For a cyclist finding the right coach and coaching philosophy is crucial to one's success. Not only must there be open communication bust also trust in the process. I always say that Cycling is a practice in patience, it is not a sport of instant gratification. A coach allows the athlete to focus on the days effort with the belief that the grand scheme will yield results.
That is why I'm thrilled to have signed with Carmichael Training Systems for the 2009 race season. In CTS I have complete trust in the training philosophy. Chris Carmichael has developed a coaching model that incorporates years of experience racing and the latest sports science. He has been a Olympic coach as well as the long time personal coach of LANCE ARMSTRONG.
CTS and the coaching staff works within this successful system to bring out the best in top athletes as well as recreational riders. I was surprised to hear that their athletes range from cyclists and triathletes to Nascar drivers even bull riders.
With such a successful background I'll be able to rely on my coaching staff as I target a 3rd National Title and a run at the World Championships later this year in Italy.
For more info on CTS go to:
www.trainright.com
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Hugo Road Race.
In my opinion, a true Road Race is what Bike Racing really is. So many times I find Crits, Hill Climbs and Time Trials occupying most of the race schedule. When I do see a RR on the schedule I make sure I'm at the start line.
This particular race was held in Hugo CO -out in the middle of nowhere. A 78 mile jaunt that felt like it sent us to Kansas.
The Beauty of this kind of race is the calm before the storm. Typically, it starts a bit hard and after a few miles everyone remembers that we have a couple of hours to go. Being at the right place, sensing the collective itch to attack and making that move is that unspoken battle that I most enjoy.
Unfortunately, Some days things do not go as planned. At mile 19 while cruising along with 60 other riders I run over some broken up pavement and my rear wheel is without air in a moment. A quick wheel change from the support car and a helpful draft gets me almost back until the car needs to stop for another rider. As I was in pursuit, I noticed my brake pad was rubbing on a carbon rim. A reason to stop yet again. And that was my race. Time Trialing back up to them was a lost cause. 60 riders vs. me were not favorable odds.
pedaling home after almost 4 hours I realized fitness only takes you so far. Awareness helps to.
The race season is here - I'll be racing most weekends regionally with my focus being the Road National Championships Held in Bend OR in late July.
Cheers!
This particular race was held in Hugo CO -out in the middle of nowhere. A 78 mile jaunt that felt like it sent us to Kansas.
The Beauty of this kind of race is the calm before the storm. Typically, it starts a bit hard and after a few miles everyone remembers that we have a couple of hours to go. Being at the right place, sensing the collective itch to attack and making that move is that unspoken battle that I most enjoy.
Unfortunately, Some days things do not go as planned. At mile 19 while cruising along with 60 other riders I run over some broken up pavement and my rear wheel is without air in a moment. A quick wheel change from the support car and a helpful draft gets me almost back until the car needs to stop for another rider. As I was in pursuit, I noticed my brake pad was rubbing on a carbon rim. A reason to stop yet again. And that was my race. Time Trialing back up to them was a lost cause. 60 riders vs. me were not favorable odds.
pedaling home after almost 4 hours I realized fitness only takes you so far. Awareness helps to.
The race season is here - I'll be racing most weekends regionally with my focus being the Road National Championships Held in Bend OR in late July.
Cheers!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Early Season Setbacks
In cycling, setbacks typically mean injury or illness.
For the first time in my cycling career I have an injury that may effect my training and racing.
Almost two weeks ago during a mountain bike training ride on trails around my house I dumped it and landed hard on my side. The wind was knocked out of me but that's only temporary and I thought nothing more about it. Now I'm thinking that I fractured or have a badly bruised rib.
Yeah, you can say I'm a typical guy - avoiding a doctors check. But today I'm heading over to the training center to get an x-ray. I'm not sure what can be done but as others have told me I should know how I bad I hurt myself.
On the topic of injuries - my team has had a string of bad luck which includes broken hands, a wrist and a dislocated shoulder. Injuries are a aspect of the sport that everyone is aware of but after 5 years of relative healthy racing the team has had a rough start to the 09 campaign.
I'm just glad that it happening 7 months after the Olympic Year and not 2 months before.
For the first time in my cycling career I have an injury that may effect my training and racing.
Almost two weeks ago during a mountain bike training ride on trails around my house I dumped it and landed hard on my side. The wind was knocked out of me but that's only temporary and I thought nothing more about it. Now I'm thinking that I fractured or have a badly bruised rib.
Yeah, you can say I'm a typical guy - avoiding a doctors check. But today I'm heading over to the training center to get an x-ray. I'm not sure what can be done but as others have told me I should know how I bad I hurt myself.
On the topic of injuries - my team has had a string of bad luck which includes broken hands, a wrist and a dislocated shoulder. Injuries are a aspect of the sport that everyone is aware of but after 5 years of relative healthy racing the team has had a rough start to the 09 campaign.
I'm just glad that it happening 7 months after the Olympic Year and not 2 months before.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A new season!
April has arrived and unfortunately so has the rain and snow.
Racing has started around the region and it's time for me to test my preseason fitness.
Compared to other seasons, I've relaxed my efforts over the winter. A new position at work and a needed rest after the Olympic year are my excuses.
To start the season, I'll race local time trials and road races all in preparation for the National Championships in July.
In the past I've attended team training camps in Chula Vista Co. and have raced in Paralympic events in Canada. I've planned a trip to my hometown on Cape Cod for the first time in 4 years. It's time to see the family and my friends who I've ignored for too long. Of course I'll have my bike and a training program from my coach. Sending my power files to him to make sure I'm not just vacationing.
My main focus this year will be the US paralympic Road National Championships which will be in late July and held in Bend OR. As always I'll race to win. Beyond that will be the IPC/UCI World Championships in (I think) Spain sometime in early Sept.
Again, I'll be in the black and yellow of the Spike Shooter race team. Spike is an Energy Drink that makes Red Bull feel like a diet cola.
Like last year, I'll post updates on my training, travels and racing throughout the season.
Any comments and/or questions please don't hesitate.
-mike
Racing has started around the region and it's time for me to test my preseason fitness.
Compared to other seasons, I've relaxed my efforts over the winter. A new position at work and a needed rest after the Olympic year are my excuses.
To start the season, I'll race local time trials and road races all in preparation for the National Championships in July.
In the past I've attended team training camps in Chula Vista Co. and have raced in Paralympic events in Canada. I've planned a trip to my hometown on Cape Cod for the first time in 4 years. It's time to see the family and my friends who I've ignored for too long. Of course I'll have my bike and a training program from my coach. Sending my power files to him to make sure I'm not just vacationing.
My main focus this year will be the US paralympic Road National Championships which will be in late July and held in Bend OR. As always I'll race to win. Beyond that will be the IPC/UCI World Championships in (I think) Spain sometime in early Sept.
Again, I'll be in the black and yellow of the Spike Shooter race team. Spike is an Energy Drink that makes Red Bull feel like a diet cola.
Like last year, I'll post updates on my training, travels and racing throughout the season.
Any comments and/or questions please don't hesitate.
-mike
Saturday, November 8, 2008
TV coverage of the Games
U.S. Paralympic Team | News | NBC Sports to Broadcast 2008 Paralympic Games Documentary on Sunday, November 9
There will be a TV special this Sunday on NBC.
2:30 eastern time
I do know that the Pats are playing.
There will be a TV special this Sunday on NBC.
2:30 eastern time
I do know that the Pats are playing.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Even though I didn't get my photo taken with the Chief I had a blast at the White House.Reconnecting with my fellow Paralympians and meeting many of the Olympic athletes was the highlight of my trip. We shared thoughts and stories of our events and of our time spent in Beijing. The trip was a perfect way to conclude what was a magical year for me.
I was close but not close enough to personally say hello to our President. But I was close enough to see that he was honestly excited to be there and to meet some of the 600 athletes that showed. Even with the Secret Service hinting at him to leave, President Bush spent a few extra minutes with us.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A role model?
10.4.08A few different elementary school teachers have come up and mentioned how they use this Blog to educate their class on how disabilities do not need to limit any one's desire to reach a goal.
Remembering back to when I was the one the only disabled kids in my school such a program would have opened my eyes. Role models are valuable to kids and I was no different. Even now I catch myself standing in awe at the determination and desire that some athletes have. Never have I seen this on a greater scale than while at the Paralympic Games.
Now being a part of this impressive group of people I see first hand how the "role model" label can easily be attached.
Coming home to find letters from elementary school students re enforces those thoughts. Never did I think that riding my bike would put me into this position.
Thanks for the letters and thanks for reading.
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