Peanuts

Just finished up a rocking 90 minute session in the House of Mirth (formerly known as the House of Pain). For the first time ever I asked the kids to get to 105% of max. For 10 seconds. The real interesting part was when I asked for 80% about twenty minutes later, and the efforts across the board were closer to max than 80%. All this as gauged by RPE. There is good news here.....but

What is it about the human psyche that provides this response? Why is it that when I tell you that you can't do something, you will, or when I tell you to do something, you won't? Is there nothing between on and off? Is the opposite of challenge death? Additionally.....

I was very impressed with all of the athletes and coaches we interviewed in Kona. Their takes on training, and in particular to coaches, and the role they play, (either for positive or negative) in the ceaseless pursuit of speed.

One of the coaches, who for this drill will remain nameless, uses the huge volume, buy into the program 110% approach, and has had phenomenal success with, somewhat surprisingly, female triathletes more than male. Including the last two world champions. The 110% part includes, nutrition, focus, rest and recovery, massage, PT, the soup to nuts approach, unquestioningly and completely. Kinda like boot camp. You buy into what the DI says, and why, or you go home to Mama.
The example I like the most to illustrate this point is that if the coach says that you need to push a peanut down the highway with your nose, you don't ask why, you ask when.

So when I ask for 80%, don't give me 105. Conversely, when I ask for Max, don't give me Mary.

There will be no peanut push today, however, and thankfully.

As promised, here is a sample of the Mt. Hood Time Trial course we filmed Thursday down in The Dalles. It was a perfect day, nice blue skies, quiet stretch of challenging highway and a very talented rider out front of the camera car. David Zimbelman, former UCI World TT Champ, State and National Champion, blistered the 18.5 miles in less than 50 minutes. I am finishing up the master video but managed to grab some iPhone video (through a dirty windshield) of Dave and the course, which is also Stage 3 of the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic.

Big thanks to Chad Sperry at Breakaway Promotions and to the gang at Oregon State Parks for their help and support. Stay tuned as we launch the CompuTrainer Time Trial Series using this course as beta very, very soon.

That's your Saturday folks. Huskies at Arizona tonight for a game that will decide UW Bowl fate. I have but one syllable to snarl: WOOF!

You may eat those peanuts as you watch.