a wiley veteran leading up to the start. Her bike arrived with 12 hrs to go time and she remained unphased throughout. Hats off to her 10th place finish. One to look out for in the coming times as her swim improves with each race. Was great to cheer her on as she blew through girls on the run.
AP and I headed down to the race site about an hour before gun time. With the hot temps i find only a swim WU is needed to get ready. The waters were marvelous, 23C and calm. The swim however was the opposite. When the packs merged at 200m i found myself playing leap frog with the mass of bodies. I was using a lot of energy in this process, so i made the decision to relax and reposition myself as best as possible for the first upcoming turn bouy. This worked as i took the inside line and then hammered along the outside. Still after the first lap i found myself back further than i´d liked. The second lap i felt great and continually moved up to come out in the bunch.
On to the bike there was a small group with the big players like gomez and charbot ahead that took almost two laps to reel in. Once it all came together the pace really eased up. A very strategical bike unrolled with brazilian team tactics playing out in the ultimate break that took a minute on the pack into T2
Out of T2 the foot race began quite quick and i found myself not able to match the early turnover. I settled in and focused on keeping rhythm and momentum as much as possible. Staying cool was also a big priority. After 5k a lot of guys began to crack in the heat and i made up some places. In the closing stages i had a portuguese just ahead of me and a mexican closing in, the last k was 100% mental. Crossed in 28th, good, but needs to be better.
Cold towel, banana, e-load recovery, massage...feels good.
Nice race dinner on the beach ended a great day.
Chantel, Chrabot and I will stay in Huatulco with some light training and recovery before carrying on to Puerto Vallarta on Thursday. Will keep you posted.
Aside: Water consumption during run.
4laps X 6 aid stns per lap X 1 500 ml bottle (poured on head, body, mouth) = 12L!!!!
Multiply that by 120 elites and you´ve got a lot of water used for a 30-40 minute run!!
First up for Canada was Chantel Widney. Entering her first WC, she was as composed and collected as a wiley veteran leading up to the start. Her bike arrived with 12 hrs to go time and she remained unphased throughout. Hats off to her 10th place finish. One to look out for in the coming times as her swim improves with each race. Was great to cheer her on as she blew through girls on the run.
AP and I headed down to the race site about an hour before gun time. With the hot temps i find only a swim WU is needed to get ready. The waters were marvelous, 23C and calm. The swim however was the opposite. When the packs merged at 200m i found myself playing leap frog with the mass of bodies. I was using a lot of energy in this process, so i made the decision to relax and reposition myself as best as possible for the first upcoming turn bouy. This worked as i took the inside line and then hammered along the outside. Still after the first lap i found myself back further than i´d liked. The second lap i felt great and continually moved up to come out in the bunch.
On to the bike there was a small group with the big players like gomez and charbot ahead that took almost two laps to reel in. Once it all came together the pace really eased up. A very strategical bike unrolled with brazilian team tactics playing out in the ultimate break that took a minute on the pack into T2
Out of T2 the foot race began quite quick and i found myself not able to match the early turnover. I settled in and focused on keeping rhythm and momentum as much as possible. Staying cool was also a big priority. After 5k a lot of guys began to crack in the heat and i made up some places. In the closing stages i had a portuguese just ahead of me and a mexican closing in, the last k was 100% mental. Crossed in 28th, good, but needs to be better.
Cold towel, banana, e-load recovery, massage...feels good.
Nice race dinner on the beach ended a great day.
Chantel, Chrabot and I will stay in Huatulco with some light training and recovery before carrying on to Puerto Vallarta on Thursday. Will keep you posted.
Aside: Water consumption during run.
4laps X 6 aid stns per lap X 1 500 ml bottle (poured on head, body, mouth) = 12L!!!!
Multiply that by 120 elites and you´ve got a lot of water used for a 30-40 minute run!!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Huatulco
Arrived in Huatulco yesterday for the WC this weekend in the quiet town of many bays. Really beautifull here, a constant reminder of why i love to race here.
The course has been changed. it appears the mex federation has taken out the monster hill and replaced it with a flat boring ride. Many reasons are floating around as to why but it is what it is and we will race Sunday 1045 local time.
AP and I are loving our hotel right now. Along with swiss ruedi wild we are pratically the only ones here getting personable, A+ service.
The field here looks substantial, the race will be very tough and a great opportunity to express performance from both of us.
all for now,
Aruss
The course has been changed. it appears the mex federation has taken out the monster hill and replaced it with a flat boring ride. Many reasons are floating around as to why but it is what it is and we will race Sunday 1045 local time.
AP and I are loving our hotel right now. Along with swiss ruedi wild we are pratically the only ones here getting personable, A+ service.
The field here looks substantial, the race will be very tough and a great opportunity to express performance from both of us.
all for now,
Aruss
Friday, October 01, 2010
Tuscaloosa ITU
Alabama is certainly one that I will remember. The race, the state, and the characters had a definiant engraining nature to them that stick into the old grey matter.
Arriving on Wednesday I spent the days leading up to the bang with Ben Collins in the luxurious La Quinta Inn next to I-25. Short workouts in the heat with lots of feet up time had me excited to race in the USofA champsionships as the lone Canadian.
Into the water/river we go for a straight shot of 800m to the first turn can. I struggled in this swim and found myself dangerously close to being popped a couple of times. I did manage though to exit the water at the back, have a good T1 and opening 2k on the bike, putting into the bunch.
The bike was perhaps the most interesting ride i've raced in. With Shoemaker in the group, it seemed like everyone took a turn on him each lap. He rode very well though and it wasn't until Matty Reeds spark on the final hill that some seperation occured. I felt strong on the ride and got myself into this break going into T2 for a clear change over.
Onto the run a number of guys flew by me. I seemed to get the legs turning over just after 5k and ran up a few spots to finish 9th.
Points, cash, and most importantly good Huatulco race prep = Mission Accomplished.
I'd like to thank Paulo for making the drive down from Nashville. Having the orange shirt on course was very uplifting. As well, Craig Taylor did a great job managing all Canadian affairs down there, making the time very enjoyable.
Arriving on Wednesday I spent the days leading up to the bang with Ben Collins in the luxurious La Quinta Inn next to I-25. Short workouts in the heat with lots of feet up time had me excited to race in the USofA champsionships as the lone Canadian.
Into the water/river we go for a straight shot of 800m to the first turn can. I struggled in this swim and found myself dangerously close to being popped a couple of times. I did manage though to exit the water at the back, have a good T1 and opening 2k on the bike, putting into the bunch.
The bike was perhaps the most interesting ride i've raced in. With Shoemaker in the group, it seemed like everyone took a turn on him each lap. He rode very well though and it wasn't until Matty Reeds spark on the final hill that some seperation occured. I felt strong on the ride and got myself into this break going into T2 for a clear change over.
Onto the run a number of guys flew by me. I seemed to get the legs turning over just after 5k and ran up a few spots to finish 9th.
Points, cash, and most importantly good Huatulco race prep = Mission Accomplished.
I'd like to thank Paulo for making the drive down from Nashville. Having the orange shirt on course was very uplifting. As well, Craig Taylor did a great job managing all Canadian affairs down there, making the time very enjoyable.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Committed
To perform well in endurance sport you need a number of things. Too many to list here, but an area that I've really noticed the last while is committment. It sounds simple, but it's not.
It is not easy because to be committed you need to be darn right selfish at times. Turning down friends offers to ski, fish, etc. is hard to do.
There are many aspects to commitment that add to it's complexity as well. Commitment to your teammates, to your coach, to your country, and to yourself.
It's the last one that is truly the hardest. You are your toughest critic. There is no hiding from yourself.
If committment to yourself can be reached then your at the starting line. Then it will just take years of that commitment day in day out.
My season is running into October this year as I look to make up for some missed racing in June/July/August. With few training partners at the moment, commitment can't be stressed enough.
To finish here, I'd like to look at a case of commitment that has blossomed into something quite impressive this year. Although I'm sure for Matt Chrabot the commitment started well before Huatulco 2009, it was at this race that he showcased it to the ITU world.
On a course such as Huatulco, many thought Matt was committing suicide on the bike as he pulled away. To Matt though he was committing to himself and to winning. Every race since he has committed to the same plan; Sydney, Madrid, Kitzbuhel and most recently Budapest there is never any fear in commitment.
This picture has become a staple beside me on the trainer and treadmill these days to remind me of what can be accomplished with the right commitment....
It is not easy because to be committed you need to be darn right selfish at times. Turning down friends offers to ski, fish, etc. is hard to do.
There are many aspects to commitment that add to it's complexity as well. Commitment to your teammates, to your coach, to your country, and to yourself.
It's the last one that is truly the hardest. You are your toughest critic. There is no hiding from yourself.
If committment to yourself can be reached then your at the starting line. Then it will just take years of that commitment day in day out.
My season is running into October this year as I look to make up for some missed racing in June/July/August. With few training partners at the moment, commitment can't be stressed enough.
To finish here, I'd like to look at a case of commitment that has blossomed into something quite impressive this year. Although I'm sure for Matt Chrabot the commitment started well before Huatulco 2009, it was at this race that he showcased it to the ITU world.
On a course such as Huatulco, many thought Matt was committing suicide on the bike as he pulled away. To Matt though he was committing to himself and to winning. Every race since he has committed to the same plan; Sydney, Madrid, Kitzbuhel and most recently Budapest there is never any fear in commitment.
This picture has become a staple beside me on the trainer and treadmill these days to remind me of what can be accomplished with the right commitment....
Into the Wild
On Monday Noa and I returned from a great 'time away' from all things Victoria. We headed up to the interior to visit some family and friends. Salmon Arm and Revelstoke were both in shoulder season, not quite Fall but Chilly summer for sure.
Mhairi and Tim made us feel more than welcome as we enjoyed our time fully with them and the ever inquisitive Stella-Bean. Wednesday we had Stella all to ourselves and she did not disappoint with some knee slapping moments.
Off to Revelstoke for the weekend and a good visit with Dad. That town sure is changing, i must say though that I like it! Many neat coffee shops/bakeries opening up along with perhaps the best oil/vinegar/spice specialty shop ever called Crescendo, mmmm truffle oil. Sunday was the Mt. Revelstoke Steamer but alas I did not partake in the festivities, i was too scared that Catherine Pendrel, fresh off claiming the Overall WC Title, would beat me!
Saturday though I did have a great long ride. Here is my route. It is a beautiful ride. I recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It takes you from downtown Revy out along hwy 23 South to the Shelter Bay Ferry. If your really up for a good one, get on the ferry and then ride off it to Nakusp where there is a stellar hotsprings to realx in afterwards. You would need a lift back though, that wouldn't be happening after soft legs in the springs.
I had some intervals to do on the ride. Steady aerobic work and long. There is hardly any traffic or other riders on this stretch of Hwy. It was cold, damp and I was alone. I really began to take in my surroundings, feeling truly Canadian. For the last interval I had WLM (shivers, I know) on repeat while I looped the following images through my head.
Lumber Jack
Back Bacon
Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup drizzling over Back Bacon
Snow
Ice
Stick and Puck
Grizzly
Moose
Wolves
Lone Wolf
Beavers
Beaver Dam
Leaves
JM Stomping the Podium
Beards
Lumber Jack....
To be honest, in that interval I have never felt more Canadian. I suddenly became overwhelmed at how lucky we all are as Canadians to take in this beautiful country each and every day, 100%.
Little over a week till Tuscaloosa. Keeping the head down and chopping.
Arriving Back Home
Mhairi and Tim made us feel more than welcome as we enjoyed our time fully with them and the ever inquisitive Stella-Bean. Wednesday we had Stella all to ourselves and she did not disappoint with some knee slapping moments.
Off to Revelstoke for the weekend and a good visit with Dad. That town sure is changing, i must say though that I like it! Many neat coffee shops/bakeries opening up along with perhaps the best oil/vinegar/spice specialty shop ever called Crescendo, mmmm truffle oil. Sunday was the Mt. Revelstoke Steamer but alas I did not partake in the festivities, i was too scared that Catherine Pendrel, fresh off claiming the Overall WC Title, would beat me!
Saturday though I did have a great long ride. Here is my route. It is a beautiful ride. I recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It takes you from downtown Revy out along hwy 23 South to the Shelter Bay Ferry. If your really up for a good one, get on the ferry and then ride off it to Nakusp where there is a stellar hotsprings to realx in afterwards. You would need a lift back though, that wouldn't be happening after soft legs in the springs.
I had some intervals to do on the ride. Steady aerobic work and long. There is hardly any traffic or other riders on this stretch of Hwy. It was cold, damp and I was alone. I really began to take in my surroundings, feeling truly Canadian. For the last interval I had WLM (shivers, I know) on repeat while I looped the following images through my head.
Lumber Jack
Back Bacon
Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup drizzling over Back Bacon
Snow
Ice
Stick and Puck
Grizzly
Moose
Wolves
Lone Wolf
Beavers
Beaver Dam
Leaves
JM Stomping the Podium
Beards
Lumber Jack....
To be honest, in that interval I have never felt more Canadian. I suddenly became overwhelmed at how lucky we all are as Canadians to take in this beautiful country each and every day, 100%.
Little over a week till Tuscaloosa. Keeping the head down and chopping.
Arriving Back Home
Removing the Crutch
As Tuscaloosa fast approaches I find myself realizing how fast the swim is going to be. This has the potential to be the fastest/toughest swim i've ever done in a race period. There are faster swimmers here (McLarty, Dye, Collins, Fleischmann, the list goes on) than the worlds cups i've done in a smaller/diverse field making it harder to hide in the pack. Looks like one loop from what I can gather with a straight shot 600m to the first bouy. All these aspects are gonna make it strung out and ON!
That being said, each swim workout leading up to this race takes on added importance to be done correctly and made the most of. At the beginning of this week I noticed one set in partiuclar on the program that caught my attention as the key to the key sessions, 8x300m Z4 (1500m TT pace). Mon-Wed held some key workouts as well, all making this set seem that much more important to be done with some fatigue.
Yesterday I found myself saying to myself...'8x300m its not that bad, if you get tired you can always use the crutch and pull a couple' Letting this thought enter my mind was one flaw, but actually believing it was worse. Later that night I went back on myself and stated 'What are you thinking? No, no pulling, even if you've sunk to the bottom your swimming that set througout. And dammit your gonna swim it well!'. The crutch had been removed. No crutches.
So, this morning after a good warmup, the ever positive DWL and I hit the set with a focused mindset to GET THE WORK DONE AND DO IT WELL! Although we did not have the ideal set up of swimming side by side there was a definite connection during the set that fueled both of us. Even though I saw Derek only at turns and for 20s at the wall each rep I knew as I swam that there was a guy 10m ahead in the same situation doing the same work.
It was no surprise that throughout the set this connection grew. When all was said and done we had completed perhaps the most consistent endurance set for both of us this year.
Money in the bank and laughing all the way there....
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