Active Endurance Sports

National Cyclocross Championships Kick Off

Jesse@Active — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:47:05 GMT

Starting Thursday, December 13, and running through Sunday the 16th, the USA Cycling National Cyclocross Championships will feature the best American racers fighting for the stars and stripes jersey.

Of the record total 2,045 competitors registered for the weekend, Ryan Trebon of Corvallis, Oregon, and Katie Compton of Colorado Springs, Colorado, will be back to defend their elite division titles. There are also 13 age-group champions returning to defend titles in nearly 40 races that will take place over the four-day event.

Athletes from 45 states plus the District of Columbia will compete on the almost two-mile course, which features two back-to-back stair sections, each 40 feet long. Placed a quarter-mile from the finish line, the stairs will make for some tight finishes.

Cyclocross is usually very spectator friendly, and the Kansas City course is no different. Several spots points allow viewers to take in the entire race, and heated spectator tents will also be provided (forecasts are for low to mid-30s for the event).

A wide start area, several segments of doubling-back and some tough hills round out what's in store for the riders. The course will be muddy due to winter storms that went through the area at the beginning of the week.

Jesse Anthony, reigning U23 champion, pushes his bike up a hill. Photo: ©2007 Action Images/Kurt Jambretz

Race Director Bill Marshall said in a press release, "The course is in great shape right now. We had about an inch of snow on the course before this ice storm, but the warmer rain melted it, so now it's a layer of ice. But it's been raining more than anything lately, so it's going to make for pretty muddy conditions for the entire week."

"I think weather always makes racing more interesting," said Georgia Gould, recent winner of the overall Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series and the current U.S. mountain bike national champion. "Mud adds an element of finesse and technical skill over and above simple brute strength. In the end, the winner is the one who makes the fewest mistakes on the slippery course."

Check out www.kccrossnationals.com for race schedules, spectator information, photos, results and more.

You've got 24-hours to race

Active Toby — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 21:54:00 GMT

http://active.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/12/imgp1573.jpgI caught the only showing of the film, 24 Solo, at the historic La Paloma Theater in Encinitas, Calif. The film introduced me to the world of 24-hour mountain-bike racing as well as Chris Eatough, six-time 24-hour solo world champion. The story offered a behind-the-scenes view into the training and personal life of Eatough during his quest for his seventh consecutive title.

On average, Eatough rides six to seven days a week for three hours. Occasionally, he?ll step up to a seven-hour ride in the weeks preceding a major endurance event. He believes that the consistent training allows him to maintain a higher intensity than if he were to train with longer outings, which would prevent him from riding as frequently. This also allows him to stay competitive all season long, as he enters an average of two cross-country races per month in addition to the major endurance events.

I grew up an avid mountain biker on the east coast, riding a long network of trails that double as snowmobile trails in the winter. Thus, I have always respected the sport and I believe this film has expertly portrayed the ?endurance spirit? that I often reference. The mental and physical fortitude that Eatough displays during both training and competition reveals the extreme nature of the sport. 24-hour solo riders are competing against something more formidable than other riders -- themselves.

Although 24-hour racing is not for everyone, Roy Wallack from Dirt Rag Magazine breaks down 24-hour racing essentials in his article, . Wallack details the sports accessibility to relay teams and provides pointers to get you geared-up properly.

(Photo courtesy of Toby Guillette)

Teva Mountain Games

Active Toby — Tue, 01 May 2007 21:50:00 GMT

The sixth annual Teva Mountain Games is returning to Vail, Colo. May 30 - June 3. This is the country's largest adventure sports festival celebrating mountain sports, soul and culture. This week-long gathering of professional and amateur outdoor adventure athletes from around the world will feature competition in multiple sports including: freeride mountain biking and big air, cross country racing and the Vail hill climb, freestyle and extreme kayaking, kayak and raft paddlecross, bouldering, speed and dyno climbing, trail running championships, and the Ultimate Mountain Challenge. To Register for events, click here.

Floyd Landis is set to compete as a member of Team Athletes for a Cure in the Ultimate Mountain Challenge. This event is just eight months after the current/tentative/putative/besieged/etc. 2006 Tour de France winner underwent major hip surgery. Click here to read the full story.

In addition to the athletic events, the Teva Mountain Games will include an adventure photography competition, a film competition, an interactive exhibition and demo area, live music and the prestigious Everest Awards ceremony.

Cross-train like a pro

Active Toby — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 23:28:00 GMT

NBA superstar LeBron James has recently purchased an undisclosed ownership stake in The Cannondale Bicycle Corporation. The privately held company has worked with James before; providing bicycles for the *James Family Foundation*'s annual "King for Kids Bike-a-thon" in Akron, Ohio. This charity bike ride event in James' hometown benefits children and single mothers. The bike that was custom built for the 6 foot 8 inch Cleveland Cavaliers forward was later incorporated into James' off season cross-training workout routine. James often rides 2 to 3 hours at a time during his sessions in the saddle.

To become an internationally recognized NBA superstar like LeBron James or a sub-2:10 marathoner, it is quite obvious that an athlete must train within their discipline. The very best athletes also recognize cross-training as an important component in avoiding injury from repetitive strain or overuse.

I use rock climbing as my cross-training activity. I find that the combination of long and stretchy core power and stability movements without impact is a great compliment to the high pavement-pounding mileage I log each week. Plus, the required upper body strength and endurance helps maintain my muscle mass.

Whether you are looking to excel within your sport or you are more interested in maintaining a high level of overall fitness, cross-training will keep you healthy and motivated.

The following link provides a cross-training marathon plan that incorporates non-impact exercise with running only 3 to 4 times per week!