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The 2011 TYLER HAMILTON TRAINING kits are now in stock, and they look great!! Our kits are manufactured by Verge Sport and the sizing is "Race Fit". Please call or email Assistant Coach Jim Capra to order yours now. Jim@tylerhamiltontraining.com 720-334-4984
Last month, I watched the Giro d’Italia with THT’s program director, KK. She was asking me a MILLION questions about the race. While answering her questions, I mentioned to her that I had ridden the race in 2002 and had placed 2nd overall behind Italian Paolo Savodelli. “Why didn’t you win?” she asked. So I explained…
Evans leads Tyler (CSC) on the last climb of the day.
I started stage #17, the last mountain stage of the 2002 Giro d’Italia in 3rd place overall. I was 18 seconds behind race leader, Cadel Evans, and 30 seconds ahead of Paolo Savodelli. This was a tough 222km stage that ended with a 20km finishing climb up the Passo Folgaria. We had been in the saddle for over 7 hours and with 6km to go, I realized that Evans was suffering real bad. At that point, I was feeling great and since many of the favorites, including Dario Frigo (who was in 2nd place overall) had been dropped, I knew that this was my opportunity to win the Giro. I accelerated and immediately dropped the race leader. From there, all I had to do was maintain my rhythm and I would ride myself into the lead by the finish line. However, within one or two kilometers, I went from feeling super to feeling like I had no ‘gas left in the tank’. Basically, I had run out of sugar and ‘hit the wall’ from not eating enough throughout the day. Unfortunately, Paolo Savodelli came flying by me like a freight train and there was nothing I could do except watch him ride away and into the Giro’s pink leader’s jersey. I lost 2 minutes to Savoldelli in those final 5 kilometers and lost the Giro d’Italia. I was devastated.
Here’s what I learned…
Remember that fueling your body is a pivotal part of your race strategy. I was so focused and excited on that final climb that I forgot to continue with fueling my body. No matter how good you feel or whatever the situation, you need to be disciplined enough to continuously give your body the calories it needs. From that day on, I have always made it a priority to be aware of the amount of calories that I need to consume. Make sure you stay acutely aware of your calorie intake and to stay ABOVE that threshold.
Maintaining your blood sugar by an adequate caloric intake is an important tool in your race day arsenal. Make sure that you don’t forget!
Happy 4th of July! I hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend.
Take care,
-Ty
My ski tour at Torrey's Peak, 14,000 ft
Thinking about the beautiful ride I’ll be leading up Independence Pass this weekend during the Outside In Aspen event got me thinking about cycling at altitude.
It’s important to take into account the physiological toll an increase in elevation takes on everyone’s body. I was quickly reminded of the grueling impact of pushing myself at elevation on Memorial Day. A full day of ski touring at 12,000 to 14,000 feet took its toll as I dragged myself up Torrey’s Peak. Believe me, intense exertion at high altitudes is tough on even the most seasoned athletes.
To be clear, when I use the term ‘cycling at altitude’ I’m not referring to a predetermined height above sea level. I’m simply talking about working out at an elevation your body is unaccustomed to.
For example, I’ve been back in Boulder for the last several months living at 5,400 feet above sea level and I feel well acclimated to the altitude. However, for the athletes arriving from lower altitudes and heading out for a training ride here, it can be PUNISHING. That being said, most of the ill effects experienced at altitude can be significantly reduced with some simple preparation.
Under ideal circumstances the best way at acclimate is by spending time training at the increased altitude in preparation for your event. So, if at all possible, arriving a few weeks early will give your body time to naturally adjust.
However, when you find yourself in a situation that calls for you to race or train at an elevation you’re unaccustomed to I have a few recommendations.
Most importantly, HRYDRATE! I can’t over emphasize the importance of adequate fluid intake. Consume a minimum of ten 8 ounce glasses of water per day in addition to the fluids you consume while on your bike.
Be sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables; and to cut back (or eliminate) both caffeine and alcohol.
Also, never underestimate the importance of getting plenty of rest while you’re not on your bike. What you do in your down time can be just as important as what you do when riding.
The next time you find yourself in the ‘high country’ be smart, enjoy the beauty and have some fun.
and…if you’re in the neighborhood, let’s get out for a ride.
-Ty
Week of May 31 – June 6, 2010
Last week was a big week at Tyler Hamilton Training. We decided it’d be cool to share some of Tyler’s client’s successes regularly with you here on the THT blog, Tyler Tunes. A brag list if you will.
Steve Klein, Team Transplant
To start off we’d like to mention Steve Klein. Steve is an organ transplant recipient who has been training with Tyler for just 3 months. Steve out-did himself this week by accomplishing his goal of completing a 100-mile charity ride. He rode with the charity team Team Transplant, which raises funds and awareness for the Transplant Foundation. Congratulations Steve!
On Saturday Kyleanne Hunter placed 1st in a 5K run. Kyleanne is an active duty Marine now serving in Washington DC after 7 years of back-to-back deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Chris Baldwin is a professional cyclist riding for the United Healthcare Pro Cycling Team. This week Chris had an outstanding race at the Mount Hood Stage race in Oregon when he helped his teammate, Marc De Maar win 1st overall.
Sweet pic of Chris Hong (white helmet) working hard. Go Chris!
Jon Edgington had a breakthrough race at the Norfolk Classic Road Race in Nebraska on Saturday June 6th where he came in 4th.
Our sick (as in awesome) client Jim Capra had a great race at the Rist Canyon Hill Climb Race this weekend in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Chris Hong a full time student at Harvard, got 8th place this Saturday during the Mount Hood Stage Race on a mountain top finish (basically the hardest stage). We’re so proud but not a bit surprised as Chris is a huge talent.
Also, we have to mention a few weeks ago on May 22nd Tyler Hamilton Training client Keith Hartstein won 1st place in the Sunapee Road Race in New Hampshire. Also, he dusted the competition…what?
This weekend, June 11-13, Tyler will be at the first ever Outside in Aspen event sponsored by Outside magazine. Registration is still open, and the weekend includes sports of all kinds, rides with Tyler and an amazing list of accomplished athletes who will also be in attendance including Chris Davenport, Jake Norton, and Jesse Coombs.
More next week! Thank you to all of THT’s awe-inspiring clients. Keep up the hard work. Don’t forget to check out THT on Facebook and follow Tyler on Twitter.
Have a great week!
// The Tyler Hamilton Training Team
In case you missed it…
Capo, Assistant Coach is the sturdy backbone that keeps THT in motion. He brings a vast knowledge and expertise to the table, our favorite go-to man. Living in Longmont, CO, and a CU Denver graduate. Capo enjoys the great outdoors, spending time with his beautiful wife Laura, sweetheart daughter Emma, and a house full of woofers. With a combination of a love for cycling, many years in the golf business and extensive cycling training- Capo has proven to be more than just a great coach. He is thorough with each individual, helping all clients reach their goals. Most importantly, he is a great guy with a huge heart and we are lucky to have him.
Shellane with her son Dillon and Tyler
Check out this great video of client Shellane Fancher and her family cheering her on at the 2010 Cherry Creek Time Trials in Denver.
VIDEO: http://sharing.theflip.com/
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Tyler Hamilton Training
