Signing up for a long distance endurance event happens one of two ways. The first is a calculated decision based on research, motivation and allows for six to nine months of precise training. The second is impulsive, probably due to fear, procrastination, peer pressure and may or may not follow a botched race the previous week. Which one has the highest probability of failing? The answer is; they both are equally susceptible to failure! There are a few ways to nail a race, leaving tons of “woulda, shoulda, coulda” moments along the way. We’ve all had the, “What have I just done?” moment after you’ve jumped head first into a huge challenge. The difference with an endurance event is a whole lot can go wrong between when you sign up and when you actually have to execute your special day.
How can a seemingly thorough plan turn into a colossal learning experience? Besides injury, a common weak point among athletes is complacency. Usually, race day is pretty far into the futureand the initial process seems very exciting. However, once you’ve announced your intentions via Facebook and the buzz has faded, the training needs to really start. If you have a coach, he or she will do their best to pass on all knowledge, hoping thatvital plan is absorbed likea sponge taking on water. The truth is, at a certain point, when the hours add up and the excitement passes, sabotage comes about. Here are two common pitfalls we see as coaches.
Whether you’re getting to that first 5k, running a 100 mile race or tackling your first long distance triathlon, you should always surround yourself with athletes who add value to your experience. I’ve found truth in a phraseI once heard and I’ve tried to tailor it towards endurance racing. I believe your athletic competence and achievements will be the average of the five athletes you train with. I’ve always trained up, meaning I seek out those who can challenge me in a positive way, avoiding complacency and ensuring my body is adequately fueled for the demands of the day. After all, this is a solo effort on race day and you’ll need to be a mental and physical fortress from head to toe! From the moment you sign up for a race, no matter how it’s come about, you’re either moving forward or falling behind…this all depends on your willingness to plan, learn and execute.
Good luck and above all have fun!
See you out on the course,
Nick
In the nearly 8 years that my wife and I have lived in Colorado Springs, never have we seen the amount of road construction currently taking place. Whether it’s a main road or side street, there’s no part of town missing out on the “fun”. And it’s not just re-paving or patching potholes. Whole lanes are being ripped up with miles of digging in order to replace underground pipes of all varieties.
At first, I thought all the “weed” sales (pot is legal in Colorado) might be producing the influx of tax funds for all this construction. But a running buddy of mine made me aware of a bill that had passed in the last couple years which freed up an enormous amount of funds for these projects.
Turns out the city has a certain amount of time to spend the money. Based on the number of orange cones and “ROAD WORK AHEAD” signs, it looks as though no penny is being spared.
Millions of people are about to be disappointed –– they don’t even realize it.
Maybe you’re one of them.
Right now, around the world, people are setting new ambitious health goals and resolutions.
And yet, according to Inc Magazine, approximately 80% of New Year's resolutions fail. Most of them buried in an unmarked early grave by February.
Why is that?
How is it that despite all our best intentions and genuine desire to live healthier and be fitter, the most we can hope for is a depressing 20% success rate?
So to help you kickstart your New Year with a healthy lifestyle we are going to breakdown why most goals and resolutions fail and what to do instead.
Collagen is just about everywhere.
Not just in your body, where collagen makes up roughly 25% of your total protein content, its also around you.
It’s in health food stores, grocery stores, in big plastic tubs at discount markets.
