Tipping Point

This sophomore slump is finished. Some bizarre phenomenon Seth Godin refers to as 'The Dip' takes hold of most enterprises and depresses performance after a period of initial success. This has been my year of cycling and I am pushing through it. Great success last year, burnout, lack of commitment this winter and early spring, low interest in competing, and no fire driving training has produced the cliche this year. Now I sit, two races left on the calendar and I have commitments both weekends. Next year will be different.

1. Train like you mean it. I didn't push myself to the proper degree this year. Not enough solo training. Short intervals. Too much time off the bike in between sessions. The family excuse doesn't hold water, which I am happy to discover. I was told most guys who race have families and careers the juggle. How is it they perform better than me. Not acceptable.

2. Schedule like you mean it. I have to plan training weeks out at least two weeks in advance to prevent conflict.

3. ID races early and PREREGISTER as soon as possible. Once I am financially committed I will follow through. When I slack off and don't sign up, I let other things creep up and dictate my schedule.

I am better than how I raced this year. I am better than how I trained this year. Giving less than my all leaves me with a gnawing dissatisfaction that becomes toxic.

These are learnings of the Dip. Rather than cause me to throw in the towel, it has become diesel fuel, burning long and hot. I will be different this time next year.

August: 1 group per week. VO2 max training

September: 1-2 groups per week. VO2 max intervals.

October: move to weight room, pool, trails, road running, etc. 3 DAYS CARDIO, 2 DAYS STRENGTH.

November: 3 DAYS CARDIO, 2 DAYS STRENGTH.

December: 2 DAYS STRENGTH, 3 DAYS CARDIO. transition back to bike with long tempo rides & technique