One definition of an amateur is someone who is willing to do a job even though he is not proficient at it. I learned today that I am an amateur cyclist. Every day at camp we concentrate on some key aspects of cycling. The coaches are all very helpful and point out weaknesses that need to be improved. Examples are core strength, climbing skills, and today the masseuse pointed out that I have weak butt muscles and will have better power and less IT band issues if I strengthen them and can recruit them during a ride. Coaches Dan and Elisa have also mentioned that recruiting the correct muscles will help me be a better cyclist.
Ruth has recently be mentioning that my butt has been shrinking, not my best feature she says, and i have to work on butt development. Now how am I suppose to tell this to my coach? Hey Joe, I need to get a bigger stronger butt. I can see it on my workout schedule: 20 butt lifts, 20 cheek tucks, and on and on. I can see that will be a fun conversation with Robbie. It also sharply reduces the people whose knowledge I can draw on when I ask about my butt. Yet as I mentioned earlier I am an amateur so I will do the asking and the developing all in the name of a bigger butt.
Day 4 was an easy day because tomorrow is the big race at Jalama beach. We rode on a beautiful stretch of road with several mild hills just to get the legs warmed-up and working. There was a 4 mile sprint race. Let's say I was not last but I was not in contention. However the big day and the big points are scored during the race tomorrow. My goal is stay with the group until I am pushed off then to ride an individual time trial, feeding every 30m. I think fuel is the key to endurance and constant pressure on the pedals is the key to success.
Wish me luck.
