As for me, I’m going to take it easy for a few weeks. The buildup to a large goal, while exciting, is also somewhat tiring. I trained consistently for Leadville this year, and I was very focused on the event for the weeks between the end of the Tour de France and the race. I advise athletes that it’s a good idea to take a little time away from structured training after a big goal event. You need the mental break, as well as the physical recuperation.

I’m going to stay on my bike over the next few weeks, but just for fun and to maintain my routine of riding during the week. I’m not going to worry about how fast I’m going, how much power I’m producing, or how many calories I’m burning. I’m just going to enjoy the outdoors and the fact that I’m pretty well trained right now.

In a few weeks, though, I know I’ll start thinking again about what I want to accomplish next as an athlete. I’ll get the itch to start training again, and I’ll feel that pull toward some structured interval training. After all, there’s another local mountain bike race in Colorado Springs this October…

My experience preparing for the Leadville 100, completing the event, and now moving on past it, can hopefully provide some useful lessons for anyone out there preparing for an endurance event:

1.    Be Consistent in Training:

Even if your fitness isn’t exactly where you want it to be, it’s very important to be consistent with your training. I knew I wasn’t going to be as strong as I was last year, but I stuck with my training rides, adjusted them as needed based on my conditioning, and got the job done. My fitness was just OK, but consistency gave me the endurance and fortitude necessary to reach the finish line at Leadville (37% of the riders who started this year failed to finish).

2.    Build a Strong Support System:

My family has always been supportive of my training, but this year it really helped that I had more than a dozen colleagues who were also preparing for Leadville. There were times during the winter and spring when I wanted to stay in the office and work, figuring I had plenty of time to train later, but their encouragement helped me get out there and train. When my summer training turned out to be lighter than I’d hoped, that earlier foundation they helped me build became very important.

3.    Be True to Yourself:

However wonderful or inadequate your training has been leading up to an event, it’s important to recognize exactly how fit you really are, and plan your event accordingly. Had I started the Leadville 100 at the pace necessary to achieve a sub-nine-hour finish, I would have been so exhausted in the second half of the event that I may not have finished at all. I maintained an intensity level I knew I could sustain with the fitness I had, and even though it was a little slower than I wanted to go, it was the right speed for the day.

4.    Pat Yourself on the Back and Move On:

As a coach, I’ve always advised my athletes to take some time to recognize their achievements. You worked hard, achieved something you wanted, and you’ve earned the right to be proud. Too many athletes just put their accomplishments behind them immediately and turn only to the next event. When you do that, you never get to really enjoy the fruits of your labor, and eventually you start to forget what it is that drew you to your sport in the first place. But don’t dwell on your achievements, either. I’m happy about Leadville, and I’m going to enjoy this feeling, but within a few weeks, I’m going to turn my attention to my next goal.

Lindsay Hyman (Finishing Time of 10:45:59)
When I told everyone that I was doing Leadville my friends and family automatically assumed it was the run, not the bike.  I had been on a mountain bike a couple of times about 4 years ago; I was covered in bruises, crying and swore I would never touch a mountain bike again.  So here is a short progression of my Leadville experience:
•    January: CTS coaches receive an offer of bypassing the lottery to get into the race; I put my name on the list and mailed in my entry fee.
•    February: Still waiting for my mountain bike to arrive.
•    March: First mountain bike ride, what the F–K am I doing.
•    April: First crash – 2 endos, 1 cracked helmet, and shaken confidence.
•    May: First mountain bike race.
•    June: Enjoying mountain biking and exploring trails.
•     July: Won a couple of mountain bike races in Colorado Springs.
•    August: Leadville 100, 10:45:59.4 (15 minutes under my goal)!

Leadville was a good kick in the butt, riding for 10 hours in the the rain, hail, wind, mud, some sun, and a couple of rainbows was well worth the training, cuts and bursises along the way.  Would I do it again…. give me another week or two to think about it.

Mike Durner (Finishing Time of 10:21:00)
I want to start by saying I did not ride within myself, I did not achieve my goal yet I had a great time and can’t wait to do it again! The first 2 hours were awesome; I couldn’t have asked for a better suffer fest, riding on pace in cold, wet, muddy, conditions and things got bad.  First my legs just stopped, and then my stomach stopped working, but I decided early on that quitting was not an option. Instead, I soft-pedaled and hike - a - biked through 55 miles of Lake County beauty.  During this time I chatted with other riders, the CTS crew and daydreamed about the I.V. that I was going to get at the finish.  I had experiences that I never would have thought of, vomiting while descending from Hagerman Pass Road to May Queen (at least until I realized that this might end in a crash) and giving one of my former athletes, as he put it “the highlight of my racing career, passing you.” So if your day ever sours at Leadville, don’t quit, just continue to enjoy.

Nick White (Finishing Time of 9:32:38)
As a coach, I definitely understand the importance of course preview.  So without the opportunity to see or ride any of the course beforehand, my strategy was to be as strong as possible, know as much as I could about the route, and minimize the potential dangers that I could control.  Nearly everything went according to plan, except for the climb up the Columbine. Tough hill.  I’ll probably take another shot at ‘er next year.

Kirk’s Leadville Story (Finishing Time of 9:00.5):
I started the day hoping to ride sub-9 hrs but thinking that if everything went well I could be closer to 8:40.  I was nervous about the start…not sure how crowded and dangerous it would be and not sure what the weather would hold (the clouds looked pretty ominous hanging over the mountains).  Despite the nerves, my start actually went very well. I moved up easily through the field and climbed quickly over the first big climb.  I was feeling great, in a good group, and following my nutrition plan: exactly where I wanted to be.

But once it started raining I got wet, muddy and cold fast.  I wasn’t feeling great approaching the base of the Columbine climb, but I wasn’t expecting to feel as bad as I did when I started climbing.  For whatever reason (cold?) I just couldn’t climb like I expected.  Other riders were flying past me; I wondered if my sub-9 bid was over as I watched the minutes tick by.  I was on the ground with intense hamstring cramps at treeline…I started walking up the steep sections and my legs felt better, but I was much slower (4:45) than my goal time at the turn-around point.  I’d have to ride a 30 minute negative split to break 9 hrs.  I kept telling myself it was still possible, but I knew I was cutting it close.

On the decent down Columbine and through the flatter middle sections I started feeling better.  Going into the last few hours I knew I was on the edge and every section mattered.  I only let myself focus on one hill at a time…don’t loose any time on that climb. I was 8:02:30 with 10 miles to go.  I knew it was possible to ride the last section in under 60 minutes and I approached the last 5 mile “Boulevard” pretty confident I’d finish with a few minutes to spare.  My chain broke with about 3 miles to go and with surprising patience and ease I was able to replace a link and start going again.  But now I was really cutting it close…I kept looking at my watch and trying to estimate how much time I’d need to get up and over the last straightaway.

I turned the final corner with spectators shouting how little time I had to go sub-9.  I crested the final rise and had 60 seconds to make it the final few hundred yards.  It was going to be close…the crowd was screaming…my legs were screaming…the clock was ticking 8:59:57, 8:59:58, 8:59:59.  I finished 5 seconds too late.  I lay on the ground for a few minutes after crossing the line, completely exhausted and in disbelief that I had missed my goal by so little.  As my wife and other volunteers helped me out of the finish area, they were quick to say I’d still earn a big belt buckle since my chip time would be a few seconds under 9 hours.  Plus, they said, Ken always holds a vote and everyone will vote to give it to you!

Sure enough, I got the big buckle.  I’m enjoying the accomplishment as a lot of hard preparation went into my event.   But I’m also trying not to think about all the places I could have shaved off 5 seconds over the long 9 hour day!

Jessica Niles (Finishing Time of 11:44:00)
This was my first Leadville 100 and I squeaked just under the 12hr cutoff.  All was going well until the Columbine climb, where I had a mini meltdown.  I should have purchased a new chain before the race. The sequence went something like this:  snap chain, pull over to side of the road, fix chain, pray.  Repeat three times with 5 minutes easy pedaling between intervals. I begged, I pleaded… and someone was listening.  I covered the last 50 miles and 4th (and would-be fatal) mechanical never happened.  Thank you to our supportive crew who filled me full of GU Electrolyte Brew and optimism.  You said I’d finish under 12 hrs if I just kept going and I didn’t believe you until I reached Carter Lake!

Adam Pulford (Finishing Time of 8:33:40)
It was a fast start to an eventful race this year. The top 100 racers set a high tempo, but it was fine by me since it was such a cold start to the morning. A group of us coaches got organized right away on the paved descent and when we hit the first dirt section rolling through a cow pasture up to the first significant climb, our first surprise of the day came from a heard of cattle. Looking to my left, I saw some big animals with horns coming through the woods wanting to cross the fire road we were riding on. Growing up in Northern Minnesota, we herded cattle with my Uncle a bit, so I just yelled “Hee-YA!” like we did back then. It seemed to work a bit, as some of the cattle went back up in the woods and some running along side the road instead of aiming directly for us. As our group slowed, soon everyone was yelling “Hee-YA!” at the cattle. About a half dozen of the cattle crossed the road and some stayed at bay. We sped back up and started climbing. One of the racers said it well: “Only in Leadville…”

Thankfully, there were no more cattle incidents for the rest of the race, but the weather gave it’s fair share of surprises along the course. From wind, to rain, snow, and hail we seemed to ride through just about every type of weather condition imaginable. We even got some sun, which was welcoming. But where else can you herd cattle, ride through all four seasons of weather, and reach 12,7000ft all on a bicycle? Only in Leadville…

Michael Berg (Finishing Time of 10:33:18)
Please extend this to all those at  CTS. The training camp in June was an awesome amount of help and was great timing to allow for my own on course training leading up to race day. I look forward to being involved with CTS for my next Leadville.

I especially would like to send a big Thank You to the ladies that helped me on my second trip through the Twin Lakes aid station. I was so sick. I was set on quitting at that point. You guys got me through and I finished!

Here is a blog entry from my experience. It is kind of long, but I hope I’ve captured my experience so I can read this again in 20 years and feel like it was yesterday.

http://tinyurl.com/otg6m2

I’m ready to go again! Next weekend!?! (not really, need a few weeks)

Actually, the even bigger story was the performance of CTS Athletes behind Lance. CTS Athlete Max Taam (coached by Jim Lehman) finished 6th, Manuel Prado (current Costa Rican National Champion coached by Adam Pulford) finished 8th, and CTS Coach Jason Tullous finished 10th. After Tullous, CTS Coach Jake Rubelt finished his 8th Leadville 100 in 8:01:06 for 21st place. Max’s coach and Manny’s coach were even in the race themselves; Lehman finished 24th and Pulford broke the nine-hour mark with a time of 8:33:40. CTS National Sales Manager Steve Harp crossed the line with Pulford to break nine hours on his first attempt at the race, and CTS Kirk Nordgren was the last of 130 riders to finish in less than 9 hours. Actually, as I explained in yesterday’s blog, Kirk finished 5 seconds too late, but Ken Chlouber and the crowd gave him the big belt buckle anyway.

After Kirk, riders continued to roll across the finish line for another four hours. Nick White, who works in the Tucson office and coaches 2008 Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander decided to make the Leadville 100 his first mountain bike race ever, and he crossed the finish line in 9:32:38. CTS Coach Jay Guyot, also up from the Tucson office, finished in 10:11:12. CTS Editorial Director Jim Rutberg completed his fifth consecutive Leadville 100 in 2009, this time in 10:23:36. It was the slowest of his five finishes, but he made it through on experience even if was lacking in fitness this time around. CTS Coach Teri Pitman passed Rutberg on the Columbine climb and stayed ahead of him all the way back to Leadville to finish in 10:17:48. Between them there was CTS Coach Mike Durner, who was on track for a sub-9 hour finish until stomach problems left him vomiting off his bike. He took care of himself as best he could, relied on the other CTS coaches at the aid stations, and persevered to the finish.

CTS Coach Lindsay Hyman finished the Leadville 100 on her first attempt in 10:45:59. Not bad considering she’s only been riding a mountain bike since March of this year. CTS Coach Joe Collins finished his second Leadville 100 in 11:11:01, and CTS Coach and Athlete Services representative Jessica Niles crossed the finish line at 11:44:00 to earn her first Leadville 100 belt buckle. I think that’s everyone, but I’m sure someone will remind me if I forgot a coach who was in the race.

The 2009 Leadville 100 was a great event, not only for me, Lance Armstrong, the CTS Coaches, and dozens of CTS Athletes in the event, but for more than 850 racers who crossed the finish line in less than 12 hours. Every rider in the race has a story, and tomorrow I’ll post some of the stories that I’ve been getting via email.

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

P.S.: One rider during the race asked me if it bothered me that so many CTS water bottles were dropped along the course, and I don’t know if he’ll see this, but he raises an important question. We gave out a lot of bottles, and some were dropped on the ground along the course. There were also a lot of wrappers from energy bars, gels, etc. that riders left behind. While it’s best for all of us to carry as much of our trash as possible off the course as we leave it, it’s also important to know that race volunteers go back over ever inch of the 100-mile race course and pick up trash left behind by racers and support crews. So yes, it would have been best if no CTS water bottles were left on the course last Saturday, but fortunately, by the time the competitors in this Saturday’s Leadville 100-mile Run hit the trail, it will be as clean or cleaner than it was before the mountain bike race.

I was very tired, having finished my fourth Leadville 100 with a time of 10:01:something. It was more than an hour slower than my time from last year, but I knew going in that my fitness wasn’t what it was in 2008. Add to that the cold weather in the morning and the very cold rain that fell at about 7:30AM at 11,000 feet above sea level, and I knew by the time I reached the 40-mile mark that I wasn’t going to break 9 hours. Honestly, once I knew I was well off 9-hour pace, things got somewhat easier. I wanted to ride well and have a good race, but with less pressure to achieve a specific finishing time I was able to back off the throttle a bit and just stay at a pace I knew I could hold. That also allowed me to interact with other riders more than I have in years past, and since my daughter Anna was at one of the aid stations I took the opportunity to pause a little longer than I have in previous years. Considering the difference in my workload and travel schedule between 2008 (before Lance’s comeback) and 2009 (after Lance’s comeback), I’m OK with my finish this year. More than that, I’m really proud of the results recorded by CTS Athletes and Coaches. I’ll have more of those specifics tomorrow.

One story before I end tonight, though. The Leadville 100 is all about triumph over adversity and pushing through mental and physical barriers. For CTS Coach Kirk Nordgren, this was his first Leadville 100. He endured the cold rain about an hour into the race, and he rode through the hailstorm above 11,000 feet on the Columbine climb, stuck to his race plan and his nutrition plan, and was on track to finish in just under nine hours. Less than two miles from the finish line, his chain broke. With the rain and mud, mixed with sand and grit from the trail, chains were breaking left and right all day. Kirk just happened to break his agonizingly close to the finish. He hopped off the bike, repaired the chain as quickly as he could, trying to stay calm, but knowing that he didn’t have much time to get to the finish. He sprinted over the final little hill on 6th Street, sped down the hill and started coming up the final rise to the red carpet that leads to the finish line. Crowds four people deep lined the barriers on both sides of the road screaming at him to hit the line before 8:59 turned to 9:00. He lunged for the line, fell over trying to unclip his shoe from his pedal, and the clock read 9:00:05.4.

All riders finishing under 12 hours receive a rodeo-style belt buckle, but the riders who finish faster than 9 hours receive a bigger version. Traditionally, the fate of the first rider over the 9-hour mark is handed over to the crowd at Sunday’s award ceremonies. By an overwhelming round of applause, hoots, and hollers, Kirk was given the thumbs up by his Leadville family and awarded a big belt buckle. In return, he says, he’ll do his best to make sure he crosses the line with plenty of time between him and that nine-hour mark next time.

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

You should follow me on Twitter here.

4-6 ounces of al dente pasta
2 fried eggs, hard yolks
Coffee (not more than 2 cups)
Whole-wheat toast with butter or peanut butter

I realize this breakfast is a bit higher in fat than a lot of weight-conscious exercisers would like. The reason for this, however, is that I’m embarking on a 9-hour ride. The important things about my meal are that it’s sufficient to top off my glycogen stores and blood glucose (plenty of carbohydrate), and that it has some fat to keep me from getting ravenously hungry in the first few hours of the race. This is similar to what we used to do as professional cyclists in 3-week stage races. The meals were high in carbohydrate, but also contained moderate amounts of both protein and fat because we needed the energy and the satiating qualities of those nutrients.

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

Today is the last day to take advantage of a special bonus on top of the already-great “Create Your Own Comeback” coaching program from Carmichael Training Systems.

Tonight CTS is hosting a spaghetti dinner at one of the houses we rented for this event. The company is a sponsor of the Leadville 100, so there are coaches and athletes from all over the country who have come here to compete and support their fellow CTS coaches and athletes. We’re expecting more than 130 people for our spaghetti dinner, and at least 50 athletes in CTS jerseys on the course tomorrow!

Earlier today, more than 1000 people piled into an old gymnasium in Leadville for a “medical check” (no known drug allergies and taking no meds is the extent of the check) and to pick up a whole lot of stuff. By the time you leave, you have a t-shirt, a poster, a band around your wrist (so you can start the race the next morning), and a backpack full of product giveaways. And when you’re done with the weekend, assuming you finish the race, you also carry home a sweatshirt emblazoned with your name and finishing time, and of course, a rodeo-style belt buckle.

But the medical check and registration is not just about the stuff and getting people into Leadville early on Friday so we can contribute more cash to the local economy. It’s also an opportunity for one of the best post-high-school pep rallies you’ll ever see. 1000+ athletes and their support crews piled into a gym, listening to Ken Chlouber – part race director, part evangelist – deliver a healthy dose of inspiration and recognition. Riders who are first-timers are asked to stand and be recognized, and then riders who have finished 10 or more times, then the hardy few who have finished all 15 Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Races. The medical staff talks about the dangers we’re all about to face, from dehydration to hyponatremia (water intoxication), hypothermia to lightning strikes, and of course broken bones from crashes. Even some of the stars in the race are introduced. Six-time defending champion Dave Wiens gets the biggest round of applause, and unfortunately Lance was delayed this year and wasn’t able to make it in time.

And at the end, Ken Chlouber reiterates the line he’s said so many times before: “You’re stronger than you think you are. You can do more than you think you can.” It’s simple and it’s true, in endurance sports and anywhere else in life. Ken may say he’s just an old miner, but he’s a wise old miner.

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

You only have until August 15 to take advantage of a special bonus on top of the already-great “Create Your Own Comeback” coaching program from Carmichael Training Systems.

It’s important to realize that while I have this plan, there’s a very good chance I will deviate from it during the race. While in competition, you have to listen to your body and understand how to adjust accordingly. If I feel like I need more sodium, for instance, I may take more bottles of Electrolyte Brew because each bottle delivers 450 milligrams of sodium. Or I may decide that I don’t have a taste for Snickers that day and instead I want a granola bar or more packages of GU Chomps. The important thing is to keep eating and drinking consistently in order to deliver a constant flow of energy, fluids, and electrolytes to working muscles.

My 2009 Leadville nutrition plan is a little different than it was in 2008, mainly because my caloric intake last year wasn’t quite sufficient. I finished in 8:45:56, got my big belt buckle, and set a new best time by more than 20 minutes, but I was clearly fading in the final 10 miles. I attribute that to running a little low on fuel – not enough to fully bonk, but enough to feel like I was running on empty. So this year, my nutrition plan is about 400 calories more robust than last year.

At the Start (300 calories)
•    2 GUs  (200 calories)
•    1 water
•    1 bottle of GU Electrolyte Brew (100 calories)

The Way Out
Feed Zone 1 (550 calories)
•    2 waters, 1 GU Electrolyte Brew (3 total bottles) (100 calories)
•    1 snickers bar (250 calories)
•    2 GU Roctane (200 calories)

Feed Zone 2 (450 calories)
•    2 waters, 1 GU Electrolyte Brew (3 total bottles) (100 calories)
•    1 snickers bar (250 calories)
•    1 GU Roctane (100 calories)

The Way Back
Feed Zone 3 (550 calories)
•    2 waters, 1 GU Electrolyte Brew (3 total bottles) (100 calories)
•    1 snickers bar (250 calories)
•    2 GU Roctane (200 calories)

Feed Zone 4 (550 calories)
•    2 waters, 1 GU Electrolyte Brew (3 total bottles) (100 calories)
•    1 snickers bar (250 calories)
•    2 GU Roctane (200 calories)

Total Calories consumed: 2400
Predicted Calories expended: 5300 (8:45 pace)
Stored Glycogen: 2500 calories
Blood Glucose: 1000 calories
Positive Calories: 600

I will also have 1 GU and 1 package of GU Chomps in my pocket at the start for emergency needs

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

You only have until August 15 to take advantage of a special bonus on top of the already-great “Create Your Own Comeback” coaching program from Carmichael Training Systems.

While the Leadville 100 is a summer-time race that starts in the early morning and is generally over by mid-afternoon, there’s a lot that can happen in the hours in between. On top of that, the weather in Leadville changes very quickly, largely due to the high-mountain environment. We all think the sun’s going to be out on Saturday morning, but I don’t want to wake up to rain and 45 degree temperatures only to realize I have no warm clothes.

And packing for cooler temperatures isn’t just a pre-race issue. Since the event lasts around 9 hours – give or take a few hours – there’s more than enough time for bad weather to roll in while you’re out on course. That’s why I have warm clothes and rain jackets in a bag I send to the Twin Lakes Aid Station. You see this aid station 40 miles into the race, and again 60 miles into the race (you climb the Columbine climb to the turnaround point of the race and then come back through Twin Lakes). This makes it a great place to evaluate the clothing/equipment you’re going to need for the Columbine ascent and descent, and also for the trip back to town.

At 9,500-12,600 feet above sea level, hypothermia is a risk even at the height of summer. When the rain falls up there, it’s ice cold, and once you’re soaked it can be very difficult to maintain your core temperature. Getting into dry, warm, and water-resistance or water-proof clothing can mean the difference between reaching the finish line or needing medical assistance. So, despite going to a summer race, I’m packing my winter and wet-weather gear as well. And as always, I’m taking Aquaphor to prevent chafing (a big problem during ultra-endurance events), sunscreen, my Smith eyewear and a few replacement lenses so I can change the lens color if I want to, and my MBTs so my legs don’t get tired walking around on Friday afternoon/evening (I’ll need them again on Saturday afternoon after the race…).

In terms of equipment, packing for Leadville means checking over my Serotta one last time and making sure it’s tuned and ready to go. I’m also bringing some spare parts, just in case something happens on Friday’s warm-up ride, because I’d hate to be all the way up there, have a spoke break or a cleat snap off my shoe, and not be able to race because of it. By packing early, I can make sure I have all the spare parts I want to take with me, and I still have time to hit the bike shop if I find I’m missing something.

The other thing I’m packing tonight is my on-bike tool kit. In mountain biking, you’re not allowed to receive mechanical assistance from your support crew, so they cannot touch my bike or fix anything on it. And there are long stretches of the Leadville course that are not close to an aid station, meaning a broken bike translates to a long walk out. As a result, I make sure I carry the following items during the Leadville 100 (which is more than I normally carry on a training ride):

- Spare tube

- Patch kit (in case I get a second flat)

- Tire levers (to get the tires off and on the rims)

- Inflation Devices: I carry a small pump and a CO2 inflator. I’ll use the CO2 first because it’s a lot faster, but I carry the pump for backup because once you’re out of CO2, you’re screwed if you don’t have any other way to get air into your tires.

- Multitool: I carry a folding tool that has a wide array of Allen Wrenches, screw drivers, a chain tool, and spoke wrenches.

- Power Link: This is a small replacement link you can use to put a broken bicycle chain back together. If the chain breaks, you use the chain tool on the multitool to take off the broken link, and replace it with the Power Link. All told, you can be back on your way in less than 5 minutes.

- Cleats: Modern mountain bike shoes attach securely to the bike’s pedals using a binding system similar to what you see on skis. There’s a cleat on the bottom of the shoe that snaps into the pedal, and once you’re “clicked in”, you and the bike are one. Disconnecting is easy and hands-free, all you do is rotate your heel out and the pedal disengages. Originally these systems were designed for safety because they would allow the rider and the bike to separate during a crash. But cleats can break or come loose from the shoe, so I like to carry at least one extra cleat with me for Leadville, because pedaling home with one leg doesn’t sound like fun.

One other tip for other athletes who might be packing tools for a long endurance event: you can either put the aforementioned tools in a bag that secures under your saddle, or you can carry them in one of the pockets of your jersey. I use a saddlebag, but one of my colleagues uses a Ziploc bag so he can easily transfer the whole thing from one jersey to another. If it rains, for instance, and he needs to switch jerseys, he wants to be able to quickly get all his tools from one jersey to the next without worrying about leaving something behind. Why doesn’t he just use a saddlebag? Believe it or not, he thinks it’s quieter to have the tools in his pocket so they’re not rattling around in a bag under his seat

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

You only have until August 15 to take advantage of a special bonus on top of the already-great “Create Your Own Comeback” coaching program from Carmichael Training Systems.

Beyond the logistics behind mobilizing the entire company for a weekend jaunt into the mountains, the coaches and staff in the office who are planning on riding the race are busy talking through and reviewing their race-day strategies. Depending on the goal (sub-nine-hours, reaching the finish line, setting a personal best, etc.), they are considering whether it’s better to dig deep at the beginning or ride conservatively for the first 40 miles. Some are deciding whether to switch tires or change their suspension setups based on reports that this summer’s severe rains have left the course rutted and sandy.

Me? This afternoon, between meetings and some on-camera work for a new series of training DVDs that will be coming out later this fall, I was reading through the results and time splits from last year. There are a few key times that stick in my head. In order to finish the race in less than nine hours, you pretty much need to reach the 50-mile mark, the summit of the Columbine Climb, by 11:00AM (4.5 hours after leaving the starting line at 6:30AM). From there you need to get back to the Twin Lakes Dam aid station before 11:45PM. To stay on target, you have to cover the next leg to the Pipeline Aid Station within one hour, reaching it by about 12:45-12:50. From that point you’re a little more than 25 miles from the finish, but those 25 miles include the slow grind up the Powerline Climb and another long climb up a paved road to the final off-road descent down St. Kevins. To finish faster than 9 hours and earn the bigger of two rodeo-style belt buckles, you have to reach downtown Leadville by 3:30PM. For comparison’s sake, when Dave Wiens won last year and set a new course record, he arrive back in Leadville at about 1:15PM.

Since I’m pretty sure I don’t have the fitness I had last year, when I rode strong right from the start and finished in 8:45:56, I’m going to start more conservatively this year. There’s not likely to be much difference in my time splits for the first 40 miles, but going even a few minutes slower will mean a significant decrease in my effort level over that distance. Hopefully that will mean I’ll have more energy left in the tank for the Columbine Climb, because a strong effort on that 10-mile climb can more than compensate for losing a few minutes in the miles before that. Similarly, going really hard on the flatter terrain and gaining a few minutes before the climb can really backfire. If you fatigued and run out of energy on a long climb, there’s nowhere to recover and get back into your rhythm. As a result, you can lose massive amounts of time.

So, rather than drive the pace over the first few climbs this year, I think I’m going to back off just a hair and conserve my energy for a big push on Columbine. I doubt I’ll rival my time from last year, but if I ride smart there’s still a chance I’ll come in under the nine-hour mark.

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

You only have until August 15 to take advantage of a special bonus on top of the already-great “Create Your Own Comeback” coaching program from Carmichael Training Systems.

After the mining industry left Leadville in the mid-1980s, Ken and Merilee started promoting endurance events around the town. And they developed the race schedule into a finely-tuned economic machine. As a competitor you have to be in Leadville the day before your race for a “medical check” and pre-race meeting. The medical check consists of telling a doctor you have no known allergies and you’re not on any medications, but it got you into town a day before the event so you can spend money in the local restaurants and shops, and stay a night in a Leadville hotel. Then there’s the race itself the next day. In the case of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race, the race is on Saturday and the award ceremonies are Sunday morning, keeping you in town for another evening.

From an economic perspective, it’s brilliant. There’s not another town nearby that would be convenient to commute from, and competitors almost always bring family and friends as support crew. There are nearly 1,000 people who will start the 2009 Leadville 100 mountain bike race, which probably translates to an influx of about 3,000 overall people into the town for a three-day weekend. Add to that the number of fans who will show up this year because Lance Armstrong is competing, and you can see how one little mountain bike race can be such an important part of the old mining town’s economy. And it doesn’t stop there: the following weekend, 600 competitors will line up for the Leadville 100 Run, and the runners bring much larger support crews for an event that lasts 22-30 hours.

I don’t mind that Ken and Merilee have designed the Leadville Trail 100 events to cost me more money over the course of the weekend. I don’t mind because I respect their ingenuity and I admire the fact that their events support so many people in the town of Leadville. When the bottom fell out of Leadville’s economy, they didn’t turn to the government for a bailout, they plowed forward with the pioneering spirit of a western mining town and figured out a way to make it work. And if you’re fortunate enough to be in Leadville this Saturday, you’ll look out over the thousand cyclists who will pack the start/finish area at 6:30AM , cheered on by thousands more as the rising sun lights the towering mountain peaks to the west, and you’ll hear the loud boom of a shotgun as the Mayor of Leadville signals the beginning of a long and glorious day riding through the High Rockies.

Chris Carmichael

www.trainright.com

You only have until August 15 to take advantage of a special bonus on top of the already-great “Create Your Own Comeback” coaching program from Carmichael Training Systems.