Mike Across America

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.”  “If you care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it.” William James

I have many William James quotes.  The late Dr. George Sheehan quoted James many times and that is where I first heard of James.  “Effort is the measure of the man” is another James quote I like. My motivation to attempt RAAM is often questioned. The question I get most often is – Why are you doing it? The answer varies from: “because its a challenge” to “I want to see if I can do it” to “I hope to raise funding for Sanford Research Center and the Dick Beardsley Foundation” to “it sounds like fun” to “I’m not really sure why I’m doing it”. They are all true,  yet trying to explain something as extreme as riding my bike over 3,000 miles in 12 days or less doesn’t really lend itself to simple answers. The old “because its there” probably works about as well as anything else. I hope whoever takes the time to wonder about my motivation will consider their own. What is your reason for doing anything? Can you explain why you do the things you do? Or better, can you explain why you don’t do the things you would like or know you should do?  Dr. Sheehan often wrote and spoke about becoming the best you, that you could become – whatever that is. He felt that developing the body, mind and spirit was essential to become the “best” you. Will riding my bike across the United States in 12 days make me a better me? I’m not sure but I’m willing to find out.

Philosopher William James said: “Do something everyday for no other reason than you would rather not do it, so that when the hour of dire need draws nigh, it may find you not unnerved and untrained to stand the test.” I doubt he was thinking about indoor cycling but his thought applies to it very well! With the temperature averaging somewhere between -5 to 20F the stationary bike and I are becoming one. Today I joined the Sanford Wellness center cycling group for 2.5 hours of intervals. I actually participated in two classes separated by 15 minutes (time to grab some calories). Doing these classes is hard if you actually follow the instructors commands – though I doubt most of the class does. My heart rate and perceived effort are through the roof for most of the hard efforts. These efforts are experiences I “would rather not do” as James says, but I do not want to be found “unnerved or untrained” come next June 9-21. So we do the work to the best of our abilities preparing for our “hour of dire need”, whether that be a race, a medical condition, a family or work situation that challenges us.  Nike may say “just do it”. I say “be ready”.

After enjoying a mild fall through all of November, which allowed me to ride outside consistently, the weather took a big turn on Dec. 1. The high temperatures has been in the mid 20’s all week. I don’t care what you say – riding outside in 20-25 degrees with 10-20mph wind is not an option! So into the basement I go. Most days are 1 to 2 hours on the stationary bike and/or rollers. Jason Harms a fellow biker from Brookings, SD who completed the GutCheck (414 mile) race this year, has loaned me his Krietler rollers to help me train through the winter.

I’ve ridden American Classic rollers for years. The AC have smaller drums that add resistance. The Krietler rollers have larger drums but a fan unit that is powered by the rider adds resistance and cools you off. So between the stationary bike and rollers I keep my heart rate somewhere between 110-140 for 1 to 2 hours. I also lead “spinning” classes for 1 hour 3 nights per week. Everybody keeps asking me how I’m going to train through the winter and really I’ll do what I’ve always done but add a little more this year. I really just want to “maintain” my fitness, keep my weight down and be ready to roll come March. March through May will be as June through August usually is for me. In those 3 months I log a lot of long rides(weekly 100 milers). In 2010 I need to move everything up 3 months. So how is your winter training going? Don’t let cold weather keep you from training.