The Tri Town Times: 8/10/20

Posted on 9 August 2020
By Antonio Gonzalez
Posted in the tri town times
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Tips on how to find proper balance of intensity to volume; Interesting study on longevity of Olympians vs the average US population; Our options as cyclists when we encounter road rage.

Training Thoughts and Updates:

I'm a big advocate for training volume if you want to reach your athletic potential. Nobody reached their potential on a "4 minute ab" routine. Of course, this does not mean volume at all cost- a proper balance of intensity and volume is key. The first step to increasing your training volume is to focus on your frequency: swim, bike, run regularly before extending any one workout's duration. Once you've proven you can be consistent, build up the workout duration to reflect the demands of your goal event.
A large study of 8000+ US Olympians found they live ~5 years longer than the general US population. Is it the exercise or the general emphasis on healthy living?

Quote that Struck a Chord:

Today's quote was inspired by a road-rage incident I witnessed between a cyclist and driver earlier this week (see below):

"The fundamental cause of trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt." -Bertrand Russell.

A good extension of this thought is the Dunning-Kruger effect.

If You Have a Moment to Spare:

The roads are busy again with traffic. A friend of mine was recently involved in a road rage incident with a driver, and it was a good reminder that as cyclists we cannot control how a driver reacts to us- we can only control our response. Will we chose to escalate the situation, or will we defuse it by letting it go? I have yet to meet an upset driver who was open-minded to hearing the opinions of a screaming cyclist while at a stop light. So why bother?

What is the best defense against road rage? First, follow and understand your local bicycle law. Second, be as visible and as predicable in your movements as possible. I personally use the Garmin Varia to increase my visibility to oncoming traffic, and to make me aware of cars approaching from behind. Finally, be mentally prepared for inconsiderate drivers.

Have a great week!

Antonio Gonzalez

Tri Town

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