IN ZONE tells

A couple of interesting reads this morning. What we call "tells" in cycling. Tells are defined as something 'telling' about another rider, the data gleaned is subsequently used as strategy in the heat of battle. As an example, a coach or captain may notice another rider looking tired, anxious or 'out of sorts' prior to a stage. He, or she, can used this intel to enact tactics that could greatly enhance their chances of success. We do this all the time in the civilian world. Size up an opponent, find a weakness, exploit a tendency. What capitalists call being bullish we call racing. In either world, dividends are returned in greater amounts, and with greater frequency when we pay attention to details. 

The first link is from Daniel Coyle's blog. Mr. Coyle has penned several best selling tomes, including a classic tale from the 2004 TdF, called Lance Armstrong's War. Here he expands a subject near and dear to us, that of focus. And how to do it in an advanced state. One of the many points of interest he makes is that of a expansive focus that includes everything (tells) yet does not limit awareness to a single item. This is big time stuff folks. At a very high level of efficiency our awareness needs to expand to match our capabilities. And the practice required to obtain that state is exactly why we dedicate so much time and energy to our craft. Or, in terms to which we can all relate, once you can cruise at 350 watts with a normal heart rate, you had better look around and see how others are reacting. That can be a big tell.

Second is a follow on-piece, this time from the musician's perspective. I have always considered athletes and musicians to be brothers/sisters in arms. We share so much and employ so many of the same skills. Think about breathing and tempo for a quick example. Here, the author talks about working hard in practice in order to relax during the recital or race. Absolutely brilliant grasp of concept. My manta has evolved into something very blue collar like. I believe that the harder, smarter, more focused I train, the more I can relax into a confident relaxation zone necessary for a stellar race day performance. This is why I feel that training is about science and racing about art. And we all know what type of practice makes perfect. The zone of the almost perfect. 

I am here to tell you folks, that rehearsing that zone (yes we have a name for it) in practice makes the invocation on race day as easy as powering up your mobile device. 

How you look, how you present yourself, your grace under fire and ability to maintain a relaxed state of flow will determine the quality of your efforts. Be them in the House of Mirth, in the boardroom, or on the battlefield.

Time IN ZONE tells. 

Pic: Laura in zone this morning in the HoM. With practice the walls all disappear.