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Jul
06

The Sporting Life (a little perspective)

by ikeepittight in Blog 0 comments tags: Andersen
By guest KIT blogger, Dave Andersen I was going to post a simple twitter note about being grateful and taking stock as I reached the halfway point of my racing (cycling) season. Then I got to thinking that this thought deserved more than 40 characters. Truth is, so far so good for me in 2012. In the first 6 months of the year I’ve cycled 9,000 kilometers, raced 19 times, worked countless hours at the office, and even met a nice lady. Over those six months I’ve been jostled with “close-calls” a few times while on the bike and even crashed once in a criterium. I always walked away physically unscathed, but knowing that others haven’t been as fortunate (my thoughts are with you) has given me an appreciation for my season and life thus far. Further reflection has me reminding myself to keep endurance sports in perspective. I love to go out and hammer and feel the endorphin rush. Feels…So…Good. But I have to remember that I need to do so safely. After all, A) I have loved ones who want me in one piece, B) people are counting on me at work, and C) I’m an amateur (no […]
Jun
06

The Sporting Life (Homework)

by ikeepittight in Blog 2 comments tags: Andersen
By guest KIT blogger, Dave Andersen Training is like homework in that you gradually accumulate fitness and technique (knowledge) that builds towards an event or race (exam). That’s an over simplification but I’ve often thought there are many similarities. We toil away daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly on the pieces to the fitness puzzle. Maybe you have some pop quizzes (training races or group hammer-fest rides) that lead to some big tests (races). Marathoners and Ironman Triathletes are training for big one-day tests. Their races are so long and grueling that you should probably only do a few each year, so you can’t really re-take the test anytime soon. You get one shot—kind of like the bar exam. Bike racers have different stresses because they don’t have the pounding of running. Bike racers can and probably should race often to sharpen their skills and get into the rhythm of racing. This gradual accumulation of stresses (physically and mentally) can wear you down. Just try a multi-day stage race in the mountains.
May
16

Keep it Tight with P90X

by ikeepittight in Blog 0 comments tags: Miller
By guest KIT blogger, Nat Miller This is a review of my experience with P90X, the hardcore fitness program developed by Tony Horton and marketed by BeachBody. Originally, I believed this post would simply discuss specific P90X workouts, the diet, and my results I experienced. However, I began to realize that in true KIT style, I needed to stay holistic in my view of this program and how it played into my overall fitness and lifestyle. P90X is a cyclical, periodized program of high intensity cardio, plyometric, and weightlifting exercise routines. The methods used throughout the program are not rocket science or paradigm shifting: if you commit to performing 1 hour of high intensity exercise 6-7 days a week, you will see results. Period. The exercises themselves are also nothing new as most workouts are built on the almighty pull-up, numerous variations of pushups, curls, and squats. The real difference in this program however is the variety and volume of exercises you fit into an hour. Each workout routine involves a warm-up, cool down, and at least 45 minutes of exercises performed at full gas. Typical rests are 30 seconds twice throughout the entire routine, so it is like performing […]
May
04

The Sporting Life (Defining Success)

by ikeepittight in Blog 0 comments 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.
Apr
27

These Gloves Rock

by ikeepittight in Blog 0 comments 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).