Mental Skills-Adapt and OvercomeWritten by Matt Russ
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4.Know your opponent. I encourage my age groupers to look at their opponents splits from last year to determine how well they paced themselves. This can help you determine when to attack and when to hold back. Sometimes minutes can be made up over your opponent simply by practicing transitions. Knowing how your opponent reacts to certain situations can work to your advantage as well. Usually when someone reacts emotionally instead of logically it will work to your advantage. Your opponent does not have to be a person it can be a race course or even yourself. The athletes that know and practice on course they will race on have a clear advantage. 5.Show uncommon resolve. You have to believe that no matter what you will not give up or tire. Once you know this about yourself you will be more confident in your ability to adapt and overcome. 6.Don’t be afraid to make concessions. You may need to pull in flats where you are stronger so that you do not get dropped in mountains where you are weaker. You have to give in order to take. Try to give that which is least desirable in order to take what is most important to you.There are many instances in which these skills will serve you as an athlete and in life. The next time you are faced with a difficult situation try using some of them. Often, just choosing and implementing a course of action will help you mentally as you begin moving through problem.
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt coaches athletes for CTS, is an Ultrafit Associate, and owner of www.thesportfactory.com
| | Road Bike Selection and Purchase 101Written by Matt Russ
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New or used? Buying a new bike is like buying a new car. As soon as you drive it off showroom you are out considerable money, but there is nothing like that new bike feel. If you are not handy, it is going to need regular maintenance (I recommend you learn basics). Some shops offer a free lifetime maintenance policy. This is a good deal; a full adjustment can run $40+ a pop. If you buy a used bike off of Ebay or from an individual, you may get a lot more bike for money or you may get a piece of junk. If you want to pair price down, go used, but don't go cheap. If you are not sure if you are going to stick with cycling this may be way to go. Either way I highly recommend you get professionally sized, and that does not necessarily mean sales guy at shop. An expert will spend a good hour with you examining every aspect of bikes fit (as many as ten different aspects). I believe you get your best value with large manufacturers such as Giant, Trek, and Cannondale to name a few. The bikes are mass produced, but are generally very high quality and offer highest component level for price. Think of them as Hondas'. The European models generally have more "panache" with custom colors and even custom fitting. The Porshes' can run up to $8000 but are beautifully hand crafted works of art. A personal recommendation of mine; Giant TCR2 which I think is one of best bike values. I believe they are going for around $1300. This puts a world class, extremely light bike in your hands for not a lot of money considering weight and features. The fall is a great time to buy a bicycle because shops are clearing out old models to make room for next years and Christmas rush. You are also going to need shoes, helmet, water bottle cages, computer, a good pump, flat kit, padded shorts, perhaps a rack, and tool kit. Be prepared, this is not a cheap sport even for beginner, and there is an initial investment. You can find good prices online for accessories at Nashbar.com, Performancebike.com, or Sportsbasement.com.
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmicheal Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
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