Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Training, Racing, and a decision to make...

Before I get to the decision I have to make let's get to some racing and training.

I am really looking forward to heading to AZ tomorrow morning for the Arizona Xtreme Desert Triathlon (Xterra Points series race). A lot of people are coming out to this race. I am heading out there with Trevor Glavin who is the reigning Xterra world champ in my AG (25-29) and Cody Waite will be there too. Cody was the 2006 Xterra national champ, but is now racing pro. I am really looking forward to watching him race against the pros after having racing against him last year. There are also quite a few guys coming out from Colorado and Norther Cal. It should be a tough early season race. I trained through this race last year and was able to pull off a 2nd in AG. I only lost by 30 seconds and I crashed on the bike that cost me a couple of minutes. They also extended the run this year from 4.5 miles to 6, which will definitely help me out. It's also my first repeat triathlon. It definitely helps mentally to have raced the course before and have an idea of what to expect.

This week has started off pretty solid. So far I have gotten 3 swims, a solid ride, and a strength session. I had to rearrange some things with my travel plans and with how much the tough weekend workouts took out of me. Those hills on my Sunday run really shelled me legs. I had a run on tap yesterday afternoon but after talking with Jim switched it to a ride and will go on an easier run today at lunch. Here's the info from my ride. A solid one.

2:01/18 miles/3000+ ft of climbing:
Now for the decision.
I am getting ready to order my new mountain bike. I have decided on the Specialized Epic Marathon, the aluminum version. The carbon just doesn't seem like it's worth the extra loot.
This is an "epic" XC racing rig. This bike will make me faster. No doubt. I just need to decided on the color. I can get it in the above color, anodized black or hot pink. I am not sure which one to go with. My hardtail is a black Specialized Stumpjumper and I don't know if I want another black bike. Pink may be a little over the top but it would be pretty easy to find my bike in transition.
Any suggestions/opinions?

One last thing. I finally bought a foam roller and marathon stick. I have read a lot about self massage and the benefits. My massage therapist and chiropractor have been suggesting them to me for months because of how tight my legs always are even with all the stretching I do. I got these both on Monday and have used the the last 2 nights. First of all, it's just as miserable as any deep tissue massage I have ever had, but I have felt great afterward and especially the next morning. I am defintely going to keep this up and try to get to use it for 20-30 minutes a day after my tough workouts.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cool blog. The bike sounds sweet. One comment. While having a pink bike may make your bike a little easier to find in transitions, do you really want to be riding around on a pink bike?

Light Weaver Massage & Esthetics said...

You may consider trying different modalities or techniques of massage. Myofascial Release comes to mind in particular with what you mentioned. Working on the tendon attachments can also help the "belly" of the muscle relax further and this is something you can reach yourself in a lot of cases. (Ask your therapist to show you if it sounds interesting.)And make sure your water intake is where it needs to be as well! Best of luck to you. ~Lizz in Sarasota, FL

T-Guy J said...

The stick is fantastic. It sucks to use, however it does make a significant difference if used consistently. I love it because I can't afford to be blowing the money I should on massage.

Why can't things be free!!!

Great blog...and go pink

T-Guy J (a.k.a. - IronJay)

Cliff said...

Jameson,

My vote is on the pinkie. Ppl might laugh at u..but u will be passing them anyway.

Anonymous said...

PINK. It takes a real man to be able to ride a pink bike. If I could afford Bianchi's P.U.S.S., I'd absolutely be riding one.

Unknown said...

It's like pink goggles on all the pro snowboarders (guys). You do it because you can. As long as you keep doing as well as you have been, they'd be stupid to talk smack.

That said, I like the way the black looks better. :)

Jim Vance said...

Black...Now go "Get Amongst It" in AZ.

barndog said...

Only if you get a pink seat and win this weekend can you have the pink one, Michellie. Seriously, pink could look good for photos, epecially with the green Ergons, but I don't think there's any advantage to being that visible on the racecourse. Two black Specialized, that's a pretty nice quiver. hmmmm.

Unknown said...

We love the stick and foam roller nown here in GA. I like my black Stumpjumper, and another black bike can be "colored" up with components, but I have to admit the pink frame looks pretty appealing.

TRI Vortex said...

If you watch the movie "Stickmen" (its about billiards). And you'll know for SURE which bike to get. Yeah everything with me is about movies. Maybe I can take a portable DVD player to the gym while I run? hmmmm.

Drew Holmes said...

real men can handle the pink!!! i would go pink

Anonymous said...

Dude, that Specialized is the shiz nizzle. I love that smart rear shock system. Your downhill + rough/fast section confidence in Xterra will be magnified by like 150% now.

Go for it!!! Peace.

Cody Waite said...

Good choice on the Epic. I've seen the pink one, and it's not as cool in person. Go black for sure! Cool blog, I'll be sure to keep reading.

CW