Friday, October 24, 2008

VO2 Testing Photo...its not pretty!


Testing, Ego's and Belief

Today was day two of testing week.
On Wednesday I did a V02 max test in Calgary which was pretty interesting. I'm definetly fitter and stronger then I was in May, and thats really the key thing about testing! However, I will say that I was pretty nervous because really its you against a treadmill and most of the time, regardless of your physiology, if you can muster up enough courage you will always find that you can push harder then you thought.

Today was the uphill double pole test. I felt pretty good and because of the dual start I was able to ski with Kate who has a lot higher tempo then me, and that is definetly something I had to work on. There was a pretty annoying head wind which for most of us except for Kate would mean that our pb's would remain at arms reach, but I am trying to not think so much about that, but rather the effort and if I could have done anything differenly to earn some precious seconds back that I lost to two of our ankle biters- my ego took a bit of beating. HOWEVER, I have to say that back in May I was not even close to them and I don't think I EVER predicted in my wildest dreams that I would want to win or be the fastest in a double pole...anything. So even though I am a little bummed that I didn't "win" I know that I have improved so much this summer and I am definetly pumped to get on the startline and to FINALLY have confidence that I can hold my own in double poling!

The other thing I noticed about myself after this test today is that I can go WAY harder then I thought and I also have more in me after that effort, the thing is it didn't come from me being fitter. The difference was that I think I am finally grasping the idea of believing. On Wednesday during the VO2 test I wanted to stop, I didn't think I could bare andother second on the treadmill (I'm sure my caveman like form is proof of this) but I just started repeating to myself "you got this, you so have this" and voila I was able to prove to myself I am strong and I am capable of anything I put my mind to...this of course was coupled with the Kate, Mike and the two lab people screaming at me...however it kind of sounded like they were yelling in slowmotion!

Then today when Mike said we had to do another lap up the hill after what I thought was our last round I had to quickly switch gears and say to myself "I can handle this"...and you know I still could push through a lot of the lacate that had built up in my arms and now that I new what tempo was, the third time up actually felt a lot more in control and stable.

So yeah, its been pretty fun to know that at 28 I am still improving and to gain some confidence back in my speed and power. I am definetly curious to stand on that startline and see where my body will take me!

snow should start flying soon!
b

ABOUT ME:

I love the mountains, the snow and the inspiration and motivation they give me to pursue my athletic and life pursuits!