Auf Wiedersehen.
That's "See ya" in German.
Sunday I'm off to compete at Roth, then on to France and the Tourmelet to recover and watch the Tour. It's taken 5 years getting the stars aligned (family, financial, time) so that this season could happen. The kids are older and more autonomous (they have autos) and my business is squared away. I did the OS, the Tour de Cali and 2 HIM's on the way here. I've lost 25 pounds and added 30 points onto my ftp. My run is....better. I am prepared. I've not had an adult beverage since beers at Rich's house in Cali in May. But that's the great thing about Germany- BEER!!!
The town of Roth is 890 years old this year and they go nuts over this race. The crowds are big and enthusiastic. There is one notable climb on the bike course and you have to really really focus not too spike your watts as the crowd parts for you on the way up. There is the "beer mile" on the run course in the middle of town that is apparently nothing but beer gardens. My solemn pledge to Haus EN is that I will pause somewhere in the beer mile, no matter how bad I feel, to break the drought. Just a quick sip. I've studied the 4 Keys and it's not in there. Maybe under OODA?
I’m a big believer in crutches, whatever you need, whatever helps you to race happy and loose. They allow ipods on the run so if I’m hurting at the half, I have my mix of polka (Grab Your Balls We’re Going Bowling, by Jimmy Sturz), one hit wonders (Brandy, You’re a Fine Girl, the Looking Glass) and when I need it most, The Hurt Barn Mix, which is all the music from the ft interval work this winter in the OS- lest I forget how much work I’ve put in.
I've stayed the course, faithfully worked the plans, the hay is in the barn, I yam what I yam, work works. When talking split times and execution my training partner and I have both come to agree that the one who wins is the one who has the most fun. I intend to kick his ass.
Cheers!
cm
Comments
Good luck, Chris! Kick some ass and enjoy the recovery beer!
Wow! That sounds like an amazing trip. Have a great time at Roth and kick your friend's ass! So cool that you're going on to see the Tour as well.
Chirs, I'm so glad you gave the nation an update on your plans. Sounds like you're going to have a great time and the race sounds fantastic. You've worked really hard this year. I remember lots of posts about the hurt barn. I'm glad you'll be able to dig deep on the run and be reminded thru your tunes, how hard you did work.
Race well and enjoy the travels.
Dave
sounds awesome, have fun
Did someone say BEER?
Best of luck, take lots of pics and I expect a full bier review when you return.
This is the only German I know..."Noche ein bier bitte", and it's the only German you'll need..."I'd like another beer please". Memorize it, own it, USE IT!
Chris,
Looks like you did the work this year and have been planning this trip for a long time.
Enjoy the race and have fun recovering at the tour.
Gordon
Be a hero for a day at Roth, then cheer them on in the TdF.
Can't wait to hear all about it! You deserve a GREAT day, and I bet you get one. Rock on, bro.
PS--I always wanted to do Roth--let us know how you like it.
Habst du ein tolles Rennen!
I hear European races are great for their crowd support, enjoy yourself and your beer!
be well.
P