torsdag den 28. januar 2010
Club La Santa vs. Las Playitas
Olympic Pool:
Club La Santa 1
Great conditions, but generally too crowded.
Las Playitas 2
A lot less crowded, and under water windows for the coach to check your technique, video recording for later view and for you to check the Pro's technique under water.
Cycling - Lanzarote vs. Fuerteventura:
Club La Santa/Lanzarote 2½
In general the roads are very good. There are many good climbs, and it is possible to vary your route a great deal. The traffic is not bad, all though there is more traffic on Lanzarote than on Fuerteventura. There is a lot more life and culture on Lanzarote, which can make a 5 hour ride seem shorter.
Las Playitas/Fuerteventura 1½
Was dissapointed with the roads. Some roads have very rough surfaces, and it feels like riding on cobble stones. The island has all kind of roads and gives you the opportunity to really have specific bike sessions. You can ride specific TT sessions and specific climbing sessions. But the island looks the same all over, and there is not a lot of action, people, cities, life or in general not much to look at while you are riding. There are great views, but have you seen it once, you have seen them all. But the traffic is almost non-existing, and that is a great luxury. There are not many roads, so it can be difficult to very your route each day.
Running conditions:
Club La Santa 1
It is not easy to run different routes each day, all though it is possible. The run around the lagune is decent, but boring long term.
Las Playitas 2
The canary islands are not know as the perfect area to run. But if you enjoy trail running this is a great place. Many different paths to choose from, and the run around the golf course is legend.
Gym:
Club La Santa 1½
Good size gym. Indoor spinning room with good bikes and decent instructors. This is important if the weather and wind has a bad day, which is not rare on the Canary Islands.
Las Playitas ½
There are only spinning bikes outside, and they are at a very poor standard, and is really a joke. New swim orientated gym has just opened.
Apartments:
Club La Santa ½
CLS is newly build, and even though the apartments are at a good standard, they are not a place to spend much time. It is only a few, which has any kind of view or placement that makes them useful for anything else than to sleep in.
Las Playitas 2½
Even though you normally go to a sports resort to train, it is off course also nice to have a good base to relaxe in between training sessions. Las Playitas is new and that really shows. The apartments are at a good standard, and they all have a balcony with either ocean or garden view.
Internet and TV:
Club La Santa 0
No tv in the room and the internet connection is crap. Should be minus points...
Las Playitas 1½
Tv in the room and internet connection, which works the majority of the time... But we are in 2010, and to sit in your room in the evening on the internet relaxing and recovering for next day is a must in a sports resort.
Buffet:
Club La Santa 0
Very un-interesting and boring buffet. The standard quality is low, and it is in general just not good.
Las Playitas 2½
This is probably one of the best buffets, I have ever tried. There is something for everyone, and the quality is at the absolute top.
Other leisure activities:
Club La Santa 2
Activities included in the price. 400 meters athletic course. Football pitch at a poor standard.
Las Playitas ½
The activities are not free. Very beautiful golf course. Not many tennis courts.
Supermarket:
Club La Santa 1
Not a big supermarket, but it has a good baker, which can make or break a crisis... But still difficult to eat food just from there, and the transport to the nearest supermarket is not easy, unless you rent a car.
Las Playitas ½
The staff are very pleasant, but the product range is very little, and it is difficult to cook anything if you just buy the food there. Gran Tarajal is 10 minutes away by bus, and there are some good super markets.
Price:
Club La Santa 0
CLS is too expensive. One week there is a hard blow to the bank account, so two weeks is almost mandatory if you decide to go. But believe that with the other opportunities around for training camps, then CLS has become a bit too pricy.
Las Playitas 2
They will for sure become more expensive as the time goes by, but as a new sports resort, they have started off with some very attractive prices.
Overall score:
Club La Santa 9½
http://www.clublasanta.com/
Las Playitas 15½
http://www.playitas.info/
Even though Las Playitas wins this head-to-head quite clear, there is no doubt that Club La Santa is an amazing sportsresort, which anyone should visit if they get the opportunity.
onsdag den 27. januar 2010
3 days post surgery...
I could take the bandage off today. I have had it on for two days from the tows to the top of my thighs. It was a relief to get it off :-) The legs looked quite good all taken into consideration. This time I won't get any scares from the small cuts, which I appreciate. My legs are auite discoloured, but I hope that my recovery will speed up by the weekend, so I can just do a little bit physically by next week. Running will probably be impossible the next 2-3 weeks, but I will use the ellipse trainer instead, and it should be all right. There is also a snow storm going on right now outside my windows, so nice not to feel guilty by not being out there running ;-) 
mandag den 25. januar 2010
Season 2010 schedule
9/5: Danish Championships in Duathlon***
8/6: Danish Championships in Sprint Triathlon***
4/7: Ironman Germany - European Championships*
8/8: Danish Championships - Long Distance Triathlon**
15/8: Challenge Copenhagen Ironman**
*Top priority. Peak race and main goal.
** Medium priority. Fully preparation as to a top priority race, but is subject to change.
***Low priority. Mainly test of condition and race routines.
The most likely scenario at this stage is that I will not be doing Ironman Hawaii anyway. The main reason is financial, and there is really not much else to say about it. I still hope to get the financial issue solved, but I have decided to drop it mentally and focus on the other races. I will for sure be doing Hawaii in a few years, but this years edition will probably not have me on the start list.
I will probably be doing a few other smaller races, which I will add at a later stage. I might drop the Danish Championships in Sprint Triathlon, and do the 70.3 Wasserstadt Triathlon in Hannover instead, but I haven't decided yet.
I have nothing planned at this stage post Challenge Copenhagen. There are probably three different scenarios:
1) I will do IM Hawaii after all.
2) I will do TriStar222 Sardinia.
3) The season is over.
8/6: Danish Championships in Sprint Triathlon***
4/7: Ironman Germany - European Championships*
8/8: Danish Championships - Long Distance Triathlon**
15/8: Challenge Copenhagen Ironman**
*Top priority. Peak race and main goal.
** Medium priority. Fully preparation as to a top priority race, but is subject to change.
***Low priority. Mainly test of condition and race routines.
The most likely scenario at this stage is that I will not be doing Ironman Hawaii anyway. The main reason is financial, and there is really not much else to say about it. I still hope to get the financial issue solved, but I have decided to drop it mentally and focus on the other races. I will for sure be doing Hawaii in a few years, but this years edition will probably not have me on the start list.
I will probably be doing a few other smaller races, which I will add at a later stage. I might drop the Danish Championships in Sprint Triathlon, and do the 70.3 Wasserstadt Triathlon in Hannover instead, but I haven't decided yet.
I have nothing planned at this stage post Challenge Copenhagen. There are probably three different scenarios:
1) I will do IM Hawaii after all.
2) I will do TriStar222 Sardinia.
3) The season is over.
Varicose veins removed in both legs...
Had surgery today. Have had a real "old man's problem" the last couple of years. I have had varicose veins in both legs, which has caused my legs to swollen up a great deal, and has made compression socks almost mandatory two thirds of the day. This is the second time I have had this surgery. The first time was in March, but that was only the left leg. My left knee has been giving me problems for about 15 months, and the pain has been on and off, but mostly on. I have obviously been able to train, and have done two IM's, but just not ideal to have an annoyed left knee. I have also been spending a few more bucks than planned on injury treatment, which I hope I can avoid in the future, so I can spend that cash on proper recovery treatment. But the verdict will still be out on my left knee for some months, whether or not this surgery will have helped or not. Have been checked by four different kind of experts, and the call is 50/50 to whether or not the problem is varicose veins, or something else internally in the knee. But I personally believe that my left knee problems are history from today, and I am looking forward to train without problems. And I am looking forward to not having swollen legs. Happy days ahead :-)
As a starting point I won't be able to train for two weeks, but I hope to be able to do some gym sessions and maybe some short bike or ellipse sessions before that, but we'll see. I have had some decent weeks leading up to this break, and maybe my body will do some good in having some days on the couch. My average training load in the new year has been 16½ hours per week, and I have had very good swim and run sessions. The sensations from the legs has been from absolutely crap to absolutely great. But believe I am in quite good condition, and my condition and swim and run level are at a higher level than leading up to IM Nice and Ostseeman. And I am stronger due to a heavier swim load and regularly core training. Not bad with 6½ months to IM Germany :-)
As a starting point I won't be able to train for two weeks, but I hope to be able to do some gym sessions and maybe some short bike or ellipse sessions before that, but we'll see. I have had some decent weeks leading up to this break, and maybe my body will do some good in having some days on the couch. My average training load in the new year has been 16½ hours per week, and I have had very good swim and run sessions. The sensations from the legs has been from absolutely crap to absolutely great. But believe I am in quite good condition, and my condition and swim and run level are at a higher level than leading up to IM Nice and Ostseeman. And I am stronger due to a heavier swim load and regularly core training. Not bad with 6½ months to IM Germany :-)
tirsdag den 19. januar 2010
Top 15 races to do before I die…
Triathlon220 had a Top 20 list this summer of races to do before you die… That is very individual list and is subject to a great deal of individual interpretation. Your geographically position and your nationality probably has a lot to say. If you are from US, you will have a very different list from mine. But it is certainly an interesting list none the less, and one that require a good discussion. I don’t have any plans on doing all 20 races on their list, nor or my own individual list, but I do have some races, that I would really LIKE to do, but it is not a success criteria in itself to do them. I want to do every race best possible if I am on the startlist.
1-2. Racing in New Zealand:
One of them is for sure to travel to New Zealand and do either Ironman New Zealand or Challenge Wanaka, which were raced this weekend. I have never heard a negative thing said about NZ, and the landscapes are scenic, and to race there has to end up being an absolutely fantastic experience.
http://www.challenge-wanaka.com/
http://www.ironman.co.nz/
1-2. Ironman Hawaii – World Championships:
This is where it all started. It is the World Championships on my distance. Every participant is fully prepared and in top condition. Only the best are there. That includes me at some point
http://ironman.com/worldchampionship
3-5. Ironman France – This is personal…:
Done! Check! Delete! Been there! But I have to go again! I did not have a good day, and have unsettled business with Nice. I’ll be back. But this is definitely a race to do before you die.
http://www.ironmanfrance.com/
3-5. Challenge Copenhagen – must do race for a Dane:
Any triathlon race that past by my doorstep is obviously mandatory to go on this list. It will probably be the race, which I will be most prepared for, as I will have the luxury to be able to train on the route almost all year long, and not just the last few days leading up to the race. A mate of mine told me the other day that he thought the bike course was tougher than the profile as the wind is never from behind, but either comes from the front or from the west. But the tougher the bike course is, the better it suits me. The run is in Copenhagen downtown, which definitely does not make it less existing, all though that part really can’t get me going. But an Ironman in Denmark definitely can, and the only question is really, how soon I should give this race some serious violence… ;-) We’ll see.
http://www.challengecopenhagen.com/
3-5. Ironman Germany – European Championships:
This is my main goal for 2010, and I am so much looking forward to experience the atmosphere that always surrounds the races in Germany. And this is the biggest race in Germany, and I am really looking forward to it. It is also the European Championships, which may not be a prestigious title, but it doesn’t make the race less intriguing. The race also attracts some of top triathletes from around the world, and that just adds more hype and excitement to the race and makes it more memorable.
http://www.ironman.de/
6-8. Challenge Roth – Racing in Germany:
There is a great love and passion for triathlon in Germany. The races are extremely well organized. It doesn’t get any better. Challenge Roth attracts some of the best triathletes in the World. There is a solid foundation for some fast splits. There are great traditions in Roth. Roth is a race I would really like to have a crack at.
http://www.challenge-roth.de/de/index.php
6-8. Alpe d’Huez Triathlon – All that history:
Alpe d’Huez is not known for triathlon. But as huge cycling fan, then the opportunity to race it in a triathlon race must not be missed. The surroundings are beautiful and motivating and it will for sure be a day to remember. You swim in a sea 700 meters above sea level, you have to climb two other mountain passes besides the final one up to Alpe d’Huez, and you finish it off with a half marathon in an altitude of almost 2000 meters. I love triathlon.
http://www.alpetriathlon.com/v5/index-site.html
6-8. TriStar Sardinia222 – Spectacular race in Italy:
I love Italy. I consider myself to be half Italian… Ok, maybe not. But I love the culture, the food and the people. I love the variety of the country. There are mountains, ocean, beautiful countryside’s, completely flat areas as well as rolling hills as long as the eye can see. The Ironman race on Elba, which is raced in the start of October, could have gone on the list, if it hadn’t been for the new race in Sardinia, which has just been published. I don’t think that a long distance triathlete should just do Ironman distance races. I believe that physically as well as mentally Ironman races takes the toll out of you, so two shots at an Ironman per year as a starting point is the maximum for me, as I also want to do this sport in many years to come. So new distances and combinations of the three disciplines is very much welcomed to me and the TriStar organizations new races are a great initiative and has all the conditions to become epic! And to do a long distance race in Italy, is a dream for me, and the distance suits me perfectly. Only 2 km. swim, then a hard 200 km. bike and then a fast 20 km. run. Did they have me in mind, when they planned it…
http://star-events.cc/site/index.php/en/trstsdnews
9-12. TriStar111 Monaco – One of my favorite places:
TriStar has replaced WTC as organizers of this epic event, which will see some changes. I was in Nice in March and rode a bit of the route, and it was certainly days to remember. The hinterland behind Monte Carlo is fantastic to ride in, and you really need to focus on the road and not the scenery. The final run is on the Formula 1 route. Wow! This year, with TriStar entering, the route will change, so it will be 1 km. swim, 100 km. bike and a final 10 km. run. I want to do that race!
http://www.220triathlon.com/news/tristar111-monaco-replaces-ironman
http://star-events.cc/site/index.php/en/trstmcnews
9-12. Embrunman – Worlds toughest Ironman…:
There are many different views on which race deserve the title as the toughest IM. Silverman in Nevada in the US could also be a candidate. I believe that the race conditions on race day in each edition decide which race is the toughest. Add some rain, wind etc. to a race like Embrunman, and you may have the answer. We saw that in 2008. I love the Alps. I love the mountains. I love to climb on my bike. Embrunman offers that, so easy choice.
http://www.embrunman.com/
9-12. NORSEMAN - World’s toughest Ironman…:
The picture of me being thrown off a ferry at the crack of dawn doesn’t seem to have the conditions to end up being a picture to save… That must be one cold experience. But that is Norseman for you. The final 17,2 km. of the run will send you up a climb to 1,850 meters…
http://www.nxtri.com/
9-12. Ironman Austria – Klagenfurt has it all:
This is one of those races, where the route and country in itself, doesn’t have enough value to go on my list. But there is so much history, traditions, prestigious, and great athletes that compete, which makes this race unique. Austria is a beautiful country, and it is not as expensive as it neighbors in Zürich… So it will be able to have a few days off after the race, and not go bankruptcy… I have heard the atmosphere is amazing, and the bike route is quite fast, and this could be a race, that I would do in a very few years.
http://www.ironmanaustria.com/
13-15. Abu Dhabi Triathlon – My kind of bike course:
In March 2010 the first edition will take place. The route consists of 3 km. swim, 200 km. bike and 20 km. run. I say again… 200 km. bike! Give it some violence! This is my race. It would both be a great race to do, and an interesting and fascinating country to visit, which is very different from Denmark. The prize money is good, so perhaps a good performance can cover the expenses…
http://www.abudhabitriathlon.com/
13-15. Ironman UK – There is something special about racing in the UK:
I have a well hidden all though innocent love for the Great Britain… The love for triathlon on the island just grows and grows these years… It seems like it is developing into the new Germany… It is raced in the Bolton area near Manchester, so it doesn’t get any better… The UK has several other fascinating races, but for a long distance triathlete, this is the one, I have to do. All though the Olympic Distance race in Hyde Park, London, is close to go on this list…
http://www.ironmanuk.com/
13-15. Racing alongside Lance…:
One of must returning topics in my triathlon discussions is the return of Lance Armstrong. How cool is that going to be! If he stops his pro cycling career after the Tour de France this year, he will be at Hawaii in 2011. But he will need to do a qualification race prior to that. I think he will do the Tour de France in 2011 as well, so 2012 should be the year where Lance returns, and that is going to create some great exposure and hype. And it would be a dream to race in the same race as him. And especially if it could be his first race back… Wow.
1-2. Racing in New Zealand:
One of them is for sure to travel to New Zealand and do either Ironman New Zealand or Challenge Wanaka, which were raced this weekend. I have never heard a negative thing said about NZ, and the landscapes are scenic, and to race there has to end up being an absolutely fantastic experience.
http://www.challenge-wanaka.com/
http://www.ironman.co.nz/
1-2. Ironman Hawaii – World Championships:
This is where it all started. It is the World Championships on my distance. Every participant is fully prepared and in top condition. Only the best are there. That includes me at some point
http://ironman.com/worldchampionship
3-5. Ironman France – This is personal…:
Done! Check! Delete! Been there! But I have to go again! I did not have a good day, and have unsettled business with Nice. I’ll be back. But this is definitely a race to do before you die.
http://www.ironmanfrance.com/
3-5. Challenge Copenhagen – must do race for a Dane:
Any triathlon race that past by my doorstep is obviously mandatory to go on this list. It will probably be the race, which I will be most prepared for, as I will have the luxury to be able to train on the route almost all year long, and not just the last few days leading up to the race. A mate of mine told me the other day that he thought the bike course was tougher than the profile as the wind is never from behind, but either comes from the front or from the west. But the tougher the bike course is, the better it suits me. The run is in Copenhagen downtown, which definitely does not make it less existing, all though that part really can’t get me going. But an Ironman in Denmark definitely can, and the only question is really, how soon I should give this race some serious violence… ;-) We’ll see.
http://www.challengecopenhagen.com/
3-5. Ironman Germany – European Championships:
This is my main goal for 2010, and I am so much looking forward to experience the atmosphere that always surrounds the races in Germany. And this is the biggest race in Germany, and I am really looking forward to it. It is also the European Championships, which may not be a prestigious title, but it doesn’t make the race less intriguing. The race also attracts some of top triathletes from around the world, and that just adds more hype and excitement to the race and makes it more memorable.
http://www.ironman.de/
6-8. Challenge Roth – Racing in Germany:
There is a great love and passion for triathlon in Germany. The races are extremely well organized. It doesn’t get any better. Challenge Roth attracts some of the best triathletes in the World. There is a solid foundation for some fast splits. There are great traditions in Roth. Roth is a race I would really like to have a crack at.
http://www.challenge-roth.de/de/index.php
6-8. Alpe d’Huez Triathlon – All that history:
Alpe d’Huez is not known for triathlon. But as huge cycling fan, then the opportunity to race it in a triathlon race must not be missed. The surroundings are beautiful and motivating and it will for sure be a day to remember. You swim in a sea 700 meters above sea level, you have to climb two other mountain passes besides the final one up to Alpe d’Huez, and you finish it off with a half marathon in an altitude of almost 2000 meters. I love triathlon.
http://www.alpetriathlon.com/v5/index-site.html
6-8. TriStar Sardinia222 – Spectacular race in Italy:
I love Italy. I consider myself to be half Italian… Ok, maybe not. But I love the culture, the food and the people. I love the variety of the country. There are mountains, ocean, beautiful countryside’s, completely flat areas as well as rolling hills as long as the eye can see. The Ironman race on Elba, which is raced in the start of October, could have gone on the list, if it hadn’t been for the new race in Sardinia, which has just been published. I don’t think that a long distance triathlete should just do Ironman distance races. I believe that physically as well as mentally Ironman races takes the toll out of you, so two shots at an Ironman per year as a starting point is the maximum for me, as I also want to do this sport in many years to come. So new distances and combinations of the three disciplines is very much welcomed to me and the TriStar organizations new races are a great initiative and has all the conditions to become epic! And to do a long distance race in Italy, is a dream for me, and the distance suits me perfectly. Only 2 km. swim, then a hard 200 km. bike and then a fast 20 km. run. Did they have me in mind, when they planned it…
http://star-events.cc/site/index.php/en/trstsdnews
9-12. TriStar111 Monaco – One of my favorite places:
TriStar has replaced WTC as organizers of this epic event, which will see some changes. I was in Nice in March and rode a bit of the route, and it was certainly days to remember. The hinterland behind Monte Carlo is fantastic to ride in, and you really need to focus on the road and not the scenery. The final run is on the Formula 1 route. Wow! This year, with TriStar entering, the route will change, so it will be 1 km. swim, 100 km. bike and a final 10 km. run. I want to do that race!
http://www.220triathlon.com/news/tristar111-monaco-replaces-ironman
http://star-events.cc/site/index.php/en/trstmcnews
9-12. Embrunman – Worlds toughest Ironman…:
There are many different views on which race deserve the title as the toughest IM. Silverman in Nevada in the US could also be a candidate. I believe that the race conditions on race day in each edition decide which race is the toughest. Add some rain, wind etc. to a race like Embrunman, and you may have the answer. We saw that in 2008. I love the Alps. I love the mountains. I love to climb on my bike. Embrunman offers that, so easy choice.
http://www.embrunman.com/
9-12. NORSEMAN - World’s toughest Ironman…:
The picture of me being thrown off a ferry at the crack of dawn doesn’t seem to have the conditions to end up being a picture to save… That must be one cold experience. But that is Norseman for you. The final 17,2 km. of the run will send you up a climb to 1,850 meters…
http://www.nxtri.com/
9-12. Ironman Austria – Klagenfurt has it all:
This is one of those races, where the route and country in itself, doesn’t have enough value to go on my list. But there is so much history, traditions, prestigious, and great athletes that compete, which makes this race unique. Austria is a beautiful country, and it is not as expensive as it neighbors in Zürich… So it will be able to have a few days off after the race, and not go bankruptcy… I have heard the atmosphere is amazing, and the bike route is quite fast, and this could be a race, that I would do in a very few years.
http://www.ironmanaustria.com/
13-15. Abu Dhabi Triathlon – My kind of bike course:
In March 2010 the first edition will take place. The route consists of 3 km. swim, 200 km. bike and 20 km. run. I say again… 200 km. bike! Give it some violence! This is my race. It would both be a great race to do, and an interesting and fascinating country to visit, which is very different from Denmark. The prize money is good, so perhaps a good performance can cover the expenses…
http://www.abudhabitriathlon.com/
13-15. Ironman UK – There is something special about racing in the UK:
I have a well hidden all though innocent love for the Great Britain… The love for triathlon on the island just grows and grows these years… It seems like it is developing into the new Germany… It is raced in the Bolton area near Manchester, so it doesn’t get any better… The UK has several other fascinating races, but for a long distance triathlete, this is the one, I have to do. All though the Olympic Distance race in Hyde Park, London, is close to go on this list…
http://www.ironmanuk.com/
13-15. Racing alongside Lance…:
One of must returning topics in my triathlon discussions is the return of Lance Armstrong. How cool is that going to be! If he stops his pro cycling career after the Tour de France this year, he will be at Hawaii in 2011. But he will need to do a qualification race prior to that. I think he will do the Tour de France in 2011 as well, so 2012 should be the year where Lance returns, and that is going to create some great exposure and hype. And it would be a dream to race in the same race as him. And especially if it could be his first race back… Wow.
mandag den 11. januar 2010
Any changes to my 2010 gear…
I don’t have any changes planned about my gear for this season and in particular my TT bike. I will probably continue to ride my special edition Cervelo P3 with the Olympic Rings. I hope to get the opportunity to change my 3T Ventus LTD aerobar. It is one of must aerodynamic aerobar on the market, but I am having difficulties controlling it in the turns. The handlebars are too small for me, and I can’t really get my hands around them and by that a firm grip, so I feel that I don’t have enough control of the bike in the turns, so I end up breaking too much going into the turn, and getting out the turn in too slow of a speed. The main problem is that my technical skills are non-existing, but I believe, that if I can ride with an aerobar, where the handlebars are positioned further ahead, and with a larger grip for my hands, that will make it easier for me to control it thru the turns.
And I would really like a disc wheel! I think that I have real disadvantage to my main competitors, and this is my main priority to get changed. I really hope that I will be able to get myself a tubular disc wheel, and a new front wheel, with a profile like my current Zipp 404, but the new one also needs to be a tubular wheel.
In regards to swimming and running gear, then I will continue to use my Blue Seventy Helix wetsuit, all though it has almost as many scratches and small holes as I have shoes… My running shoes is another science, and I may try some different brands and models during the spring to find the best suitable pair for me to run my fastest ever finishing Ironman Marathon run. Go on my son… Give it some violence...
And I would really like a disc wheel! I think that I have real disadvantage to my main competitors, and this is my main priority to get changed. I really hope that I will be able to get myself a tubular disc wheel, and a new front wheel, with a profile like my current Zipp 404, but the new one also needs to be a tubular wheel.
In regards to swimming and running gear, then I will continue to use my Blue Seventy Helix wetsuit, all though it has almost as many scratches and small holes as I have shoes… My running shoes is another science, and I may try some different brands and models during the spring to find the best suitable pair for me to run my fastest ever finishing Ironman Marathon run. Go on my son… Give it some violence...
New sponsor for Team Saxo Bank...
Just read on http://www.velogessien.com/, that Sportful supposedly is going to replace Craft as Team Saxo Bank’s clothes sponsor. It should have been published on Saturday, but maybe Saxo Bank’s withdrawal as head sponsor by the end of 2010, delayed this press statement… It is interesting to see whether this is true, and what their comments and arguments to the change are… Craft has done quite a lot to get into the cycling clothes market, and their sponsorship of Team Saxo Bank has done a great deal for them and has certainly increased the awareness of Craft in Europe.
It will certainly also be interesting to follow Riis Cycling’s hard work to try and find a new head name sponsor for 2011 and the years to come. Some of the so-called experts say it will be almost impossible for them to find a new sponsor to replace Saxo Bank. I have no doubt that they will find a decent replacement. And a replacement who is willing to pay the amount necessary for the team to keep their Pro Tour license. But they may need to let some of the top guns go. Especially if the sponsor is not in place prior to the Tour de France. But as long as they can keep the Schleck Brothers, then it does not look that bad. Then they can build the team completely around the brothers and have smaller riders including plenty of Danish riders around them. And they can let the smaller profiled riders and the young talents ride the tough spring classics and have the main focus on the Tour de France. Some interesting numbers were also released last week… Apparently a Danish tv viewer watches three times more Tour de France than the best Danish football league. And bear in mind that the Tour de France is only in the tele three weeks in July, where many people are on vacation. The best Danish football league is on for approx. eight months, and all matches are broadcasted…
I believe that they mainly need to look to the southern Europe to find the new sponsor. There is probably just a handful of potential sponsors in Denmark at the moment, that have the funds and the reasons to become name sponsor. It could be companies like Lego or Carlsberg, but the Tour de France association does not allow sponsors, who sell beer like Carlsberg. But Carlsberg has other products, so maybe they are an option, as they have dropped their sponsorship of Liverpool Football Club. But none the less it will be interesting to follow this in 2010 as a cycling enthusiast.
On Sunday Rasmus Henning also came officially clean about which bike he will ride in 2010, instead of Boardman Bikes, in a Danish TV show… He and Specialized has decided to make a deal… Damn, I am jealous… ;-)
fredag den 8. januar 2010
Mediocre start to the new year…
My motivation wasn’t on the top in the first week of 2010, but it is coming back slowly. Motivation at this time of the year also has to come from within. And when I look outside I do not get more motivated! Freezing temperatures, slippery roads and snow… Come on… Not my cup of tea. Had planned a short tempo run today, but it felt like -15 degrees. This weekend they say it will feel like -20 degrees... Also went to the beach today with the family dog… That must go into my personal history as the coldest experience in my life…I hope and I plan to get close to 18 hours of effective training in the book this week, so it is not the worst possible start to the year. When my motivation isn’t fantastic, then I am disciplined enough to always get in close to 1½ hours of training, and I should get out of the first week with a good feeling.
My swimming has been going decently. I will end up swimming 4-5 hours this week, which is around four times more, than at the same time last year... My technique has not been great, but I am working hard on it, and I am definitely improving. My head is still moving too much, but it is not easy to change such an important part of your body. I also have the problem, that I can’t use my snorkel everywhere, as the swimming pools lifeguards doesn’t allow it for some reason. And the snorkel is the best training tool to keep your head steady and heading forward. But I should be able in the future to get in a pool at least once a week, where I can use my snorkel.
I am not riding outside on the road at all this time a year. And to be honest then it is to me a waste of time. I will rather do 1-2 hours hard inside, than the same hours outside freezing my ash off, which will keep my body cold the rest of the year... I sincerely take my hat off to the athletes, who ride outside this time of year, but that will never be me. To me that is not quality training. But that is one of the reasons why triathlon is so fascinating – there is not one way to do it – there is not one specific recipe – there are endless ways of training methods and paths to choose to get yourself in the most optimum condition and to continuously keep you motivated – and which by the end hopefully will make you peak at your top priority race.
I do have some MTB sessions plan for next week, and that should be a good change to the indoor sessions. But it will depend on the weather. I was in the forest yesterday doing some post bike running with poles. That was bloody hard and the surface is difficult to run on at the moment. The ground has completely turned into ice, and then there is snow on top of that, which makes it hard to use the poles to get a grip in the surface. But without the poles it would probably be almost impossible. I will do 45 minutes indoor tomorrow on the ellipse trainer and am hoping for some more running with poles on Sunday, which will be top priority.
I am almost done deciding on my 2010 season schedule. It will probably include one massive change to what I initially had planned. My main target will for sure still be Ironman Germany. But I may change the rest of the schedule, but I want to be absolutely sure. It is also important for my training, my motivation and my race visualizing, that I have a pretty good idea, which races I will do. So by the end of the month I will have made a final decision.
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