Thursday, October 02, 2008
Track Nats, Day 1
Today was crazy!
I woke up late and hauled ass down to the airport, luckily not getting stuck in any traffic. The flight was uneventful, but when I arrived I had a slight scare that my bike had been lost. I told them I was going to fucking kill someone (those were my exact words) if my bike was missing, and they managed to find it. w00t!
I got my bike put together at the hotel and headed down to the track for my first race. Warm-up went well and I felt surprisingly good considering I'd just gotten off the plane 3 hours prior.
The standing 250 uses a starting gate, which I suck at. On the start, I got hung up in the gate and lost my forward momentum. I ended getting 12th out of 35 riders with a 19.599. The top 5 were all under 19 seconds, and Blatchford got first with an 18.3. I think I could have been close to 19 seconds if I knew how to use the starting gate, but whatever.
I've got high hopes for tomorrow, being my birthday and all.
I got my first event out of the way and got some track time in, so I'm happy. Anyway, here's some photos.
Look at all those fans!!!
Who's that guy in the GP skinsuit? A ninja must also be a master of disguise.
The starting gate.
Blatchford doesn't suck
Results
Kruse in the kilo
Floyd Landis was there. Yes, it's really him. I'm an awesome photographer.
Looks like updates will be coming in late because racing doesn't start until 4:00 (6:00 MN time). Don't wait up.
I woke up late and hauled ass down to the airport, luckily not getting stuck in any traffic. The flight was uneventful, but when I arrived I had a slight scare that my bike had been lost. I told them I was going to fucking kill someone (those were my exact words) if my bike was missing, and they managed to find it. w00t!
I got my bike put together at the hotel and headed down to the track for my first race. Warm-up went well and I felt surprisingly good considering I'd just gotten off the plane 3 hours prior.
The standing 250 uses a starting gate, which I suck at. On the start, I got hung up in the gate and lost my forward momentum. I ended getting 12th out of 35 riders with a 19.599. The top 5 were all under 19 seconds, and Blatchford got first with an 18.3. I think I could have been close to 19 seconds if I knew how to use the starting gate, but whatever.
I've got high hopes for tomorrow, being my birthday and all.
I got my first event out of the way and got some track time in, so I'm happy. Anyway, here's some photos.
Look at all those fans!!!
Who's that guy in the GP skinsuit? A ninja must also be a master of disguise.
The starting gate.
Blatchford doesn't suck
Results
Kruse in the kilo
Floyd Landis was there. Yes, it's really him. I'm an awesome photographer.
Looks like updates will be coming in late because racing doesn't start until 4:00 (6:00 MN time). Don't wait up.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
1 Day Left: Gratitude
I leave for L.A. tomorrow morning. I've got my bag half packed, my bike boxed up, and half of one leg shaved. I need a haircut, too.
I want to send out one big, giant, humongous THANK YOU to everyone for their support this year: Family, friends, fans, stalkers, teammates, other racers, Bob, and all the volunteers. I'll try to bring some hardware back to Blaine!
Then I'll throw a party and make everyone look at my medals. It's gonna be awesome.
I want to send out one big, giant, humongous THANK YOU to everyone for their support this year: Family, friends, fans, stalkers, teammates, other racers, Bob, and all the volunteers. I'll try to bring some hardware back to Blaine!
Then I'll throw a party and make everyone look at my medals. It's gonna be awesome.
Not Feeling Very SRAMmy
When I ordered SRAM Rival components for my road bike, I was excited. I like to support the underdog and I was looking forward to trying something new. In short, I liked the idea of using SRAM components. I wanted to like them.
But let's be honest here. Their stuff sucks balls. The shifting is sub-par, the double-tap system is stupid and unintuitive, the finish is tacky, the chainrings are wimpy, it's impossible to adjust the front derailluer to eliminate rubbing...the list goes on and on. If these components were on a race bike I would have gotten rid of them immediately, because I believe all the downsides would be a liability in races.
Maybe that's Lance's plan. When he fails to live up to expecations in his comeback, he can blame SRAM.
I give them credit for trying to be innovative, but they've got a hell of a lot of work to do.
Monday, September 29, 2008
2 Days: Mental Prep
Hot damn, only 2 days to go! Here's the two main things I've been working on to get my mind in the right place:
1. Visualization: I never used to do much mental training, but it's proven to be beneficial to me this year. Being able to see myself riding fast, pedaling smoothly, and winning races has allowed me to be calm heading into a big competition for the first time in my life. It's crazy laying in bed visualizing a race and having my heart beating out of my chest. I know I'm ready, I've done the work, and now is the easy part: Just go pedal my ass off!
2. Pedaling Drills: The "get-on-roller-and-spin-like-mad" drills have their place, but that's not what I'm talking about here. I'm sworn to secrecy on the exact techniques, but I credit different types of neuromuscular training with a significant increase in my pedaling efficiency. It's also something relatively easy that I can do on my off days to get my head in the game.
Dammit, now I'm getting all worked up!
3 Days: The Defining Moments
OK, this one was supposed to be posted yesterday, but I was at the Twins game, then I was tired, then I ate ice cream, then I went to bed.
Here are the 3 events that really defined this year for me and helped my mental state leading up to Nationals.
1. Losing to Geno in the sprints at the Fixed Gear Classic. I gained years of insight in only two races. I learned what NOT to do, and started taking tactics a lot more seriously. I'm a much better sprinter because of it. Being less stupid is always a benefit.
2. Setting the district track record. I'd had it in my sights and had been close several times this season, but to finally get the 200m record in less than ideal conditions really validated all the hard work I put in this year.
3. Going Sub 11. Yeah, I was lead out behind the motor, but it was still a mental victory that help break the preconceived limits I had for myself.
Here are the 3 events that really defined this year for me and helped my mental state leading up to Nationals.
1. Losing to Geno in the sprints at the Fixed Gear Classic. I gained years of insight in only two races. I learned what NOT to do, and started taking tactics a lot more seriously. I'm a much better sprinter because of it. Being less stupid is always a benefit.
2. Setting the district track record. I'd had it in my sights and had been close several times this season, but to finally get the 200m record in less than ideal conditions really validated all the hard work I put in this year.
3. Going Sub 11. Yeah, I was lead out behind the motor, but it was still a mental victory that help break the preconceived limits I had for myself.
Shit! Falling Behind. 4 Days to go...
The weekend was crazy busy, so I forgot to post these. Saturday I went for an "easy" road ride, then my wife took me out to Benihana for my birthday, followed by Cirque Du Soleil at the Target Center, where I had the biggest Gin & Tonic of my life.
Here are the 4 people who had the most to do with making me fast this year:
1. Hamish: Obviously, props have to go to the coach. While he may be a man of few e-mails, he wrote me a killer training programme (yes, that's how they spell "program" in kiwi-ville).
2. Ted: Day in and day out, he road nearly every single training effort with me. It's unbelievable how much harder I can push myself with someone right there next to me on the road or track. Especially when it's someone who practically throws a small party every time he beats me!
3. The Taint: The National Champion has imparted much of his wisdom on me, even sharing top-secret training techniques. He also constantly reminded me to keep my eyes on the prize and not worry about mid-season setbacks.
4. The Haters: Every time you doubt me, it makes me work that much harder to prove you wrong. Suck my balls!
Here are the 4 people who had the most to do with making me fast this year:
1. Hamish: Obviously, props have to go to the coach. While he may be a man of few e-mails, he wrote me a killer training programme (yes, that's how they spell "program" in kiwi-ville).
2. Ted: Day in and day out, he road nearly every single training effort with me. It's unbelievable how much harder I can push myself with someone right there next to me on the road or track. Especially when it's someone who practically throws a small party every time he beats me!
3. The Taint: The National Champion has imparted much of his wisdom on me, even sharing top-secret training techniques. He also constantly reminded me to keep my eyes on the prize and not worry about mid-season setbacks.
4. The Haters: Every time you doubt me, it makes me work that much harder to prove you wrong. Suck my balls!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
I Just E-Mailed My Congresspeople
This is the first time I have ever been inspired to do so. I'm sure the interns that read and respond to e-mails will be shocked and appalled at my vigorous use of seldom-utilized superlatives. At the very least, they'll be confused.
When I hit the 'Send' button, I had this empty feeling, like my e-mail is just being sent into the abyss, to be ignored by someone who doesn't give a shit about what his/her constituents think. Not a fun feeling to have.
When I hit the 'Send' button, I had this empty feeling, like my e-mail is just being sent into the abyss, to be ignored by someone who doesn't give a shit about what his/her constituents think. Not a fun feeling to have.
5 Days: The Equipment
Five days to go. All my important workouts are done. Everything is scheduled for the trip. I put my bike in the workstand last night and gave serious consideration to doing some maintenance. Then I remembered that I suck at maintenance, so I lubed the chain went back inside. It's important to know your limits.
Here are my 5 favorite pieces of equipment:
1. Custom Tiemeyer Signature Frame: Super stiff, fits perfectly, and rails the turns like its on...um...rails.
2. Cane Creek Sprint 85 Wheels: Fast, cool, carbon. Word.
3. Dura-Ace Pedals with Straps: Secure as shit. Solid.
4. TIME Ulteam Carbon Shoes: Nice flat, stiff sole. Good fit, love the 3-strap closure. Buckles are for roadies!
5. Smith Frontline Sunglasses: I have a mild obsession with sunglasses, and these are my favorites.
I'd also like to report that my Dura-Ace 7700 bottom bracket has proven to be sprint-worthy. It's lasted longer than any other I've tried.
Here are my 5 favorite pieces of equipment:
1. Custom Tiemeyer Signature Frame: Super stiff, fits perfectly, and rails the turns like its on...um...rails.
2. Cane Creek Sprint 85 Wheels: Fast, cool, carbon. Word.
3. Dura-Ace Pedals with Straps: Secure as shit. Solid.
4. TIME Ulteam Carbon Shoes: Nice flat, stiff sole. Good fit, love the 3-strap closure. Buckles are for roadies!
5. Smith Frontline Sunglasses: I have a mild obsession with sunglasses, and these are my favorites.
I'd also like to report that my Dura-Ace 7700 bottom bracket has proven to be sprint-worthy. It's lasted longer than any other I've tried.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
6 Days: The Soundtrack
Everyone knows that they key to performing well at any event is a killer soundtrack. Here are my top 6 "Pump You Up" songs for nationals:
1. 3 Days Grace - Animal I Have Become
2. Papa Roach - Time Is Running Out
3. Rise Against - Drones
4. Avenged Sevenfold - Afterlife
5. Demon Hunter - Not I
6. Dark New Day - Evergreen
1. 3 Days Grace - Animal I Have Become
2. Papa Roach - Time Is Running Out
3. Rise Against - Drones
4. Avenged Sevenfold - Afterlife
5. Demon Hunter - Not I
6. Dark New Day - Evergreen
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Countdown Begins: 7 Days
One week till Elite Track Nationals! I feel strangely calm and prepared, both physically and mentally. Since there are 7 days left, here are 7 reasons that I'm ready to kick ass this year:
1. In nearly every workout, I have pushed myself to the point of vomiting and/or flopping around on the floor.
2. I spent all winter crushing myself on the ergo.
3. I own the best equipment available. I have no excuses.
4. I took breaks when I needed them to let my body recover and maintain motivation.
5. I have honed my race-day mental toughness and sprint tactics.
6. I have a training partner who has pushed me to new limits.
7. I don't take myself too seriously, and can keep things in perspective to stay in a positive frame of mind, despite setbacks.
1. In nearly every workout, I have pushed myself to the point of vomiting and/or flopping around on the floor.
2. I spent all winter crushing myself on the ergo.
3. I own the best equipment available. I have no excuses.
4. I took breaks when I needed them to let my body recover and maintain motivation.
5. I have honed my race-day mental toughness and sprint tactics.
6. I have a training partner who has pushed me to new limits.
7. I don't take myself too seriously, and can keep things in perspective to stay in a positive frame of mind, despite setbacks.
Less Ghetto
The tub served its purpose, but wasn't quite what we were looking for in a long-term TV stand.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Staind
I
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