Distance Cycling
Jerry's Cycling Links:
About a decade ago, I made an effort at trying to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon. Despite some very intense training,
I ran a couple of decent marathons, but never very close to the 2 hours, 22 minutes qualifying standard. Although I enjoyed it, I kept finding myself hurt.
There was always some kind of injury – my upper back, a knee, a hip, my lower back. I simply could not stay injury free. Finally, enough was enough, and I quit competitive running altogether.
To fill the huge fitness void, I turned to cycling. I had done a little cycling in my twenties but nothing that was ever too serious. I didn’t remember being particularly fond of the endeavor. But this time I absolutely fell in love with it. I was smitten. I was hooked. And so I dived in.
I love everything about cycling – the speed, the exhilaration of moving on two wheels, the inherent dangers of having to share the road with cars, the fact that its almost impossible to get hurt (unless you crash), that you can cover long distances with minimal fatigue.
I have ridden solo across the country on two different occasions. Both were fundraisers for local charities and both were from the Pacific to Atlantic. The efforts, both challenging but extremely rewarding, have further whet my appetite for endurance cycling.
My goal is to someday complete the Race Across America. RAAM may well be the toughest athletic event in the world. It’s literally a bicycle race across the United States – 3,200 miles. It is 50% longer than the Tour de France and it has one very big catch. One has to complete it in 12 days or less. That’s right – about 250 miles a day. Minimum. Makes the 100 miles a day I averaged on my two treks across the country look pretty paltry.
I have signed up for a RAAM qualifying event, the Fireweed 400, in Alaska, run on July 11. Its 400 miles through the mountains between Anchorage and Valdez. If I don’t make a qualifying time there, I will enter the Last Chance 1,200K, another RAAM qualifier. It is a 750 mile race from Boulder into central Kansas and back. I entered the race in 2006 and dropped out after 450 miles.
If I qualify this summer, I plan to ride RAAM in 2009.
I have joined up with a Denver company called Peak To Peak Training Systems. It’s a high quality coaching program run by a former world class cyclist, Jon Heideman. I very highly recommend these guys if you are serious about cycling, running or triathlons. They are excellent! They will make you better! You can check them out at peaktopeaktraining.com
I have also joined forces with Forza Athletic Club, a new health club in downtown Denver. Nuggets strength coach Steve Hess, whom I believe is the absolute best in the NBA at what he does, runs the club and has committed to working with me on strength and nutrition. Give them a visit at forzaathleticclub.com
So far, the training is going great. Wish me luck. I have a long, long way to go to reach my goal!
