Weekend Reading: The Top 5 Articles You Should Read Now

One of my struggles at this time of year is finding blog topics that address the challenges and questions that athletes have right now. In the summer athletes are pursuing goals and improving their fitness and performance. In a few weeks we’ll all be thinking about indoor training and the Holiday Season. And in January we’ll all be ramping up for another great season. But for these few weeks at the end of October and beginning of November, there isn’t as much of a common thread binding endurance athletes together. Some of you are racing cyclocross, others are reflecting on the recent end of a competitive season, and some are focusing their training on skills and base building.

This week I’ve decided to curate some articles from a variety of CTS Coaches. As you read through the list below, I’m confident you’ll find at least one that strikes a chord for you, your goals, and your interests in endurance training and nutrition. I’m especially impressed by Adam Pulford’s report on Pua Mata’s power files from last month’s La Ruta de los Conquistadores race.

• Power Analysis and Race Report for 2013 La Ruta Champion Pua Mata:  by CTS Coach Adam Pulford. Adam is on of the leading coaches when it comes to optimizing mountain bike performance using power meters. He was in Costa Rica to support our team of CTS Athletes at La Ruta, and now has this extensive report on Pua’s power numbers.
• Power Burst Workout: The Speed You Need for a Great Swim: by CTS Coaches Colin Izzard and Jim Rutberg. There are times during any triathlete’s swim when a burst of speed is needed. This workout makes sure you have it when you need it.
• Working Through Post-Competition Blues: by CTS Coach Jim Rutberg. Originally written to apply to Ironman triathletes, this article is equally pertinent to all endurance athletes. There’s an emotional let-down after you finally reach your goal event. When you deal with it head-on, you get back on track quickly.
• Cyclocross Training: Mastering the Fundamentals of Dismounts/Remounts, by CTS Coach Daniel Matheny. Daniel did a great job working with me on this instructional article on the fundamental skill of dismounting and remounting the bike during a cyclocross race. There’s a lot more to ‘cross than just this, but for beginners it’s really the first thing you need to master.
• Gut Check: Techniques to Keep Your Gut From Ending Your Race Early: by CTS Premier Coach Jason Koop. A veteran of more than a dozen 100-mile ultramarathons and coach to rising star Dakota Jones, Jason is an expert when it comes to preparing athletes for – and supporting athletes through – long events.

I also want to let you know about some CTS Offers and upcoming CTS Events:

• Winter T.H.A.W Coaching Offer: Train Hard and Win this winter with 3months of coaching, a Kinetic Road Machine 2.0 trainer, and Climbing Series DVD 3pack for $759.
• 2014 Amgen Tour of California Race Experience: The race route was announced last week (http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com) and we’re taking reservations for this ultimate cycling fantasy camp right now!
• 2014 USA Pro Challenge Race Experience: The race route was announced last week (http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com) and the route looks great! Reserve your spot for this Bucket List event while you can!
• CTS Triathlon School: Now taking reservations for Tri School! Come when you want, stay as long as you want. Lodging, chef-prepared meals, and dawn-to-dusk training with CTS Coaches!
• Spring Training Camps: It’s not too early to reserve your spot at a CTS Spring Training Camp in Santa Ynez, Tucson, or Brevard!

Have a Great Weekend,
Chris Carmichael
CEO/Head Coach
Carmichael Training Systems