Upcoming early-season races

The start of the 2012 season is about to begin soon with some pretty epic races.  One race I have been wanting to do for some time is finally coming to fruition this season.  I will be heading down to Guatemala for the 4-stage El Reto del Quetzal race.  I will be partnering up with another fellow Oregonian, Nelson Snyder.  The race used to only include 3 stages, but this year they have included a 4th stage (a 13K time trial).

It's going to be a good change of scenery from what we have been experiencing here in Bend, OR the last few weeks.  The local temps have hovered in the 40's and as of the last few days we have received over a foot of snow and more is expected.  From what I can see on the radar forecast for Guatemala, temps should be in the high 60's, low 70's with mostly sun and a few days of rain.  All in all it will be an experience to enjoy and log some solid race miles to help get the legs in shape for what's ahead this season.

Nelson and I have spent a few days riding together to get accustomed to each others' strengths and weaknesses.  The team-style of stage racing is very unique in the fact that you must stay within 2 minutes of each other or you will be penalized (time added to your finishing time).  I'm not sure how many other American riders will be participating in the event, haven't seen the registered rider list posted as of yet.  I do know that cyclingnews.com will post results daily. The race dates are March 8-11.

Once I get back from Guatemala, hopefully the snow will be melted away in Bend so that I will be able to prepare for the Whiskey Off-Road 50 race in April.  This is a race I have done once (3 years ago), and am looking forward to doing again.  Riding in Prescott, AZ is pretty sweet, completely different than in Bend.  The race is at higher elevation and the temps are certain to be n the 80's if not higher.  Last year Todd Sadow (Epic Rides) decided to include a Pro division category and get many sponsors to pitch in some cash to add some incentive.  That incentive is a total purse prize of $30,000 this year with the men's and women's winner taking home $5000.  Last years' winner was none other than Bend resident Chris Sheppard...who will be returning to defend his title, as will many other strong Pro's.

I will take a short break in May and begin to really focus on the season starting in June.  It's going to be a long season this year (racing into late October) so I am starting the season a  little slower than I have in the past.  I'm excited to represent ProAir HFA again as my title sponsor, and hope to stand on the podium at a few events this season.

Attitude - which one do you have?

I'm copying this post from my fitness site (www.fitnesstrainingbysloane.blogspot.com)

All of us have an attitude, the question is, is it a positive attitude or negative attitude?  The type of attitude you have can affect how you live your life and the things that happen around you. 

Believe it or not, having a good attitude is a choice.  Having a good attitude will lead to positive circumstances. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, in such, that if you have a negative attitude, negative circumstances will occur.

Attitudes can be changed but only if a person wants to alter his/her state of mind.  According toJames Patterson, PhD., FACSM, "people are either the master of their situations or the victims of their attitude".  You can make your attitude whatever you want, you just have to be willing and choose to change.

So why do people have different attitudes?  "All people are born as distinct individuals, with certain characteristics that can affect the attitudes that they hold", says Patterson.  There are, however, other factors that ultimately affect which type of attitude each of us develops.  Some of these factors include your temperament, environment, self-image, how you look physically, your family, and the success you have in life.  In fact, a person is more likely to be successful and be happy in life if they carry a positive attitude.  Have you noticed that you are able to achieve more when maintaining a positive attitude?  If you tend to look at most things negatively, you will probably experience much less success.

One key component of a positive attitude, is that you learn to deal with failures.  You have the ability to see the positive benefits that can be gained from setbacks/failures, etc.  A perfect example of this is a quote from Michael Jordan, arguably the most talented athlete ever to play basketball, and one of the greatest athletes of all time.  "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.  I've lost more than 300 games.  26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.  I've failed over and over and over again in my life.  And that is why I succeed".  


Attitudes can be contagious too.  What I mean by this, is that others like to be around those who have a positive attitude, and those with negative attitudes are usually avoided by others.  Positive people tend to display a level of energy that attracts others.  Think for a second why you like certain people and why you dislike others...makes sense doesn't it?

Our attitudes can also determine the outcome of our actions.  If you stay positive during a certain project or event, it can help ensure success in the end.  I can attest to this from my own personal experience.  During the days I was racing 24-hour solo mountain bike events, I used to think more negative thoughts during the late night /early morning hours of the race.  Instead of saying to myself, "I have only completed 12 hours", I would say, "I've already completed 12 hours and only have 12 more to go".  A simple fix in my thinking allowed me to get through those rough hours much easier.  Another simple thing I did (which was recommended by a former coach of mine, Thomas Chapple) was to post a mantra (positive saying) on my stem so that I could look at it and be reminded of positive thoughts.  I would write things such as "be strong", "I am a fit athlete", or "I finish Top 3".  Keep a positive attitude and good things will eventually happen.

According to Patterson, "a person with a positive attitude sees an opportunity in every catastrophe, whereas an individual who harbors negativity tends to see a catastrophe in every opportunity.  The key is to make the most of every situation.  Positive people respond in a positive way to their circumstances, whatever they might be".

I hope this has given you some food for thought.  Pay attention to your attitude at work, with friends, and during an event you participate in.  If you find that it is more negative than positive, just know that you can change it by choosing to do so.  Just like all things in life, it takes time to make a change.  Very few things happen over night.  Now stay positive in life and with your goals...whatever they may be.

StemCaptain

I have the thermometer stem cap installed, weather has been pretty descent lately, so I am hoping to get outside for a ride soon to fully test the accuracy.

StemCaptain

Just received the new thermometer stem cap from Stem Captain .  It's clearly registering the temperatrure accurately so far, it's dead on with my home thermostat temps.  The temperatures here in Bend are hovering in the 30's so I'm not sure I will be getting outdoors for a ride soon, although I am curious to put the stem cap to use.

Here is a photo of the thermometer I received.

Once I get in some test rides with it outdoors I will post a full review.  I have to say that I am impressed with the construction of the cap.  It was delivered in a secured plastic case and with full instructions how to install.
Head on over to Stem Captain and find one for yourself.

New product sponsor

Have you heard of Stem Captain?  If you haven't, head over here to check them out.  I was fortunate to come in contact with the owner, Mike, and he was generous enough to offer sponsorship.  This is one of the coolest bike accessories I have seen in a while.  They offer clocks, compasses, picture frames (you know you like to paste a photo of your loved one or children on your bike) and even thermometers to replace your stem caps with.

No longer do you need to look at your wrist or push some buttons on your cyclometer to see the time or temperature.  How cool is it to know the temperature while riding/racing.  Located in Colorado, their products can be purchase directly from their website, www.stemcaptain.com, or through QBP.  They are a locally owned and operated small business offering a price point of $15 - $25, this is one addition to your bike you should make.  Your friends will be jealous.  Worried about it getting ruined in the rain?  No need to worry, they are sealed waterproof.  I should be getting a thermometer soon and will post a photo and share some feedback as well.  Stay tuned.

Final thought of 2011

As the hours and seconds begin to tick away from 2011, I want to leave with you one lasting thought...

"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride" - John F. Kennedy

The final countdown

Once again it's getting close to that time of year, yeah you know, the time when you begin to reflect on the good and bad things that happened during the year.  I have learned over my years of Blogging that I have actually had much, much more good things happen to me than bad things.

For instance, I have survived several health scares over the past few years.  I consider myself to be very healthy (exercise regularly, eat a healthy balanced diet, get quality sleep, and have good BP and cholesterol levels), however, without any warning I was having to have surgery to remove a thyroid tumor and parotid gland tumor.  What?  Just like that my life slowed down.  Fortunately, the tumors were removed and I continue to live an active healthy lifestyle.  My point is that you have to enjoy what life throws at you; whether it's a fastball, a curveball, or even a slider (although maybe not a knuckleball :-) make the most of it and have fun.

Life is way too short to reflect on the bad or negative things that happen to us.  Trust me, if you put your energy towards things that make you and others happen you will live much longer and probably much healthier.

So as 2011 comes to a close, reflect on the good things that have happened to you or a loved one throughout the year.  Be thankful for something (your health, your marriage, your success in business, a new child, etc) and as we roll in the New Year, set some goals that you want to achieve.  I'm not sure why we wait until the end of the year to begin thinking about setting goals.  This is something we all should be doing throughout the year.

Here is a simple idea:  Each month set a goal.  It doesn't have to be BIG, just something that you want to accomplish or achieve (and one that is realistic) and make it happen.  In order for this to take place, you have to write them down.  Grab your 2012 calendar (or smartphone) and for the next 3 months write your goals for Jan, Feb, and Mar.  This will hold you accountable, something all of us need, and will set you on your path to a successful year.  It can be as simple as signing up for an event, registering yourself for a continuing education class, meeting a sales quota, losing "X" amount of weight, learning how to ski, climbing a mountain, or proposing to your girlfriend.

Whatever it is, MAKE IT HAPPEN.  So what are you waiting for, you should be jotting down some notes as you read this.  By the time you are done reading you just might already have your first 3 months' goals.

I hope I have inspired some of you to think a little differently about life.  As I said earlier, life is too short.  Before you know it, something might be gone. Tell someone they did a good job, pat someone on the back when they do something new, smile don't frown, and last but not least, eat your veggies.

I bet you are smiling already.

Happy Holidays and a safe New Year!  

Another reason why YOU should be using TRX

Photo: © Bettini

Photo: © Bettini

If you need more reasons why you should be using the TRX during your strength training, just let Ivan Basso (Liguigas/Cannondale) show you.   He is shown here during the Team Training Camp doing a hamstring curl and single leg squats.  This is one of the most useful pieces of equipment you can put in your "tool box".  I personally use this during all phases of my training, as well as utilize this while training  my clients.
Don't just get stronger for competition, build a strong core for everyday activities.

Big wheel video

Check out the Santa Cruz Tall Boy 29er ripping video.  I'm a believer of big wheels.

Good news!

Ironically as I am typing this I just noticed that it is 11:11am on 11/11/11...creepy.

Just got word last week that ProAir will once again be renewing my contract and remain as my Title sponsor during the 2012 season.  I was elated to hear the good news.  I don't know all the details as of yet, but I couldn't be happier to continue to represent a company who believes in supporting an active and healthy lifestyle.   "ProAir® HFA: Rescue inhaler for asthma, EIB, and COPD".  ProAir HFA is designed to keep people active and will provide the user up to 200 doses. 

Watch this video to learn more about the ProAir HFA difference.