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May

The Sporting Life (Defining Success)

by ikeepittight in Blog Comments: 0 tags: Andersen

By guest KIT blogger, Dave Andersen

In my last post I wrote about the humbling aspect of the sporting life. Chances are if you put yourself on the starting line, 9 times out of 10, you will get your butt kicked. It’s just the way it is. Cycling, running, and triathlon are highly competitive sports. I have found that it’s beneficial to set realistic goals that define varying stages of “success.” In running and triathlon, it could be beating that guy or gal that beat you last time or setting an age, course, or outright personal record.

Cycling, particularly Road Racing, is a different story. Sure you could set similar goals to those stated above for running/triathlon, but cycling can be viciously cruel. It requires that you keep up with the lead group or be left behind to suffer alone or with other “stragglers”. You are at the mercy of the strongest guys and teams. When they go ballistic uphill, you have to follow and keep up or you are left behind. And believe me, when you fall off the pack, the minutes add up quickly.
Set Multiple Goals

So, you must be pretty liberal with how you define success so as not to get so humbled as to become demoralized. I’d say it’s best to have several goals for each race (and season) with at least one of the goals having a pretty good chance of succeeding. On the other end, set a lofty goal that is just out of reach, but if attained would be as good as a victory. This way, even what may appear to be a mediocre race may be qualified as a success to you if you reach one of your goals.

Let me digress. In a recent cycling race I came in 47th place. On the surface that may not seem very good. However, I basically met my highest goal—to stay with the leaders on a hilly course until the closing miles. In my mind it was almost as good as a victory. This gives me even more confidence going into the next race that I may be able to do it again or even go for a result that outsiders would call “good”. We must be careful not to let one race define us. Take the little “victories” when you can, make adjustments if needed, and move on. Don’t ever forget that just getting out the door is GOAL #1 and often that is victory enough.

What are your goals for your next event? Think about it, write them down, and keep it tight.

Dave
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*Dave Andersen lives in Boston and works in the educational publishing business. He shares his passion for cycling and sport with a wide range of friends and competitors.

Apr

These Gloves Rock

by ikeepittight in Blog Comments: 0 tags: Chapron

By guest KIT blogger, Chris Chapron

My basement is filled with hobby clutter: kid clothes, tools, auto parts and most importantly, bike equipment. Each item has its place; there are drawers of old cassettes, new cassettes, spare shifters, pedals, brake pads. If it was on my bike and still has a use, it’s still there – nothing gets thrown away. After all, there is always a friend who might need it in a pinch, or it could suffice as a suitable back up. However, there are a few parts or cycling items that stand out, conjuring colorful images of past events. One such item is a pair of Specialized MTB Gloves (shown here).
“Grease, Sweat, and High-Fives”

This one pair still hangs in the basement among old race numbers, chainrings, fresh cables and other parts. I look at those gloves and remember having to wash them repeatedly after one extremely muddy North Shore Classic. Although my bike and body were covered with mud, these gloves kept my grip on the bars, wiping chunks of mud off my glasses and face with ease. I recall an epic ride when I had to stop to replace a broken chain and the gloves got greasy but felt comfortable in that role. They have served as a fly-swatter when changing flat tires in the woods, the mosquitoes descending upon us. They have been there when the temperatures dropped mid-race at Hop Brook Damn, snow started falling and along with the rest of me, they froze. They have wiped the sweat off my face on the hottest summer rides and been stained with salt.

Whenever I see them in my basement, I remember all the distinct moments on the bike, racing or riding amongst friends. They have high-fived buddies after a sprint to the finish line in Vermont, and protected my hands when I crashed (too many to recount). They inspire me to remember the past but look forward to the next adventure, making even the shortest ride fun. I remember these events and itch to get out and ride, doesn’t matter where to.

It wasn’t until recently that I showed them to my oldest son. He doesn’t know how special they are but he will in time. He knows that I always wear gloves when I ride, so when it is his turn to get ready to take to the dirt, he too now has gloves. He has his secret drawer where he keeps all his special items, and right on top of everything else are his first pair of gloves (Sixsixone makes some awesome gloves in kid sizes). Whenever we go for a ride around the river or go to the woods, his gloves come out.

Gloves: Just simple pieces of stitched fabric…Fabric that can evoke the strongest memories and stoke the desire to get out, ride, and PTHD.

What’s the one piece of gear that gets you pumped up for a good ride, run, skate, ski, row or swim?

* Chris Chapron is a father of two boys, mountain biker, roadie and a daily bike commuter. When not putting the hammer down (PTHD) at work and enjoying time with family, he is out exploring local trails, roads and New England breweries.

Apr

The Sporting Life (One Step at a Time)

by ikeepittight in Blog Comments: 1 tags: Andersen

By guest KIT blogger, Dave Andersen

Endurance sports require humility and patience. We all start with baby steps and then gradually move forward in our athletic journey. Some move forward rapidly, others, one step at a time. No matter how fit you are, if you are going to be an endurance athlete—at least in my experience—you better be able to eat humble pie. Here’s a quick story…
The Journey Becomes Our Lifestyle

Back in high school when I was a year or two into my running “career” my little brother decided he wanted some of the fun. So he joined me at a 7 mile road race and proceeded to beat me. That was my introduction to the fact that some people have a genetic gift (high VO2 max, etc) and their steps forward are bigger. While I was pretty happy to run sub 10-minutes for 2 miles in high school, my little brother was about 1-minute faster. Years later his sub 2:30 marathon would drive the point home.

So, really the goal for 99% of us (nonprofessional athletes) is to have fun and, given our physical and time limitations, try and reach our own personal limits. That being done, we must be satisfied. I know I am. I’ll go a step further and say it’s the journey (training) which becomes our lifestyle, which is perhaps most rewarding and brings a rare quality of life. Sure a solid race performance underlines all the hard work and sacrifice, but they are often far and few between.

The bottom line is: those of us that can follow our passion for fitness, sport, or even regionally high-level racing should never take it for granted or put too much expectation upon ourselves. Work as hard as you can without sacrificing your job, family, etc. It is a gift to do what we do and in the context of a balanced lifestyle it doesn’t really matter if you make the podium or come in with the pack. Do the best with what you have and be satisfied. Then flip on the internet and watch Tom Boonen riding away, while you dream away.Tom Boonen 2012 Paris Roubaix

KIT!

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*Dave Andersen lives in Boston and works in the educational publishing business. He shares his passion for cycling and sport with a wide range of friends and competitors.