Thursday, January 21, 2010

Think like a Bumblebee, Train like a horse

“Think like a Bumblebee, Train like a horse.”

I wrote this post on our team site, but thought I'd add it here:

I was digging through some un-packed boxes last night and I ran across Joel Friel’s Triathlete Training Bible. I haven’t looked at the book in 2-3 years. As I opened it up and started jumping around the sections, I couldn’t put it down. I found lots of good nuggets in there I had completely forgotten about. So simple really. Not sure why I always try to make things more complicated.

It’s sort of funny, over the years I feel like I’ve been a pretty good “student” in learning as much as I could about the science and art in regards to training for endurance sports. There’s so much information out there. Some good, some not so much. But really, I’m no judge. I think I’ve come to the conclusion that as much “science” is out there on how to train to improve, there’s still a variety (the art) of ways to skin the cat. But, all that aside, if you had to boil it down to very simple recipe to success, keeping in mind this quote may help get you there.

I’ll try to paraphrase the meaning:

NASA scientists were bewildered at how a Bumblebee can fly? Small wings for a seemingly oversized body, nowhere close to being aerodynamic. This MUST require a study to figure this out! Hypotheses were drafted. Tests conducted. Conclusions were reached. A Bumblebee can’t fly!!! But nobody told the Bumblebee!!! It just keeps flying without any knowledge it’s not supposed to be able to fly.

Then comes along the race horse. Race horses don’t think for themselves when they train. They follow a periodized training regiment much like we do. Everything is managed under the utmost care down to the food they eat, how long they train and the intensity at which they train. Applied training science at its best. They know no better. Sure they get excited when race day arrives because they understand it’s their freedom to run. They don’t look at the other horse’s quads and care how big they are or how fit the other horses look.

What does this mean to me? Well, if I think like a Bumblebee, I will be able to achieve anything my mind believes. I don’t really care or need to hear if others doubt my ability. No preconceptions on what is achievable, no matter how absurd it sounds when I set a goal. The only thing holding me back is my belief in myself.

If I train like a horse, I’m sticking to the plan. NO second guessing. NO tossing the plan aside when things aren’t going as expected. If I’m consistent and progressively getting stronger, there’s no need to jump ahead. It may provide a short term boost but at the expense of the long term goal(s). When I get to the starting line of a race, I need to put the bad energy aside and instill faith in myself that I’ve done everything right in training. I’m just as or more prepared than anyone else. Remain patient, follow the plan, don’t worry about daily power numbers, it’s the big picture that counts.

Love it.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Jan Excercise of the month

Swiss Ball Rollouts-

Coach has me do these a bunch. I've got a vid clip demo. I do mix it up a little and walk the ball out with my hands. It's also a great shoulder, tricep workout, too. I have one of those ab roller wheels at home which is really good but this seems to be a little tougher.

Demonstration: Click Here

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

On the training front...

Super glad 2009 is behind me! It was a crazy year. Not really worth re-hashing in its entirety, but I'm motivated to improve myself in all facets of life. I ain't getting any younger that's for sure.

On the training front, things are going really well. I've been following coach's orders to a tee. Knocked out 3 very consistent months of foundation work which included getting back to the gym for strength work. It has been enjoyable and a refreshing change. From a muscular standpoint, the legs are almost as strong as ever. Endurance hasn't really been a limiter for me so I've been really focused on building muscle power. I feel I'm learning how to train like a cyclist and the improvements are showing.

I'm still incorporating a bunch of commuting into my routine. The cold weather hasn't fazed me, yet. I'm actually starting to enjoy it!

I ran some charts the other day and here's where things stand right now. Short term power has increased fairly dramatically. Building a strong base of endurance and tempo riding getting ready for the threshold work later in the month. Really confident I will be able to push past some plateaus I hit last year.

Power Distribution Nov 2009:


Power Distribution Dec 2009:



Mean Maximal Power Oct-Dec 2008 vs 2009:


Performance Manager Chart Oct-Dec 2009: