On Training

"There have been many studies of Elite performers - (in groups as diverse as) concert violinists, chess grandmasters, professional ice-skaters, mathematicians, and so forth- and the biggest difference researchers find between them and lesser performers is the amount of deliberate practice they've accumulated.

Indeed, the most important talent may be the talent for practice itself.

K. Anders Ericsson, a cognitive psychologist and expert on performance, notes that the most important role that innate factors play may be in a person's willingness to engage in sustained training.

He has also found, for example, that top performers dislike practicing just as much as others do. (That's why, for example, athletes and musicians usually quit practicing when they retire.) But, more than others, (during their careers) they have the will to keep at it anyway."

From "The Learning Curve" by Atul Gawande. Quoted from "High Intensity Training (HIT) for Cyclists" by Arnie Baker, MD roadbikerider.com

Yogi Berra is quoted as saying "Baseball is 90 percent mental, the other half is physical" When applied to Cycling, I couldn't agree more. Not only am i training my body, but i have started spending alot more time thinking about the mental aspects. I am currently reading "Mind Gym..An Athletes Guide to Inner Excellence" by Gary Mack.

The book is divided into 5 parts. Welcome to the Inner Game, Living the Dream, Mind Set for Success, and In The Zone. So far, so good. I know that going into my journey up the Eastern Mountains, i have to overcome all the negative thoughts that are soooo easy to come by, and win the mind game. I will keep you posted

This week Laurie and I will be in Arizona for some winter rides. The first of 2 trips this winter to ride in Arizona. We are really looking forward to going somewhere a bit warmer to ride, even if it is just for a few days.

As for last weeks training? It went good. Goal set: Goal Achieved. I find that rest days are the biggest challenge, but essential to proper training. I probably feel this way because now, in early January, i am all psyched up to ride. I hope my positive attitude stays with me for 7 more months! (mind games, you know...)

"Cyclists who train smart always beat athletes who train hard"
-Joe Friel "The Cyclists Training Bible"