Like many of my friends I've spent a good number of years following training plans by very capable and admired coaches for some kind of finish line. Whether it be climbing, triathlon, cycling, or ultra-running I want a recipe for success from those with first-hand experience. Since my five years pursuing Ironman finishes, my ability to stay with the program and maintain focus has waned year after year. I find myself too distracted and rebellious to stick to the structured process already proven to improve race times, fitness and strength. It's not that I don't like someone telling me what to do. Okay, that may be true in some/um...most instances. But I love having a coach. I love learning from other's experience. I love having complete confidence that the workout planned for that day is going to help me three months down the road. I absolutely love not having to think about what I should do today...allowing an inevitable consideration of weather, life, or laziness playing into the decision. I still get enjoyment out of performing well and turning to my coach and feeling thankful that someone invested time and belief in me...ok, so I paid him to do so, it still feels good to measure up, come through or sometimes exceed some one's notion of what I am capable of.
Walking away from Triathlon was one of the hardest things I had to do. Even though I was burned out beyond repair, the sport had become part of my identity. The coach that had shaped me into a consistent performer had become an integral part of my day and invaluable resource for fitness, nutrition and injury prevention or rehab.
With Ultra-running I'd found another great coach and a group of runner's that taught me both about running and acceptance of everyone for who they are and not who you want them to be. Unfortunately, at that time, my body did not seem to "want" to be an ultra-runner. The stress reaction in my tibia and subsequent rehab was frustrating and disheartening, causing me to bid adieu to my new-found program.
So where did that leave me? The lack of blog entries might be some clue. But in the last two years I've learned first hand there is a whole lot of living out there to do that doesn't entail competition.
Without the assistance and guidance of a professional coach I have:
Started surfing again
Started riding and racing my mountain bike
Increased my strength and power through crossfit
Learned to Telemark ski...ok...am learning would be more accurate
Enjoyed every day off with Emma and Zoe
And most importantly, and life-changing, have fallen in love and moved in with Chester.
Okay. So now you're caught up. Here is what I propose to do. If you're still interested and want to read along...GREAT. If not, I don't blame you, life is too short to sit and read about someone else's. Get out and enjoy it for yourself! But if my experiment intrigues or moves you with the faintest dash of curiosity, let me know what you think. AND if you have any suggestions, I am OPEN to them. Because there is not ONE coach in this adventure. There is only the accumulation of experience, experiments, successes and failures of myself and those that have already shared their stories with me. Clearly this is not a professional endeavor. I have no delusions of grandeur. I have only the highest expectations for performance at a level I am capable of given the amount of work I put into the training...and that...remains to be seen. I plan on working hard. We just have to see, in the end, if I did the right type of work.
The Race: 24 Hours of Old Pueblo- SOLO: The race consists of a 17 mile loop with check-in occurring at the end of every loop. We begin racing at noon on Saturday and finish at high noon on Valentine's Day...the next day. There will be a host of challenges throughout the night...not the least being adequate lighting to supply both Chester and myself with constant light throughout the night. More on logistics later...
The Date: February 13th 2010
The Plan: Train for the solo endurance race with a combination of crossfit, running, and riding.
I know what this looks like. But it's not the conclusion most will assume. I am not trying to avoid riding in the rain. Well, okay...it's a plan benefit that I won't ONLY be riding in the rain. I've decided that my new "distracted" personality might not be a hindrance or fault. Perhaps instead of fighting it, and trudging through a day in and day out plan that is a sure path to burn-out and frustration, I should see it as a strength. Use my love of running and crossfit to supplement my days of riding and keep me engaged and interested on a day to day basis. Instead of working to stay with the plan, the idea is to look forward to variety and stay curious regarding what these three disciplines will churn out in the form of an endurance mountain biker.
I've never done a 24 hour mountain bike race.
I've never ridden more than 25 miles at time on my mountain bike.
I can tell you, just from that ride, that it is not a mile-for-mile exchange from road-biking to mountain biking. Mountain-biking is more taxing. There is more resistance on the surface, the bike is heavier, and the weather conditions effect work load as well as capacity for work.
Clearly, I have nothing to lose.
Training started yesterday. Chester is following a professional mountain-biker's coaching plan. He used it last year for CreamPUff, a grueling 100 mile mountain bike race. It was his first and he finished strong, knowing he wanted to do it again next year. It will be interesting to compare our plans and progress as we roll towards Feb 13.
Yesterday I did heavy Back Squats, Presses and Dead lifts at crossfit and a 40 minute spin with intervals at the gym.
I hope to construct my plan this week. As the weeks progress I will compare Chester's plan with my own. I'm looking forward to writing again. I also have a new camera and will do my best to supplement with photos.
It's good to be back, Cheers, Kris
