12.04.2017
Last weekend we enjoyed a real ‘Sun’-day, so I thought it was time to jump on that race bike again after a winter break of 6,5 months. Since I ‘retired’ from triathlon competition, some 5 years ago, sportive cycling has become an exclusive summer activity: temperature should be at least 15°C and, of course, no rain.
I was only for 5 minutes in the saddle when the first cyclist saw the opportunity to get into my wheel. I really hate this kind of ‘pseudo-competitive behaviour’, but on the other hand I can stay calm and I know it’s a sign of weakness. The athletes who are really strong or wanting to push themselves will take over. In fact, I’m not afraid of the ‘champions of training’. The ones who are always swimming, cycling or running at high speeds do not impress me. On the contrary, many of them are not optimally trained. They only have one button: ‘on’ or ‘off’. It’s very monotonous training, not seldom leading to overtraining or overuse injuries, and even for many long-distance events not the most appropriate way of (specific) preparation; lactate testing and race results are unequivocal in this respect. Personally, I also remember many winters in the swimming pool being passed by several other triathletes and questioning myself what I was doing with my life, but every summer it turned out that I came out of the water before the other guys.
But be aware of the athletes that are able to handle many gears! Swimming slowly is an art, and it’s impressive when my tennis teacher demonstrates the forehand in slow motion. Be aware of the athletes that do not have the urgent need to show every 5K on Facebook or Strava. They work very hard in silence. Be aware of the coaches who talk softly, because they have the power. The ones who have to yell are not in control. Likewise, the professionals with abundant websites and an unlimited number of certificates do not persuade. I know I have to learn something from the ones who can shut up and listen. They have something to say.
Kind regards,
Karel
#TrainHardButSmart
PS: picture is taken in December 2015, visiting the beautiful facilities of the University of San Diego (USD).
I was only for 5 minutes in the saddle when the first cyclist saw the opportunity to get into my wheel. I really hate this kind of ‘pseudo-competitive behaviour’, but on the other hand I can stay calm and I know it’s a sign of weakness. The athletes who are really strong or wanting to push themselves will take over. In fact, I’m not afraid of the ‘champions of training’. The ones who are always swimming, cycling or running at high speeds do not impress me. On the contrary, many of them are not optimally trained. They only have one button: ‘on’ or ‘off’. It’s very monotonous training, not seldom leading to overtraining or overuse injuries, and even for many long-distance events not the most appropriate way of (specific) preparation; lactate testing and race results are unequivocal in this respect. Personally, I also remember many winters in the swimming pool being passed by several other triathletes and questioning myself what I was doing with my life, but every summer it turned out that I came out of the water before the other guys.
But be aware of the athletes that are able to handle many gears! Swimming slowly is an art, and it’s impressive when my tennis teacher demonstrates the forehand in slow motion. Be aware of the athletes that do not have the urgent need to show every 5K on Facebook or Strava. They work very hard in silence. Be aware of the coaches who talk softly, because they have the power. The ones who have to yell are not in control. Likewise, the professionals with abundant websites and an unlimited number of certificates do not persuade. I know I have to learn something from the ones who can shut up and listen. They have something to say.
Kind regards,
Karel
#TrainHardButSmart
PS: picture is taken in December 2015, visiting the beautiful facilities of the University of San Diego (USD).