2013 and the 1%

As every athlete reviews their season and looks to the next they ask the question - how will I improve this year.  When you have a few hard seasons under your belt you get to the point where you have the discipline to hit all the sessions and ride to the best of your ability on race day. You have fixed all the easy/dumb things and now this question gets hard! 

This year I am shaping up racing plans that allow me to tick a few items off the bucket list.  Do a proper roadie Stage racing Tour.  Get to A Grade.  Get my SS mountain bike up and running again. Find a european MTB race and get my bad ass self there (Finale you ruined me for LIFE!).

This year I know at the start of the season I am fitter and faster than I was this time last year.  It follows that as I load in my training the adaptation end point should be higher up the awesome scale.

But what can I do to get that extra little bit out of myself?

Great Coach?  Sorted.

Bike Friendly Family arrangements? Sorted.

Willingness to hurt? Sorted.

Kick Ass Riding Krew? Sorted.

Strength and Conditioning? Sorted (thanks to Andrew the animal at Body Buzz).

 

Nutrition and Body Comp? Sorted (yep, more poliquin biosignature stuff from Andrew!)

So what can I add. REVIVE.
It is time to start nailing my recovery, both active and passive.  And the key to this is going to be adding the discipline of yoga and stretching classes through my generous sponsorship at Revive.  It is funny that as an athlete you can push yourself to failure time and again training but cannot manage to stretch a muscle in front of the TV to save your life. Maybe it is because I don't watch TV! But I know you guys know what I am talking about... The thing I love about this place, where I have already been a client for over year, is that you can have treatment AND do preventative work all with the same people - and typically with one who is specialised in your sport.  Invaluable.  Though racing your physio is always a challenge - what is the etiquette there!?

Revive is supporting an amazing bunch of athletes.  In addition to the services I get access to, I am also deriving a lot of motivation and inspiration from the dedication and talent of those around me.  If you want classes or need a physio you should consider going here not just because they are exceptional - but perhaps because of their fantastic support for athletes.  23 of us in total.  They are passionate about us and it shows.

In 2013 this will be my 1%.  What is yours?

Base Miles

So this week saw a return to some structure after three months of mayhem.

2012 delivered some significant changes in my life which have a heavy impact on two wheels.  But I believe you can figure anything out and I will.  If you want it enough you will do it.  If you don't, then you will make excuses. I want to be in Canberra in October.

So let's begin.

We are blessed weather-wise this summer.  I hope 2013 brings blue skies!

I also have awesome training partners and teamies who are right by my side.    Whether it be a friday morning bunchie.....


or a one on one, targeted smashfest.

And I am still signing up to rides I have no business being on.  Turns out Masters A is somewhat quicker than Masters B.  Still someone said to me once 'If you want to get better, ride with people who are better than you".   It is true (mostly).  

These guys are better than me, on this day.  But who knows what the future holds if I am willing to work.  And I guarantee with the Koiled guys shoulder to shoulder - I'll enjoy the ride!

 Let's roll.