Well folks...after a couple long days of diving back into the world of CSS and dusting off the old programming skills, I've just finished developing the new Team Lucca blog. I toyed around with several new ideas and finally settled on with the foundation from this site. There are a few similarities...but for the most part it tapped my graphic design abilities to the core (and I'm a math guy not an artist) to give it its own unique flare. I look forward to handing the reigns off to my Mom up in Sacramento who will rival most out there as a picture junky. Hopefully she will provide you all with some entertaining photos and stories regarding her restaurants up in Sacramento and the happy go lucky running team we started back in 2003. As cancer has touched many of our lives...benefiting those in need is the main goal of Team Lucca. Follow along as they take part in events such as the Race for the Cure and the Race to Feed the Hungry! ...all good stuff!!
Team Lucca
Friday, July 10, 2009
Mixin' it up
Sunday, July 5, 2009
If someone would've told me that on the first day of the Breck Epic I would ride San Juan trail and follow it up with a 40 minute transition trail run; I probably woulda slapped 'em! I would think the odds of that happening going into this season were about 1000/1. Heck those are good bettin' odds!! But life works in strange ways and it just goes to show that no matter where you're at now...spending too much time looking into the future is a waste of time! Enjoy the journey right?! If you're looking for some solid advice...check the comments of the last post. It's great to get feedback from a good group of people and athletes...that have a ton of experience dealing with this stuff.
This weekend started with a cruise out to Carlsbad to hook up with James and the Celo-Pacific crew. I was expecting 5-10 riders on the perfect Friday morning...but once underway I think we were 20-30 deep. Joining us were a couple of riders from the Dewalt team as well as Lauren from the super strong Swami's team. For me it was the first time back on the bike since Palomar so I was well rested but I expected to feel flat. Regardless I was stoked to be out there with James and some other super fast cyclists.
We cruised it out of Carlsbad to the Oceanside bike path. I found myself on the inside line of a double pace-line screaming down one side of the path. This was one of those "alright mountain biker...don't screw it up" moments! I could barely blink with 8 inches of pavement on one side and a 6 inch gap between my bars and the rider next to me...full commitment as we flew down the path at 25 mph third in line. For some dang reason during group road rides I always find myself near the front. On this day I told myself that I would hang with the fast guys and try to sit on a few wheels instead of letting the ego fly off the front, pulling the pack!
Once we rounded the turn to Sleeping Indian road we were faced with the first solid climb of the day. I considered pulling off to take a leak real quick; then I saw James work up to the lead out of the corner of my eye. I dropped a gear and latched on to his wheel as we began to lead the group up the road...this would become the standard for most of the climbs throughout the day. The rest of the group was strong and we all had our strengths. It felt good to ride solid all day with the group. Once back on the flats, the big boys that could make power made us goaters pay for our work. But all in all a great group to ride with. I absolutely punished myself on the ride...and had a blast doing it. You'll probably see some more rides with this crew down the road.
Saturday I woke catch the last half of the first tour stage on Aussie live stream. It was a great way to keep the motivation going as I watched the top echelon of the sport tear through Monaco...and it was even cooler to think I was walking those streets two years ago. After watching Fabian's dominating prologue I cruised out to the winery to spin out the legs from the previous day's work. Right now it is all about mixing it up...finding new ways to train, new areas, new groups, whatever!! The training and racing motivation hit an all time low over the last few weeks and I needed to dig myself out of the hole. So I kept the heart rate low and steady...form in-line, recover.
After the ride Charressa and I cruised down to Road Runner sports to get fitted for some new running shoes. We are both starting to take running pretty serious, so for the sake of avoiding injury we figured the trip would be a good move. After about an hour drive we rolled into the parking lot of "the worlds largest running store." The place was pretty cool and their system was dialed. We stepped across the mats to check the arches and then ran barefoot on the treadmill to check for pronation and alignment. Everything looked good on my end except for a slight pronation in the left foot...likely one of the factors in past injuries. So in the end I came away with Mizuno Wave Ascend 4's...my first trail running shoe!
Today I wrapped up the weekend with Justin and Allison up at San Juan trail. The two are preparing for yet another race up at Downieville. I think they raced more in the month of May than I have all year. So we powered up the climb in 4th of July weekend heat and settled into a solid pace. I had already knocked back some solid leg stress for the weekend so I was just out to have fun. Justin and I hit Cocktail in an exactly an hour...Allison fell in shortly after. It felt great to post a time like that and to feel good doing it. I remember when a 1 hour effort up to Cocktail rock would destroy me. Up top I noticed I had lost a bottle somewhere along the climb. So for the sake of a long weekend we decided to head back and enjoy SoCal's finest descent!
On the way back down we all had fun trying to clean each of the tight switchbacks. I was having a blast after being off the mountain bike for 9 days. Once we hit the bottom the heat was blazing...but it was time to try out the new trail runners. I wished the Mann show good luck, strapped on the shoes and visor, and set a solid pace down the road. I cruised it down to Los Pinos trail and ascended straight up for about 10 minutes. After a good amount of climbing I turned around and cruised it all the way out to the firestation before pushing it back to the car. I felt great during the run...I remembered the feeling of putting down Xterra efforts. My pace was strong and everything felt solid injury wise...a great challenge!
I've added a link to my training log in the right pane for those of you interested in following along. I'm kinda flying by the seat of my pants right now...just trying to have fun while staying fit. Hopefully I will find the perfect mix for laying down some solid training heading into next season. ...but for now, it's all about mixing it up to get out the door...the cool thing is I still feel like I'm getting stronger! Hope you had a great Fourth!
Coming out of retirement
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Well after Beth and Eric called me out on the last post I figure I should give something of value this go around. It has been an interesting couple of weeks to say the least...but it seems that every week has been "interesting" this year so far.
I know Allison and Justin were amazed that I lasted this long before the meltdown from stress of past months. I wouldn't necessarily call it a meltdown...not even the word transition would qualify. It seems that I am in the midst of full blown reform...an internal revolution so to speak. Like in AA you have to hit rock bottom before you can start the road to recovery...well I suppose you could say I hit rock bottom with racing. The plan was to race the 12 hours and end my season...well, I didn't even line up. Months of training, preparation, planning to put my physical self into a perfect peak...then (fart sound!). It just goes to show that the body cannot live without the mind (another nifty Matrix quote for ya).
It was a strange place to be in...mountain bike racer that wakes up one day with zero motivation to race? What?! In all honesty it was a spooky feeling...something that has been a central focus for so long...gone! After a trip up to Sacramento I decided to take some time off...this after decimating personal records of past training years with a monster effort from downtown up to Folsom lake. It was wild to think that I was in perfect physical form and that I needed to take a break...so I pulled the plug on it all and did just that. And when stuff starts getting really weird for me...I turn to the books.
Once the fog started to lift I realized what I was missing. I realized the amount of denial I was in about certain things in life. In a way the stress from the past months clogged up the system and I wasn't able to digest the other important matters of my life....finances, wedding, goals, so on. Once I realized that I had to face these elements things began to shift. All in the process of growth and maturity I suppose...but the strange thing that has come from it is an actual rebirth of an old passion. Slater helped pave the way with inviting me out to the last California Multisport race and after seeing the contrast in Charressa's experience while in race support mode versus that of the EMTB races it became clear. I realized what I was missing...what I initially worked and strived towards during the first four years of racing and training.
I wasn't one of those kids that grew up and saw the Ironman triathlon on TV and said, "I have to do that" like so many people have stated during their post experience interviews. I grew up watching Eco-Challenge and Primal Quest...that to me seemed like the ultimate experience...the closest thing to the raw nature of what the pioneers experienced while conquering the west per say. A true test of man versus wilderness...no course markings, days of trial and tribulation, multiple disciplines needed, full body fitness...and fitness of the mind most of all.
So with the eventual test of Ironman St. George on the horizon I've decided to return to multisport. The challenge excites me...and with my knowledge regarding training I am confident that I can overcome the task. The cycling focus served its purpose...and will still remain at the forefront of my athletic pursuits. My focus will remain somewhat with endurance mountain biking with the marathon and 100 mile distances. Beyond that I plan to bring the multisport efforts back into the mix. I've always said that my ultimate goal is to compete in an expedition adventure race such as Primal Quest...it is time to start working towards that goal again. For the first time in a very long time I am finding motivation to get out the door and run, swim, ride...for the sake of fitness and health. I am finding ways to incorporate those around me (family, friends, fiance) into my training to make it mutually beneficial...I've found great reward in that versus the personal pursuit of ones own goals. I think I've found my path...my happiness.
So enough about me...there is great stuff going on in the world of those around me down here in SoCal. Allison got her first win in the pro field at Rim Nordic today. It is her first taste of blood...and now that she has it, her focus will only grow stronger. Slater is dominating nearly every race he is entering...a great example of someone who can go out and race for the sake of fun and make it look easy. Justin has completely turned his focus and coming from the world of downhill is now forcing me to literally "keep up or fall off"...massive lengths! Eric and Trevor sidelined with injury...both with great potential as I'm sure their characters will shine through in the end. Beth is so fast I think the realization of her athletic ability is still trailing behind her. And James...like me is searching for new paths to dominate...new challenges and goals...I look forward to you kicking my ass again next year in Xterra!
I've been posting my work on Attackpoint to give myself a bit more accountability regarding training. Here is a snapshot for ya. It's been an interesting year thus far...time to turn the corner!
Pulling the plug
Monday, June 15, 2009
So I've decided to officially pull the plug on the Breck Epic. It's really just a matter of poor timing and a readjustment of life priorities. It's funny to see how the economy and the changes over the last year has affected those in the racing community. I've noticed quite a few changes out there...from people retiring to coaching, heavy modifications of race schedules, racing local only, etc. I suppose that I too fall into that category. To think of things like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, you really begin to understand that taking the time to train and race sits on the top of the pyramid. One can only be thankful to have had the time and money to drive and compete. Because it is at that point where all of our needs are met.
The Breck Epic will have to wait. In a sense I am a little bummed that I will not be able to attend this vicious week of challenge. And on the other hand I am quite relieved that I will not have to drop another atomic bomb on my finances and deplete my vacation hours...another time perhaps. The motivation, or the focus I should say, has been deteriorating this year. It is time for an adjustment. I need to start racing within my means again and end the struggle. I've been needing a long awaited break for months now. It has been an interesting year for sure.
This season will somewhat culminate with the 12 hours of Rim Nordic this upcoming Saturday. As I look forward to this event, the slate is clean for the remainder of the year. A couple of races exist out there that I will try to attend...but those will likely be last minute decisions so as not to have the stress of commitment. Amazingly as my training focus is diminishing, my fitness is still on ascent. My plans are to continue along the path of riding long hours and seeking out those epic adventures shared with like minded folks. My current outlook is not that of disappointment, but of new beginnings and excitement for a fresh mindset.
There is a famous quote that exists out there today that states there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. The trick is that there are many paths out there for you. Knowing which path to take makes walking it all that much easier. Have a great week!
California Multisport
Sunday, June 7, 2009
This weekend began with another trip up to elevation. Justin and Allison were looking for some time in the clouds before their trip to the Pro XCT in Colorado next weekend. Although us low elevation folks can't do much in a the way of acclimation, trips up into the highlands still help with the comfort. Initially my focus has been to get up into the clouds as much as possible as well...but after this week I think there will be some changes in the schedule over the next month. Nothing is finalized, but I think I am going to have to take a pass on the trip to the Breck Epic. Unfortunately the timing just isn't right...it's time I take a step back from racing the "Big" stuff and get my finances back under control. With a wedding on the horizon and school coming to an end...it is time to adjust my priorities for the better.
So sorry to those eager followers awaiting the punishment to come in Breck...maybe next year. Pending winning the lottery I doubt I will be able to make the trip. The good news is there are plenty more races in my future...and I'm not letting this fitness go anywhere. So back to the riding! We got Justin's B-day weekend underway with a trip from Barton flats up to the summit of Big Bear and back. Linking the Santa Ana River trail with Big Bear has been on my todo list for a while now...and after the fact, riding with these two we made it look easy!
We started the ride from Barton flats down to Glass rd. The track was amazing and we all had huge smiles once we hit the road. It was a hell of a way to start an epic...perfect flowing singletrack, fast and fun!! Then we cruised it up Clark's grade where we covered 3k of elevation starting from 5000 feet. The elevation put us to the test...but once Justin and I started in on some solid interval work, hard became very testing. After summiting we cruised down Plantation singletrack to Camp 89. We climbed back up Pineknot to the ridge and popped up to Radford grade for the descent. All in all it was a solid 5 hours of total time to cover 37 miles and somewhere around 7k elevation.
After the ride we kicked it into camp BBQ mode and enjoyed some killer burgers and good brews. The Mann show introduced me to Dogfish Head IPA and I was thoroughly impressed. After the mandatory Jiffy Pop I hit the road back to town. Stoked on the day...great epic riding, good eats, killer brews, awesome conversations...although this year has been full of disappointments, there have been a few killer days...Thanks guys!
Wait!! What the heck is that guy doing in a kayak??
Ahh...that's better!
Slater invited me out to partake in the California Multisport race at Vail lake this weekend. I obliged the offer with my eventual return in St. George. Slater was slated to run solo, but his wife Monique needed some teammates for the relay...he figured I would be a good fit for the bike leg...he was right!
The couple had a double kayak and since Monique hadn't paddled in a while, she invited me to join her on the trip around the lake. Kayaking has always been an interest of mine so we charged the waters with paddles in hand. It wasn't long before Monique was barking orders from behind and critiquing my form...just kidding! She offered advice as we made our trip around the lake. Slater's rig faded off into the distance as we sat mid pack...chatting, taking pictures, having a blast!! About 45 minutes into the thing I realized the lack of upper body strength and proper paddling form. We made out of the water after around 1:17...that lake is big!!
Once on the bike I began to think...ahhh, this is the office...this is what I do! My legs had a deep soreness from the previous day's work as I powered from the launch ramp. Immediately I began working my way through the field...this is my house, my discipline!! I can run most of these trails with my eyes closed and I summoned a monster effort holding nearly max heart rate for the first 15 minutes of the leg. I passed some familiar faces on course and worked my way from mid-pack to fourth overall. Once back in transition I slapped Nick's hand to run the final stint. With a solid run we took the win in relay...and I posted the fastest bike split in the field! Stoked!
Slater dominated the solo category with a crushing win! This is your stuff bro!
After all was said and done I decided to finish the weekend off with some more Dogfish IPA...solid weekend all around!!
Elevation
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Last weekend was an attempt to get up to elevation to feel the burn...or the inefficiency of an cardiovascular system used to 1500 feet. We cruised up to Rim Nordic to preview the course for the next 12 hour race. It proved to be a great course...but the elevation will make for an interesting strategy over the course of 12 hours. This isn't the 4400 feet of Hurkey Creek...the Rim Nordic course tops out at over 7300. The kicker is Breckenridge sits at 9500 feet and the courses go up from there...I've come to a realization that I will not be competitive at Breck. I will be going into the race with a severe cardiovascular handicap...just not as many red blood cells as the CO residents. All in all I will take it for what it is worth and try to have fun...but the motivation has been running thin lately...I'm just trying to hang on.
Here are some pics from the weekends camping trip up at Crab Flats with Allison and Justin...courtesy of Allison and Steph.
Next weekend another dose.
