Need New Mountain Bike

Saturday, January 21, 2012, I raced the DORBA Frozen Endurance off road race at Johnson Branch State Park.  I did the 4 hour solo option, with the goal being to do as many laps of the 7.3 mile course as possible within that time.  This was the first event of this type I've done.  I had a stated goal of doing two laps.

Upon arrival, the guidance from the park and race officials was very good, and they were very patient with my newness of this experience, often having to explain things two or three times regarding packet pickup and parking.  We (a neighbor of mine whom I convinced to try this event as well) picked up our packets and dropped off our "pit" gear (it was 35 degrees, so I brought lots of layers), parked, and rode our bikes back to the start.  First disappointment was that our packet was a number that went on the front of the bike.  No t-shirt or other goodies.  Now, I realize this is a race, but most races provide a "trophy shirt" at a minimum. 

The start was a LeMond start.  We set our bikes out on the driveway, walked back into the woods and when the whistle blew, we had to run to our bikes, jump on them and go.  It was a madhouse.  I simply walked to my bike, knowing I would not be at the front of the pack.

The course was well marked.  They diverted us around the most rockiest part of the course to avoid major crashes.  Although there were some challenges along the way such as steep drops and climbs, rocks and roots, it was hard (for me), but not extreme.  I completed my first lap in 1:16 and after using the bathroom in the pits, my neighbor pulled into the pits at 1:18.  We agreed to try to do three laps at this point.

The second lap felt easier and faster than the first, but I now had fast racers starter to lap me, so I had to keep pulling over to allow them through on the trail.  This brought my lap time nearly equivalent to the first.  I refilled my Camelback and started my third.

On the third lap, my legs started to feel fatigued (my longest off road ride to this point had only been 2:30).  I again was being passed by faster riders and started to notice that where I had difficulty going at higher speeds over rocks and roots, my shoulders and arms trying to absorb the shock of the trail, they were able ride over that stuff as if it were flat ground.  This is where I realized if I were going to stick to this sport, I needed a new bike (I was on a Schwinn Protocol 1.0).

I finished three laps in 3:51; technically I could have started a fourth, as they allowed as many laps as possible as long as you STARTED your last lap before 3:59:01.  I was concerned that if I pushed another lap, I may end up injured. My neighbor was already in the pits, even though I had been riding ahead of him. He called it quits after two laps.  At this point was my second disappointment--no food or finisher party.

Lessons learned:

1. layers were good to adjust for the temperature throughout the race
2. bring all your own food, including post-race meals
3. bring chairs for before and after the race

I will likely do more racing like this, but on a new bike.

Registered for Off Road

I've got about another month or two before I have to commit to triathlon bike training, so I decided to continue getting the most out of my mountain bike. While I actually can't wait to get out and do some serious cycling on the road, learn new routes around Dallas, and meet new people, I registered for the 2012 DORBA Frozen Endurance Series at Johnson Branch State Park, a four hour solo off road race (one attempts to get the most amount of 8.8 mile laps within four hours.

Given this new race added to my annual training plan, I need to continue to practice.  I fractured a rib or two back in late September, and therefore I'm still not re-confident in my off road skills.  Yesterday I went out to Rowlett Creek Preserve and was able to ride ALL the trails out there, walking only minimally.  Now I realize that most of the trails our there are "green," but there are a few "blue" and "black" trails.  I was still able to get through all of them, boosting my confidence.

Looking forward to this new experience.

Train safe!

A Serious Gap

I have officially resided in Richardson (DFW area) since September 2011.  Since moving in, I've been in search of a triathlon club and/or group with which to train, especially on the weekends. 

I moved from Houston, where I was very active in Houston Racing Triathlon Club, a huge club ran by members for members.  They offered training groups at various locations throughout that big city.  They had regular social activities, and weekend long runs and rides.  Members stepped up and volunteered to support and coach each other.  And best of all membership dues are minimal.

I have been looking for something similar in north eastern Dallas (east Richardson, Garland, Firewheel, east Plano) area, even calling upon USAT South Midwest Region's Council members with whom I'd served with in the past.  What I've found (so far) is that there are number of "triathlon clubs" in the area, but they are centered around a coach or coaching staff, not the members.  Now, they are more structured, and likely more professional in their presentation, but all of this comes with higher fees.  Could I improve with these groups?  As a Level 1 USAT Certified Triathlon Coach, performance-wise, probably not.  All I am really looking for is some people to train with on a regular basis, building camaraderie, and support each other (for safety) during long bike rides.

There are a number of cycling groups with which to ride (PBA, RBM, DORBA).  Most of the road rides actually go right by my neighborhood.  I've ridden a few times with RBM and found that most of the folks are roadies that insist on hammering the home stretch, leaving people like me, unfamiliar with the routes, searching for a way back (I'm glad I have a GPS on my cell phone!).

I'm calling out to those triathletes in the east Plano, east Richardson, and Garland areas.  Have I missed something?  Or is this is a serious gap in the triathlon community in the DFW area?  Is there a need for  for a club similar to Houston Racing Triathlon Club in Dallas?  Or does it secretly exist?

I will continue to search for training partners.

Train safe!
-CoachGrant

Racing with the New BMX Pedals

The pedals and ride proved out to work for me yesterday at the Sabertooth Duathlon at Natural Bridge Caverns. 

The race started in the "belly" of the cave as a time trial start.  You had to climb out of the cave as part of the first two mile run.  Then you proceeded to the bike.  There were four duathlons going on all at the same time, three road races and one off-road (the one I chose). 

The bike couse was tough.  It was rocky, full of rotting tree limbs and bark (aka unprocessed mulch), and hills.  I had been doing quite a bit of practicing in Garland, but was not real prepared for this course.  While portions of the trail were jeep trails, much of it was a fresh cut, technical nightmare (for me).  Rock after rock, rut after rut, more "mulch" sucking the life out of my tires...  There were two technical (extremely rocky) decents that I just walked down.  Then of course, what goes down, must also go up; so this race director decided to pick the toughest climbs possible.

By the second climb, my rear derailer was having issues, leaving me no choice but to walk it up that hill.  The remaining few miles were fortunately on a dirt road.  I quit shifting my rear derailer to try to keep the cassette in tact enough to make it back to T2, using only my front derailer to address changes in terrain.

Entering T2, my son walked up and said he caught a stick in his rear wheel that ended up tearing up is rear derailer, and had walked his bike in.  He ended up running the second run for the heck of it.

Based on the technical difficulty of the course, I was really glad I had my BMX pedals.  I didn't have any major falls as a result, and where I did have to walk, it was easier with running shoes on that the cleated shoes.   Leading me to a first in age group win.  I am going to continue to use my BMX pedals.

I recommend trying out this race if you want to test your off-road biking skills.

Train safe!

Mountain Bike Pedals

I've been learning to mountain bike now for about nine months.  I have only been able to ride about a dozen times in those nine months, so I'm not exactly progressing as fast as someone practicing three to four times a week would in those nine months.  Nevertheless, my confidence was growing as were my skills...until about six weeks ago.

I was out at Rowlett Creek Mountain Bike Trails ready to really go all out.  I was there a week prior and really felt strong and skilled.  So now I was going to really push it.  At the turn from loop 1 onto loop 7 there a big rock in the way.  The week prior, I'd gone over that rock five times...but not this time.  I hit and it shot me back; feet stuck in the clipless pedals, and down I went right onto my chest and chin.  After several minutes of attempting to catch my breath, I finally was able to continue my ride; albeit painful.  I then attempted my ceremonial "brick" run, but couldn't even run a single step.  OUCH!

This injury started me analyzing my mountain bike riding, crashes I'd had, and (lack of) skills.  Interestingly, I found the root of all my injuries stemmed from not being able to get my feet on the ground before another part of my body did.  Now, I realize I'm not supposed to need to do that...but as I suggested, I'm new to mountain biking and started this at less than appropriate age (read: older).  With this realization, I went out and purchased some BMX pedals.

Yesterday, I went out rode again at Rowlett Creek.  I hesitated over that rock that forced me to crash a few weeks back, but managed to get over it (finally) without incident.  I also had a few other close calls, but with the new pedals, my feet hit the ground before anything major occurred.  I even discovered that when I chickened out on some parts of the course, it was very easy to step off the bike and lift it over the obstacle.

I know it isn't the most powerful way to pedal, but I'm more confident riding with my new pedals.  I get to test them next week at the Sabertooth Duathlon.

Train safe!

Where did that come from?

One of the advantages of relocating to a new city is I get to race some local races that are "new" to me.  This morning I was able to race the DRC Half Marathon, a race put on the by the Dallas Running Club.  My next big adventure is the Cowtown 50K, so I figure doing some "short" races such as half marathon would be a way to inspire me to keep focused on training as well as get out and see some new venues.

The race was in its 35th year, and the logistics proved it.  Shuttle service from various parking lots, clear signage for bag drops, food tents, etc.  And even a nice beer garden!

Lately, I've really had a hard time with the psychology of training and racing.  I'm just having trouble feeling "it".  Same mind games started with me this morning.  I told everyone that I'll be lucky to run a 1:45, so I lined up between the 1:40 and 1:50 pace groups.  When the horn blew and we started running, I started to think..."Wait a minute, a couple of years ago I was able to run a 3:19 marathon; I certainly ought to be able to run a 1:40 half marathon!"  By mile 3 I caught the 1:40 pace group and proceeded to run by them.  I never saw them again.  My Timex Ironman Global Trainer said I was averaging 7:28 at mile 5.  The course started to move up hill and when I passed mile 6 (after a steep climb) my watch reported that mile was 7:42.

"Uh-oh, there goes the race.  My pace is starting to fade already."  I decided to focus and hang on.  By mid-point I was still at a 7:28 pace.  I decided to see if I could pick it up.  I recall a quote from my friend Alex Bump who said toward the end of long run, "Tighten the core and stay light!"  So that's what I tried to do.  My pace picked up with my last mile being at 7:12.  I finished with a 1:37.  Whoa!  Where did that come from?

Racing continues to remind me to stay confident and trust your training. 

Train safe!

It's not just about the run!

I road with a group out of the major bike store located in Richardson, TX this morning.  The riders consisted of casual bike riders, bike racers, and a few triathletes (you can tell the triathletes by the arrowbars and horns on the bikes). 

During the ride, I started chatting with another rider about a variety of topics, mainly just to pass the time.  The subject turned to triathlon.  He told me one of college friends was a triathlete, who asserted that triathlon was just about the run.  We talked some more on this, and I was disappointed that this sort of misinformation is out there. 

In our sport, we must be good at all three sports (plus transitions!) and then play to our strength.  We have become not just adequate swimmers or coast on the bike; we have to work to get really good at all three sports.  Then I contend you play your strength in a race to finish as fast as you can.

I had a client that was a good swimmer and an even better runner, but he was an awesome cyclists.  Before one half ironman race, we discussed strategy.  As I worked through the numbers, it became obvious--swim well, bike hard, and hang on for the run.  In other words, work his strength, the bike.  It worked.  He went on to qualify for Team USA in that race!

It's not just about the run.  Become good at all three sports, but come race day, play to your strength.

Train safe!