Recap: Gail's Run 10K

Having rested my achilles last week, I figured "what the hell" and ran/raced Gail's Run 10K in Pound Ridge, NY (which takes place on the infamous Leatherman's Loop course). This was organized as a charity event in memory of two local athletes and benefitting The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Here are some highlights from what otherwise was a sunny, somewhat temperate day:
- lost right shoe in mud after 1 minute of running...stopped, went back and got shoe (Nick Logan had the same race strategy)
- crossed a 20ft wide river with strong current and waist deep water about 10 min. into the race.
- despite pre-race plans, I slipped immediately after entering the river and totally immersed my gloved hands and arms in the balmy river water.
THERE IS NOTHING I HAVE EVER FELT LIKE THE 30 SECONDS JUST BEFORE AND JUST AFTER EXITING THAT RIVER.
- I wore half tights, thinking I didn't want to run the whole race with wet heavy tights on. Great! Unfortunately, the mile or so of brambles later in the race were much less fun that way.
- there were a couple steep ups and downs, but the most fun was one maybe 100 yd uphill that you could not climb standing...between slipperiness and steepness, you had to do it with knees and hands.
- I lost the trail twice, but "luckily" had someone near me I could spot off of...I almost felt bad kicking away from him late in the race. Fortunately, I had gapped him enough by the last 1/2 mile that I didn't have to get up on my toes, 'cause I couldn't.
- by yesterday night, my left big toe, which was numb and black under the nail after the race, was throbbing nicely. I suspect mild frostbite. Considering that my top shirt literally froze solid after the river incident, I could be right.
- result: fourth overall (83 hearty souls finished). My time as 48:09, which indicates both that the race is a little longer than 10K and the course is "nontrivial". If not for running like a wuss for various reasons after the river, I might have contended for the win, but what the hell.

Notwithstanding all that, it was great fun for a great cause.

Cyclocross Nationals: Justin Lindine 15th!

The best of the best in U.S. cyclocross went to Kansas City this weekend. TARGETraining was fortunate to have Justin Lindine representing there (Eneas did not make the trip and neither did Tyler). Gabe Lloyd also went representing TARGETraining.

Justin finished 15th overall in the race, while Gabe finished 52nd. Ex-TARGETraining team members Todd Wells got 6th (he was national champion last year), Matt Shriver was 7th, and Justin Spinelli was 9th, Nathaniel Ward was 31st.

Congrats Justin on a great season.

P4 Cervélo Day Saturday Dec 20th 2008

Come see, touch and maybe ride a Cervélo P4 at TARGETRAINING Tri&Cycle next Saturday December 20th 2008.

We had to go all the way to Las Vegas.

Fortunately, Cervélo has been kind enough to give us one in stock before Christmas! And Dave, the Northeast representative for Cervélo, is bringing another. So we will have two on hand December 20th. Are these stealth? Yes.

Honestly, I can't wait since the Interbike P4 was a prototype. This will be a working version and yes you can buy one. It is going to be a 56 cm bike.

Can you feel fast? Well, at least you are allowed to see and touch fast Saturday Dec 20th in Westport CT at Tri&Cycle.

Please stop by. Happy Holidays.

SWISS NIGHT - CUCKOO CLOCKS & CHOCOLATE!

NOPE

December 11th is Swiss Night at TT Tri & Cycle. BMC, Assos, chocolate fondue, wine and cheese!

For more details and to RSVP got to the website here: http://targetraining.com/swiss.htm ...YES!

TARGETRAINING gets Schooled in Retül

After braving a blizzard in Denver, Todd Carver from Retül made it to Westport Friday morning to instruct the staff on the inner workings of the system. Todd isn't one of those "tech reps" that spews buzz words and lingo, but he is one of the worlds foremost experts on bike fit and cycling mechanics. His schedule: Last week Christian Vandevelde, this week TARGETRAINING, next week Normann Stadler in the wind tunnel...you get the picture. After a few cups of coffee, we grabbed Matt and got to work.

The Retül system works by tracking LED markers with an infra-red camera system. The markers are positioned on the body at select landmarks that represent a riders profile. In a matter of seconds, the computer records these markers in space while the cyclist is pedaling. Accurate to the mm, the system will detect any deviation in form and fit- upper and lower body, right and left side.

We determined Matt's "optimal position" could be improved upon in seat position. These slight changes can make a significant difference in performance over a race season. A few mm's here and a few there can account for a few extra watts without taxing the system to get them. So whether it is road or aero keep in mind that to get those extra watts, the Devil is in the details!
Thanks again Todd!
Jeff, Matt, Max, Dom, Jake and Tyler
Top Left: Todd Carver sets markers on Matt's shoe.
Above: Max V. places a marker on a landmark
Right: Todd illustrates marker placement in aero position.

Need a fitting? The staff at TARGETRAINING is happy to accommodate you. Give us a call to schedule your appointment 203-227-6177.